Senators' Tim Stutzle Throws Shade At Brady Tkachuk Amid Return To Ottawa

To say Brady Tkachuk left the Ottawa Senators on bad terms might be understating how vilified he is in the nation's capital. 

While fans are pretty stern in their hatred toward Tkachuk, the players are divided. Some, like Drake Batherson and Jake Sanderson, don't seem to have hard feelings towards his exit and were excited to have dinner with him back in Ottawa. 

For others, like Thomas Chabot and Tim Stutzle, their frustration with Tkachuk has been easy to recognize.

Both players made off-season comments throwing shade at Tkachuk. But Stutzle's comments today, ahead of Tkachuk's return to Ottawa tonight, were clear.

"I have a chef at home,  that's why I didn't go out for dinner," Stutzle said when asked why he didn't join his teammates for dinner with Tkachuk.

It's understandable that Stutzle has some hard feelings toward Tkachuk. Ottawa selected both as high draft picks just a few years apart. The duo played together throughout Tkachuk's time in Ottawa and built a strong relationship.

Many Ottawa players and fans felt Tkachuk left without giving his all, and Stutzle clearly felt blindsided by the trade request. 

The shade Stutzle threw at Tkachuk didn't end there.

"It was great. It was awesome," Stutzle said of seeing Lars Eller, another former Senators player playing for the Panthers. "I think he's really happy where he's at. We definitely miss him. He's a great guy in our room and a great player for us too...It's always great seeing former teammates."

Tonight's fixture should be chippy. A bit of a rivalry has been brewing between the Panthers and Senators for a while now, and Tkachuk's departure will only amplify things. Boos and jerseys thrown onto the ice are expected tonight in what should create a very hostile enviroment for the 27-year-old. 

Tonight's game is personal for everyone involved.

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