Brady Tkachuk says he asked for a trade to start the 'next chapter' of his career

Former Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk says he made a very hard decision to move on to the next chapter of his life and career when he requested a trade from his longtime team.

The Senators and the Florida Panthers finalized the deal Sunday. Ottawa gets four draft picks in exchange for Tkachuk, 26, who joins his older brother Matthew on the Florida Panthers after eight seasons in Ottawa.

Brady appeared with Matthew on an episode of their Wingmen podcast posted Tuesday morning, then at a Florida Panthers news conference. CBC was not given an opportunity to ask questions, and the team provided a recording afterward.

The brothers then appeared on the popular The Pat McAfee Show.

Tkachuk said on the Wingmen podcast that he wanted to thank the city of Ottawa, current and former teammates and team leadership for believing in him.

"I had so many great memories in Ottawa. [It's] such a special place to me, and now this new chapter — just so much excitement there," he said from his brother's house. He also noted that he got married and had two kids during his time in Ottawa.

Ottawa Senators president and general manager Steve Staios said Monday that Tkachuk requested a trade about 10 days after the end of the Senators' season. Staios declined to say why.

According to that timeline, the request about a week after Tkachuk said he was tired of talking about trade rumours and that he was "fully committed" to the team and city.

Brady Tkachuk requested trade, Senators GM confirms

During the news conference, Tkachuk was not asked directly about why he requested a trade, though he was asked about what changed after he reiterated his commitment to Ottawa.

"For me it was time for the next chapter. It wasn't an easy decision," he