Tkachuk intends to sign contract with Senators

Brady Tkachuk
has decided to sign a contract with the Ottawa Senators instead of returning to Boston University for his sophomore season, his father, Keith, confirmed to NHL.com on Saturday.

John Buccigross of ESPN reported earlier Saturday that Tkachuk informed Boston University coach Albie O'Connell of his intention.
"We had Brady home this weekend and he decided to sign," Keith Tkachuk said. "He is so emotional right now because he loves [Boston University] and his teammates. He's such a great kid. He had the toughest call of his life calling Albie."
The 18-year-old forward, who was selected by the Senators with the No. 4 pick in the 2018 NHL Draft, had 31 points (eight goals, 23 assists) in 40 games as a freshman last season and led BU in assists and shots on goal (131). Tkachuk also helped the United States win the bronze medal at the 2018 IIHF World Junior Championship with nine points (three goals, six assists) in seven games.
While playing with the United States at the World Junior Summer Showcase in Kamloops, British Columbia, last week, Tkachuk (6-foot-3, 196 pounds) said he would make his decision after returning home to St. Louis and speaking with his family. Keith is a United States Hockey Hall of Famer and former NHL forward, and Brady's brother Matthew Tkachuk is a Calgary Flames forward.

"The decision will be based on what's best for my development short and long term," he said. "I want to have a long career, and I don't want to go somewhere and not have an impact. I want to make an impact wherever I go and be able to contribute and play my best.
"Each party deserves to have the time to adjust to whatever decision is made, and my goal has never been to make this a last-second decision. It's tough for me to be on the phone with my parents because we're not in the same city, but I want to talk to them face to face because their opinion, and the opinion of my brother and sister, are important. They'll tell me what they think, but it'll be my decision in the end."
NHL.com staff writer Mike G. Morreale contributed to this report.