The Toronto Maple Leafs and Ottawa Senators rivalry might not be at its peak like it was in previous years, but all it takes is one comment or one questionable play to spark things up again.
With development camp underway in the Nation’s Capital, players in the team's system are getting acclimated to the culture in Ottawa, and what it means to be a Sen
Brady Tkachuk, who the Senators decided to draft instead of handing over their first-round pick to the Avalanche stemming back from the Matt Duchene deal, made his first public appearance while donning the Sens’ red and black colours as development got underway on Tuesday.
One of the many things that these prospects will soon learn about possibly playing in Ottawa is the battle of Ontario. Upon being drafted by the Senators, the younger Tkachuk said he received a text from Auston Matthews saying “Welcome to the division” after he was selected fourth overall.
When asked by TSN’s Brent Wallace about now having to dislike the Maple Leafs, the 18-year-old let it be known that he’s ready to let the hostility between the two Ontarian teams start to manifest.
Considering that Brady is a chip off the block of his old man Keith and older brother Matthew, you can bet that Brady will be mixing it up with Matthews and the Leafs in no time.
It could be another year before Brady even plays in the NHL, as he has to now make a decision on if he wants to sign with the Sens, or go back to Boston University for his sophomore season. NCAA players are restricted from attending NHL training camps unless signed to a NHL contract.
In 40 games with the Terries, Tkachuk recorded 8 goals and 31 points.
For now, he’ll continue to rip it up in camp, and get ready for his draft plus one season, wherever he might play.
