Report: Tkachuk not ready to commit to long-term deal with Senators

Ottawa Senators forward Brady Tkachuk isn't ready to commit to a long-term seven- or eight-year contract with the club, reports Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman.

It's expected the league's salary cap should be much higher in a few years once the losses from the COVID-19 pandemic are recuperated. The rise would provide Tkachuk with more flexibility and possibilities on a long-term deal.

Tkachuk is one of the final restricted free agents left to be signed in the NHL with the 2021-22 season less than a week away. Head coach D.J. Smith said on Tuesday he must prepare to start the season without his star forward.

The Senators are in the midst of a complete rebuild and boast a considerable amount of youthful talent in the lineup. In September, general manager Pierre Dorion said the rebuild is complete and he feels it's time for the club to start winning again.