If Ottawa continues to underachieve, though, the questions will persist. The no-movement clause in Tkachuk’s contract kicks in on July 1, and it’s ultimately on the Senators to build a team that will prove Tkachuk right in committing and reaffirming his loyalty to the franchise.

Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk broke the silence after the recent trade rumors linking him to the New York Rangers.

Not only has Shesterkin broken the MSG Bank, but his eight-year contract comes with a No-Movement Clause. Which means that if he somehow stinks out the joint, we're stuck with this guy 'til the cows come home!

Tkachuk revealed that Senators general manager Steve Staios had personally reassured him there was no validity to the rumors, which the player said "didn't even see" when they popped up following a report by Larry Brooks of the New York Post.

Reached by The Athletic for comment, the Rangers via a spokesperson called Andlauer's comment "an irresponsible accusation."

Getting a bruising forward like Tkachuk would absolutely be a whopper of a deal. But Sens VP of communications Ian Mendes had a very funny response, posting a picture of the synonyms for “whopper,” very much implying that it was an “untruth.”

On top of that, Tkachuk praised his organization for giving him full support over the past few days amid the trade speculation. ”It just speaks to the leadership we have in this

Here's what Senators owner Michael Andlauer had to say regarding his frustrations about the Brady Tkachuk rumors linking him to the Rangers.