When the Philadelphia Flyers made a calculated splash to acquire forward Trevor Zegras from the Anaheim Ducks, almost every single fan rejoiced for their favorite team to potentially buy-low on a very talented player. But apparently the praising of the move wasn’t just restricted to Flyers fans — one of the biggest stars in the NHL also loved the trade.
Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk has always been someone that plays a style of game that so many of us want in Philadelphia. The goal-scoring winger that will also punch an opponent in the face is something that we adored in Wayne Simmonds, and the captain from Canada’s capital possesses some similar traits.
So, when Tkachuk talks about his opinions on the game and other teams, it almost holds a little bit more gravity among this fan base. And recently, the 25-year-old forward relentlessly praised the Flyers for being able to acquire Zegras earlier this offseason.
In a recent interview with his brother on ESPN, Tkachuk was asked about being seen skating with Zegras earlier this month and he certainly seemed excited for both the Flyers and one of their newest players to find each other.
“Yeah, I drove up to Connecticut and skated with him,” Tkachuk told ESPN in an interview Monday. “I’ve known ‘Z’ throughout the years but got to know him pretty well when we played world championships together. He’s a great guy, and I think it’s going to be great for him to get a fresh start in Philly and under Rick Tocchet. They have a great culture there, and I think he’s just going to do a good job of fitting in.
“I’ve always thought playing against Philly that they play super hard, but they have a lot of great players with skill. So, I think that is going to be the best thing for him. I’m excited to see his progression this year and see how the change affects him. I bet that’s going to be for the good.”
Despite both being products of the U.S. National Team Development Program and Boston University alumni, Tkachuk and Zegras never were teammates until, as the Senators winger mentioned, both represented their country at the World Championship in Czechia in 2024. That team unfortunately was bounced in the quarterfinals by the host nation, but that’s not relevant.
It’s one thing to see us and other websites that cover this team, spill buckets of digital ink about how a fresh start for Zegras should do him some good, but to see a very, very good NHL player say the same thing obviously holds more weight. For Tkachuk to recognize that Zegras was not put in a favorable position in Anaheim and is excited to see his progression this season, is even more interesting. These two teams could be battling for a Wild Card spot in several months, and if that happens we have to assume that Zegras certainly did progress and could be even more productive offensively than Tkachuk himself.
Hopefully, that hardness Tkachuk talks about when mentioning what it is like playing against the Flyers, doesn’t go away and the skilled players get to shine just the same (or even more).
Thanks for praising potentially one of the most important players on a team you could be competing with this season, Brady. Maybe you can join him here soon.