Senators' Brady Tkachuk on Controversial Trump Call: 'Can't Really Control What Somebody Says'
Senators captain Brady Tkachuk and top defenceman Jake Sanderson are shifting their focus from Olympic glory to the NHL playoff race after winning gold with Team USA at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy. The duo returned to Ottawa this week, ready to help the Senators chase a wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference.
From Olympic High to Playoff Push
Both players were on the ice at the Canadian Tire Centre on Thursday, preparing for a crucial game against the Detroit Red Wings. The Senators currently sit six points out of the final playoff position, adding urgency to their comeback. "I'm happy to be back in Ottawa and ready to play," Sanderson said, emphasizing his commitment to the team's postseason ambitions.
Tkachuk echoed this sentiment, expressing hope for more celebratory moments. "I've had some amazing moments and I want those to continue," he stated. "I believe this stretch here is going to be a lot of fun to be a part of, and I know I'm going to give everything I have for this team." The players arrived back in the city on Wednesday night, with Sanderson coming from Washington and Tkachuk making a brief stop in New Jersey to visit his family.
Navigating the Noise: White House Visit and Trump Call
The return has been accompanied by significant attention, particularly after the American team's visit to the White House and introduction at the State of the Union address. Tkachuk addressed the controversial phone call with former President Donald Trump, offering a measured response. "It was just a whirlwind of a moment and you can't really control what somebody says," he explained. "I guess caught off guard a little bit." This comment highlights the unexpected nature of the interaction, as both players navigated the political spotlight while maintaining focus on their hockey careers.
Reflecting on Olympic Gold
Despite the off-ice distractions, Tkachuk and Sanderson remain proud of their Olympic achievement, calling the victory over Canada in the gold-medal game the pinnacle of their hockey lives. "It still feels like a dream and, honestly, it's a dream come true and something you hope you can always achieve," Tkachuk shared. "For it to finally happen, I honestly still can't put it into words. I still feel like I'm dreaming and somebody's got to wake me up." This emotional reflection underscores the significance of the win, which they aim to channel into their performance with the Senators.
As the playoff race intensifies, Tkachuk and Sanderson are determined to leverage their Olympic success to boost the Senators' chances, balancing newfound fame with their on-ice responsibilities.
