We know how close Wild were to trading for Brady Tkachuk
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We know how close Wild were to trading for Brady Tkachuk originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
It's well known that the Minnesota Wild are trying to make a big splash this offseason.
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Apparently, they were in on Brady Tkachuk. But in the end, it was the Florida Panthers who pulled off a blockbuster trade for the Ottawa Senators star instead.
The Wild were in on it, though -- that much seems pretty sure.
The Athletic's Michael Russo reported as much on X shortly after the deal was reported:
"Can confirm (Wild) were on Brady Tkachuk’s list submitted to Ottawa a few weeks ago. Wild made a huge offer, so I think at end of day Brady made decision to go to Florida."
That's a fascinating angle here.
Tkachuk had control with a no-trade clause, so if he didn't want to go somewhere, he didn't have to.
Minnesota wouldn't have necessarily been a bad destination from a competitiveness standpoint. The Wild are a very talented team, and they just reached the second round of the postseason.
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The Wild were always going to have a disadvantage, though -- they don't have Tkachuk's brother on their team.
When the Panthers became an option, it was likely easy for Tkachuk to point the Senators in that direction. His brother, Matthew, plays for Florida.
It's obviously got to be a dream come true for the Tkachuk brothers to play together.
It's just too bad for Minnesota, which likely had a strong case otherwise. They just couldn't outdo the opportunity for the brothers to be united in the NHL.