Matthew and Brady Tkachuk are set to make their mark as teammates with the Florida Panthers, following a high-profile trade last summer that reunited the brothers for the first time in their NHL careers. The move, completed during Father’s Day weekend in June 2026, has added significant attention to the Panthers as they aim for a third Stanley Cup title in four seasons.
Matthew, 28, was acquired by Florida in July 2022 after informing the Calgary Flames he would not sign a long-term deal there. Brady, 27, joined the Panthers this year in a trade that sent three first-round draft picks and a second-round pick to the Ottawa Senators. Brady’s departure from Ottawa was reportedly influenced by family discussions, according to Senators majority owner Michael Andlauer, who suggested Matthew and their father, former NHL star Keith Tkachuk, played a role in Brady’s request for a trade.
General Manager Bill Zito, the architect behind both acquisitions, emphasized the value Brady brings both on and off the ice, calling him “a tough, skilled, fast, smart hockey player” and praising his character. Zito expressed enthusiasm about the spotlight the brothers bring, seeing it as an opportunity to elevate the Panthers’ brand and the sport’s profile in the United States.
The Tkachuk brothers have also expanded their presence beyond hockey, hosting a weekly podcast titled “Wingmen,” named after their shared on-ice positions. After years of living and playing in separate cities, the brothers can now record the show together in person at the Panthers’ practice facility in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Their media appearances have included national platforms such as the “Pat McAfee Show” and the Kelce brothers’ “New Heights” podcast. They also attended high-profile events like President Trump’s State of the Union address in early 2026 and a UFC fight card held at the White House in June.
Despite the increased public profile, some fans have expressed fatigue with the Tkachuks’ visibility. Social media skepticism followed news that Brady trained with UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov, wearing his Olympic gold medal around his neck during workouts. Nonetheless, teammates and management have embraced the brothers’ dynamic personalities, with defenseman Aaron Ekblad likening their constant conversations to having a podcast in the room during practice.
The brothers are not only teammates but also neighbors in Fort Lauderdale, with their wives collaborating on housing arrangements. While they share the ice and media spotlight, both are determined to maintain their individual identities. Brady, who relinquished his captaincy in Ottawa, plans to take on a lesser leadership role in Florida. They are expected to play primarily on separate lines to foster the team’s overall chemistry.
Historically, NHL brother duos have made significant impacts, from Henrik and Daniel Sedin with the Vancouver Canucks to the Richard and Staal families. The Tkachuks’ arrival together in Florida places them among that lineage, and the Panthers hope their combined talents will help return the team to the Stanley Cup final after missing the playoffs in 2025-26 due to injuries.
For the Tkachuks, the opportunity to compete side-by-side in their home country represents a unique career milestone. “How often do people get to play in the NHL with their brother? That, in itself, is making this… just the best experience ever,” Matthew said. Brady echoed this sentiment, noting the reality of their reunion “still doesn’t feel real.”
As they begin the season, the Tkachuk brothers remain focused on contributing to a collective effort rather than solely sharing the spotlight. “At the end of the day, it won’t just be us two. This whole group’s going to be pushing each other to keep improving,” Brady said, highlighting the team-oriented mindset underpinning their exciting new chapter in Florida.