Brady Tkachuk takes cheap shot at Maple Leafs Alex Nylander as Battle of Ontario heats up

Brady Tkachuk has always been a menace, and in a pre-season game with the rival Maple Leafs, he was up to his old ways, this time at the expense of Alex Nylander.

Given the personal nature of the Battle of Ontario rivalry, it's no shock that even during the pre-season, their matchups include plenty of drama and physicality. In the first period it was a collision between Pontus Holmberg and Ridly Greig that stole headlines, but later in the game, Senators captain Brady Tkachuk was up to his old tricks again.

After a whistle in the second period, Tkachuk went after Maple Leafs winger Alex Nylander, taking a cheap shot at the young winger as he skated towards him, drawing the ire of defenseman Simon Benoit in the process.

A fight didn't ensue, but both players were given minor penalties and sent to the penalty box, and given what had transpired throughout the game, it's safe to say that Tkachuk was intentionally being unnecessary, as he has so many times throughout his career. While he has his spot in the Senators lineup locked up, the same can't be said for Nylander, who signed an AHL deal this off-season looking to fight his way back into the NHL, and an injury on a play like this would be a ridiculous way to lose his chance at making the Maple Leafs team.

Fortunately, the younger of the Nylander brothers came away unscathed, but without Ryan Reaves in the lineup for Toronto, there was no one to go out and make a statement at Tkachuk's expense, so this is something he'll likely continue doing moving forward. This is the last time these teams will meet in the pre-season, but with the regular season not too far away, there will be many storylines to watch the first time they meet, so expect even more fireworks in an already chippy Battle of Ontario.

Source: Maple Leafs Daily
Brady Tkachuk Delivers Cheap Shot on Leafs' Alex Nylander; Benoit Takes Exception

Further details revealed on what saved Patrik Laine from a season-ending knee injury

Former Winnipeg Jets forward Jason Cirone passes away at age of 53

Toronto Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving names several young talents that could breakout this coming season

Edmonton Oilers fans voice outrage after fee was revealed for their new jerseys

Top Maple Leafs Prospect Earns Prestigious Honor Shortly After Being Cut from the Team

Is this the end for Jeremy Swayman? Boston Bruins claim goalie off waivers

Apology and bold statement by one of Mitch Marner's biggest media critics surprises Leaf Nation

Prospect cut early in training camp by Leafs finds massive opportunity in Edmonton

Matthew Tkachuk's shocking words during Stanley Cup Final handshake line have surfaced

Toronto Maple Leafs veteran John Tavares makes his return to the ice