Team USA's men's Olympic Hockey team has made a statement during the preliminary round. They went 3-0-0-0 with a goal differential of +11 and an average margin of victory of 3.67. There are several reasons why the US has dominated, but head coach Mike Sullivan had high praise for Brady Tkachuk. He said that he has been a positive vocal guy who drags everybody into the fight. He's been great at bringing physicality and high-IQ play.
Team USA🇺🇸 coach Mike Sullivan on Brady Tkachuk's impact tonight:
— Mollie Walker (@MollieeWalkerr) February 14, 2026
“He’s a beast, he’s a beast. His energy is contagious. He’s so vocal on the bench, in between periods, he’s a positive guy. He drags everybody into the fight, literally and figuratively. That’s what we love about…
These comments have made many Rangers fans restart the conversation about trading for Tkachuk. He appears to be a player Sullivan is fond of and well-suited to his system. This is not the first time the Rangers have discussed a Tkachuk trade; there were rumors last year that the team was trying to acquire him. Although he seems like a good fit, the chances of the Rangers acquiring Tkachuk are slim to none.
Brady Tkachuk is a perfect fit, but unrealistic for the Rangers
There is no question that Tkachuk would be the ideal player for the Rangers to acquire. Even though he would not turn this season around, he can be the forward they center their re-tool around. A core of Tkachuk, Adam Fox, and Igor Shesterkin would be one of the best in the league. Tkachuk is also a great option to replace Artemi Panarin as a focal point forward that the Rangers will need to address. He provides a mix of grit and offensive production that Chris Drury and Mike Sullivan love to have.
Since entering the league back in 2018-19, few have found as much success as Tkachuk. In eight seasons, he has racked up 205 goals and 236 assists for 441 points. He's been productive this season despite missing time due to a thumb injury. In 37 games, he has 14 goals and 23 assists for 37 points. He's averaging a point per game, something the Rangers are is desperate need of. He also has a 57.43 CF%, a 58.44 SCF%, and a 58.85 xG% according to Natural Stat Trick.
While he seems to be the perfect fit for the Rangers, there are two things preventing a trade from happening. The first is the Senators' unwillingness to trade Tkachuk. For years now, the Senators have shot down the idea of trading the superstar. They even accused the Rangers of tampering with Tkachuk last year. Not only have the Senators been unwilling, but Tkachuk has as well. He has a no-movement clause in his contract and has shown no desire to leave Ottawa.
The Rangers also lack the capital to pull off a Tkachuk trade. Even if the Senators and Tkachuk were open to a trade, it's unlikely the Rangers could put together a competitive offer. With his production and his contract for the next two seasons, he could land Ottawa a haul. He could bring back several draft picks and a couple of young, exciting NHL players. That is something the Rangers do not have. Aside from Gabe Perreault, no one would excite the Senators or could outbid another team.
In a perfect world, Drury could call Steve Staios and work out a trade to bring Tkachuk to Broadway. But unfortunately for Rangers fans, this is not a perfect world, and a Tkachuk trade is nothing more than a pipe dream.