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.

Not only has Shesterkin broken the MSG Bank, but his eight-year contract comes with a No-Movement Clause. Which means that if he somehow stinks out the joint, we're stuck with this guy 'til the cows come home!

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.”

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.

After a report last week indicated Brady Tkachuk could be a trade target for the New York Rangers, Senators owner Michael Andlauer spoke out about what he described as “soft tempering.”