Brady Tkachuk will forgo another year at Boston University and sign a
professional contract with the Ottawa Senators, according to John Buccigross.

Brady Tkachuk, son of Keith, has informed Boston University Head Coach Albie
O'Connell of his intentions to sign a pro contract. pic.twitter.com/3VziMjCin8

- Bucci Mane (@Buccigross) August 11, 2018

Tkachuk is coming off a 31-point season (eight goals and 23 assists) with the
BU Terriers, which was fourth best on the team. He earned these totals while
also spending a few weeks away from the team to participate in the 2018 World
Junior Championship, where he won bronze with Team USA while tallying nine
points in seven games - third best on the team and sixth best overall.The
London Knights Conundrum

Should Tkachuk sign a contract with Ottawa, he and the front office have a
choice as to whether he will play in the NHL or in the OHL with the London
Knights. This situation arises because of an agreement between the NHL and CHL
where, should players under the age of 20 not make the NHL roster, they will
not report to the AHL but to the CHL affiliate. Despite Tkachuk being an NCAA
product, his ability to play in the AHL is wiped out by the agreement.

London is in a much better spot than Ottawa is when it comes to the standings.
The Knights are still competitive and placed fifth in their conference last
year, which is middle-of-the-pack. The Senators, on the other hand, placed
second to last in their conference. Should Tkachuk fall into the hands of the
Knights, he would be in a place where a long post-season is probable, which
could help in his development.

The only problem Tkachuk might run into in the OHL would be the lack of older
competition. The CHL is heavily seen as a developmental league for players age
16-20. Tkachuk will be 19-years-old by the time the season rolls around. To be
one of the oldest players in the league would be a dramatic change from being
one of the youngest in the NCAA, a league that hosts majority 18-22 year olds.
After his success against older competition, it might be a step in the wrong
direction. The upside is his chance to compete in the 2019 World Juniors in
December are high.

There is still a high likelihood that the 6-foot-3 power forward can make the
Senators roster.

"Yeah, I mean I';m obviouly gonna talk with Ottawa and, ya know, see what their
 thoughts [are] and I';m gonna talk to my parents and my advisor team to see
what';s best for me in the long run, but obviously it';s a huge goal of mine to
 play in the NHL as quick as possible. But if not, it';s another year to
develop," Tkachuk said shortly after being drafted by Ottawa.Brady Tkachuk,
Ottawa Senators, 2018 NHL Draft, Dallas, TX, June 22, 2018 (Amy Irvin / The
Hockey Writers)

If getting the fourth overall pick in the draft didn';t say enough, the
Senators are a long ways away from competing. Only three players on the roster
had 50 or more points. And, given the rumors still swirling around captain Erik
 Karlsson, the team is poised to be in an even worse place than they already
are.

That being said, Ottawa has room for Tkachuk. He could easily slip into the
second-line center position and be a force to be reckoned with on a dismal
roster. It';s not so much if Tkachuk can make it, but more if he will make
it. While playing on the NHL level against older competition can immensely help
 him, a short season on a non-competitive roster might hurt him. This would
also put question marks around his chances to make it to the WJC.

Either way, the Senators have a top-six forward in the system that will be a
powerhouse and keystone to the franchise for years to come.

The post Brady Tkachuk Signing With Senators: Report appeared first on The
Hockey Writers.

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