Ottawa Senators Owner Accuses New York Rangers of “Soft Tampering” with Brady Tkachuk
Ottawa Senators owner Michael Andlauer accused the New York Rangers of “soft tampering” with his team’s captain, Brady Tkachuk, in a recent conversation with TSN’s Pierre LeBrun.
Rumors of Trade Target
Rumors emerged, penned by Larry Brooks of the New York Post, that the 25-year-old forward was the Rangers’ primary trade target. Andlauer expressed frustration and anger over the report, calling it “soft tampering” twice.
No Conversations with Teams
Andlauer revealed to LeBrun that the Senators have not had any conversations with any teams around the NHL involving Tkachuk, who has 13 goals and 16 assists in 27 games this season.
New York Rangers’ Recent Moves
New York has already been busy while mired in an alarming early-season slump. It traded captain and defenseman Jacob Trouba to the Anaheim Ducks for an underwhelming package. The most important thing for general manager Chris Drury was to get the entirety of his contract off the books, which he was able to do.
Tampering Issue in the NHL
Tampering has evolved into a sensitive and pressing issue in the NHL recently, especially during the start of free agency back in July, when players quickly signed with new teams once the transactional window opened. The league sent a memo to remind teams of potential punishments for tampering, such as fines or the docking of future draft picks.
League’s Response
After Andlauer’s complaints, it could very well be put on the agenda for the league’s board of governors meeting, which will run from Monday through Tuesday.
Conclusion
The allegations of “soft tampering” by the New York Rangers have sparked controversy in the NHL. The league’s response to the issue will be closely watched, and it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold.
FAQs
Q: What is “soft tampering”?
A: “Soft tampering” refers to the act of a team or individual making public statements or gestures that could be perceived as trying to lure a player away from their current team, without actually making a formal offer or trade.
Q: What are the potential punishments for tampering in the NHL?
A: The potential punishments for tampering in the NHL include fines, the docking of future draft picks, or even the suspension of players or coaches.
Q: Will the league take action against the New York Rangers?
A: It is unclear at this time whether the league will take action against the New York Rangers in response to the allegations of “soft tampering”. The league’s board of governors meeting will likely play a key role in determining the next steps.
