Tkachuk Brothers: Olympic Gold, Canadian Rivalry, and New NHL CBA

The Tkachuks: Dominating the Ice and the NHL 26 Cover

The Florida Panthers’ celebration after their second consecutive Stanley Cup championship was an unforgettable moment, especially for Matthew Tkachuk. Accompanied by his father, Keith Tkachuk, and his brother, Brady Tkachuk, the joy on the ice reflected family unity and sporting success. This month, the Tkachuk family is in the news again, this time on the cover of the Deluxe edition of EA Sports’ NHL 26 video game. Brady Tkachuk expressed his excitement for this recognition, highlighting his father’s influence on his career and the honor of sharing the cover with him.

“We grew up dreaming of playing like our father. Even now, his influence on how we play and prepare remains huge. It’s an honor to be on the cover. Having him by our side makes everything even better”.

Brady Tkachuk

In a recent conversation, the Tkachuk brothers shared their experiences in the world of video games, the Panthers’ season, Brady’s future in Ottawa, Matthew’s health, and their opinions on the new NHL collective bargaining agreement.

The Olympic Dream: A Challenge for the Tkachuks

Both players, selected for the United States men’s ice hockey team at the 2026 Olympic Games, spoke about the possibility of winning Olympic gold. Matthew Tkachuk highlighted the importance of this achievement for American hockey, seeking to break Canada’s hegemony in international competitions. Brady Tkachuk shared his perspective, understanding the dynamics of playing in a Canadian city while seeking gold for the United States. Both brothers recognize the opportunity to inspire the next generation of American players.

The Tkachuk brothers, along with four other players, have already been selected for the 2026 Olympic team.

Between Clues and Consoles: The Gamer History of the Tkachuk’s

The Tkachuk brothers revealed their memories of playing video games together, especially NHL. Matthew remembered playing with Brady during the pandemic, highlighting his brother’s skill in the game. Both enjoyed matches with special rules, creating a fun and competitive gaming experience. Brady mentioned the routine of playing NHL after school, even organizing best-of-seven series. Both acknowledged that, although the competition was intense, they always enjoyed those moments together.

Expectations and Ratings in the NHL World

When asked about the impact of ratings in EA Sports, Matthew Tkachuk revealed that the topic isn’t much discussed among players. He mentioned the sensitivity of some teammates regarding their ratings, highlighting the athletes’ pride in having a good rating. Brady Tkachuk expressed his interest in seeing his rating in this year’s game, expecting an increase as his real-life performance improves. This edition of the game offers a more individualized experience, better reflecting each player’s performance.

The Future of the Panthers and Free Agency

Matthew Tkachuk discussed the Panthers’ retention of Sam Bennett, Aaron Ekblad, and Brad Marchand. He expressed his surprise and joy at the team’s continuity, highlighting the importance of his teammates being happy and motivated.

Matthew Tkachuk trusts in the permanence of Ekblad, who has been a Panther for life.

He also analyzed Marchand’s decision to stay in Florida, attributing his staying to the team’s success and the players’ desire to live and play in the city. Tkachuk believes that the only reason players would leave would be for a significant difference in salary.

Brady Tkachuk and Expectations in Ottawa

Brady Tkachuk addressed speculation about his possible departure from Ottawa, highlighting the importance of the team making the playoffs to demonstrate its ability. He stated that the team’s goal goes beyond simply making the playoffs. Tkachuk also mentioned his training with Trevor Zegras, expressing his support for Zegras in his new stage with the Flyers.

Zegras will begin a new stage with the Flyers.

Matthew Tkachuk’s Health Status and the New Collective Bargaining Agreement

Matthew Tkachuk discussed his injuries and the possibility of undergoing surgery. If he has surgery, he could miss the first few months of the season. The decision is still ongoing. Both brothers shared their impressions of the new NHL collective bargaining agreement. Brady praised the work of Marty Walsh and Ron Hainsey of the NHLPA, highlighting the exciting changes and the increase in upcoming games. Matthew Tkachuk expressed his satisfaction with the reduction of the preseason, considering it too long.