The Senators will receive two first-round picks in this year’s draft (ninth and 25th overall), along with a first-round pick in 2029 (top-10 protected) and a second-round pick in 2027.
“This was not a decision we took lightly, but ultimately we did what we felt was best for the long-term future of our hockey club,” Senators general manager Steve Staios said in a statement. “We now possess cap space and draft capital and will be actively working to improve our roster.”
Tkachuk will be a teammate of his brother Matthew Tkachuk in Florida. The brothers helped Team USA win gold at this year’s Olympics.
“Brady is a dynamic competitor and one of the most physical and relentless forwards in the league,” Panthers GM Bill Zito said in a statement. “A proven leader and exactly the type of player we want in our locker room, he strives to make everyone around him better both on and off the ice. We’re thrilled to welcome Brady to South Florida to join our group as we continue our pursuit of championship hockey.”
Questions about Brady Tkachuk’s future in Ottawa started swirling late this season amid some rumours the American might be interested in playing in the U.S.
“I feel like I’ve answered this hundreds of times,” Tkachuk said at a season-ending press conference in April.
“None of that, I feel like I’ve never shown, I’ve never said, none of those things ever came out of my mouth. And quite honestly, it’s just getting frustrating. It’s becoming a distraction, because I have been fully committed to this team, to the city, and it’s just becoming a distraction and frustrating to deal with.”
Tkachuk has two years left on his deal.
A four-time all-star, Tkachuk had 22 goals and 37 assists for 59 points in 60 games last season.
The Senators made the playoffs for a second year in a row after a long rebuild this year, but were swept by the eventual Stanley Cup champion Carolina Hurricanes in the first round.
Tkachuk was held pointless in the series against Carolina.
He joins a Panthers squad that missed the playoffs this year following two Stanley Cup titles in a row.
The Senators picked Tkachuk, 26, fourth overall in the 2018 draft.