Blockbuster trade could have huge implications for future of superstar Brady Tkachuk

Ottawa traded oft-injured center Norris and stalled defense prospect Jacob Bernard-Docker to Buffalo for struggling center Dylan Cozens, journeyman defenseman Dennis Gilbert and a 2026 second-round draft pick. 

Norris, 25, is a former 35-goal scorer who has dealt with multiple injury issues, including shoulder problems. He missed 106 games combined in the previous two seasons before 2024-25. He's also one of Tkachuk's closest friends.

Cozens, 24, drew the ire of fans after his play stagnated following the signing of a seven-year contract extension worth $7.1 million per season. That deal came amid a breakout 68-point campaign in the 2022-23 season. 

Trading Norris adds fuel to a fire that Senators management has been attempting to put out for a long time — talk of a Tkachuk trade.

The Senators accused the New York Rangers of "soft tampering" after a report from Larry Brooks of the New York Post indicated the Blueshirts had interest in trading for the star winger who has never played in an NHL postseason game.

Ottawa's front office has been adamant about its refusal to ever engage in this discussion, but Tkachuk trade talk has been a curiosity for fans for years. Tkachuk is an American-born son of Keith Tkachuk who played and gained fame in building the NHL brand in nontraditional hockey markets like St. Louis and Phoenix. 

Brady Tkachuk is also an emotional leader who has noted in the past how much he hates to lose. Simultaneously, he has drawn criticism for sometimes failing to keep his passion under control during games.

Ottawa and Buffalo are no stranger to frustration. 

They're both in the midst of lengthy playoff droughts. Ottawa hasn't made the playoffs since 2017. Buffalo hasn't made the playoffs since 2011. The Senators' lengthy rebuild with constant missteps has at least produced a competitive team that currently holds a wild-card spot. The Sabres are fighting for last place. 

Both teams are accustomed to the heat felt from larger markets trying to poach their players. That's how Rangers general manager Chris Drury came to New York in the first place as a player. He left Buffalo in free agency in the summer of 2007 to sign a five-year, $35.25 million deal with his favorite childhood team. 

The exodus of players from these markets is particularly hard for fans when they lead to those players winning Stanley Cups. Ottawa traded superstar winger Mark Stone to Vegas in 2019. He became a core part of their Stanley Cup team. Buffalo has seen stars Ryan O'Reilly, Jack Eichel and Sam Reinhart all leave and go on to win a Stanley Cup.

Life isn't easy for small-market NHL teams, and it's only getting more difficult with a fast-rising NHL salary cap. Mixed with some potential longer-term economic concerns that could disproportionately impact Canadian teams, the financial squeeze that could lead to an exodus of big-name players from Canadian markets is a legitimate concern.

On top of that, Tkachuk is eligible for trade protection for the first time in his career. His contract features a no-movement clause that kicks in on July 1, 2025 — giving him full control on his destiny until his contract expires in June 2028 and reducing his potential trade value.

A Tkachuk trade seemed far-fetched 24 hours ago, but that door may now be ajar.