All the recent American NHL players who have forced their way out of Canada
NHL teams north of the border may need to start thinking twice before drafting American-born talent.
On Sunday morning, hockey fans across the globe were completely taken aback after learning that Brady Tkachuk, the former captain of the Ottawa Senators, was traded to the Florida Panthers. The 26-year-old wanted out and gave Sens GM Steve Staios a list of teams he would like to join. To no surprise, the Panthers were on that list.
The trade allows Tkachuk to join his brother, Matthew, who forced his way out of Calgary following the 2021-22 season. Matthew’s decision to request a trade out of Calgary came shortly after Johnny Gaudreau chose to depart the Flames organization by signing a deal with the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Vancouver Canucks fans also know the feeling. Knowing they wouldn’t be able to re-sign defenceman Quinn Hughes, the Canucks made a blockbuster deal this past December that sent their captain to the Minnesota Wild.
This doesn’t appear to be the end of high-calibre USA players leaving Canadian teams, either.
There have been rumours circulating that Connor Hellebuyck is ready to move on from the Winnipeg Jets, while Auston Matthews’ future with the Toronto Maple Leafs continues to be speculated on.
You can understand American players wanting to play on home soil, just as many Canadian players relish the opportunity to play in a market north of the border. The difference now is that players have more control over their futures than ever before, forcing many Canadian teams to alter their rosters as a result.
While this isn’t the case for all US hockey players, it’s certainly something all seven Canadian franchises will need to be cognizant of moving forward, especially when it comes to drafting.
- You might also like:
- New Zealand and Egypt FIFA World Cup fans take over streets of Vancouver