If Ottawa continues to underachieve, though, the questions will persist. The no-movement clause in Tkachuk’s contract kicks in on July 1, and it’s ultimately on the Senators to build a team that will prove Tkachuk right in committing and reaffirming his loyalty to the franchise.

Tkachuk revealed that Senators General Manager Steve Staios had personally reassured him there was no validity to the rumors, which the player said "didn't even see" when they popped up following a report by Larry Brooks of the New York Post.

Statement from #NYR on alleged “soft tampering” by #GoSensGo owner Michael Andlauer on recent reporting that Rangers were targeting Brady Tkachuk: “This is an irresponsible accusation and we defer to the Commissioner’s office.”

Getting a bruising forward like Tkachuk would absolutely be a whopper of a deal. But Sens VP of communications Ian Mendes had a very funny response, posting a picture of the synonyms for “whopper,” very much implying that it was an “untruth.”

Are teams in the NHL interested in Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk? Sure, why wouldn’t they be? From the way he plays to the leadership qualities he brings on the ice, but that does not mean he is available.

Reached by The Athletic for comment, the Rangers via a spokesperson called Andlauer's comment "an irresponsible accusation."

Here's what Senators owner Michael Andlauer had to say regarding his frustrations about the Brady Tkachuk rumors linking him to the Rangers.

Ottawa Senators owner Michael Andlauer is accusing the New York Rangers over reports indicating they are targeting star Brady Tkachuk in a trade.