Travis Green finally addresses Brady Tkachuk trade fallout

One of the things that has characterized the entire Brady Tkachuk trade fallout has been the relative lack of discussion of the deal from Ottawa Senators players and management.

While players like Thomas Chabot have addressed the issue, speaking like true gentlemen on the matter, it was time that someone like coach Travis Green made his thoughts known.

During Wednesday’s pre-camp presser, Green made his feelings known. In particular, Green was just as classy as Chabot in referring to the departure of the team’s former captain.

"I think disappointing... anytime a player has to be traded or or moved or doesn't matter who it is, I think as a coach you... you do get disappointed."

Indeed, players, coaches, and most of all, fans, felt disappointed by the way things played out. Green doubled down on his feelings by making it clear that the disappointment was only heightened by the fact that the trade request came from the club’s main leader.

"And when it's your captain and someone you've built a relationship, that would be, you know, probably the first thing that came to mind. And I think that's a pretty natural, reaction, from from any coach to be honest."

It will certainly take a while for everyone to get over the situation. But then again, there are times when such situations never truly go away. Just ask any New York Islanders fan about John Tavares.

Travis Green highlighted the good relationship he had with Brady Tkachuk

As for the actual relationship Travis Green had with Brady Tkachuk, the Senators coach was crystal clear that there were no hard feelings.

"It was good actually. Yeah, really good... we had a good relationship and I enjoyed coaching him and I think he enjoyed playing under me and but you know, things happen in this game and in this business."

Green is totally on point. The NHL is a business, after all. Even though it can be hard to accept that fact at times, the reality is that there is much more going on behind the scenes.

That was part of what drove the decision to trade Tkachuk. It was a business decision rooted in the fact that the player wanted a change of scenery, and the organization just couldn’t keep it going any longer.

In the end, the outcome was the best for everyone involved. And as Green made it known, it’s pretty much water under the bridge.

"No, that's it's come and gone and it's not a not a topic at all."

While that much may be true, the topic will come up every time the Senators play the Panthers. The Sens will be looking to make life miserable for the Tkachuks and Florida. Sweeping the season series against the Panthers would be nothing short of vindication for Ottawa.

But win or lose, the key here will be to show that the organization is better off following the bitter pill that was the Brady Tkachuk trade. The only thing that matters is looking ahead and building on the success that has come over the years.