Matthew Tkachuk

Matthew Tkachuk, renowned as a professional ice hockey player, currently holds the position of alternate captain for the Florida Panthers of the National Hockey League (NHL). His journey into the NHL began when he was selected in the first round, sixth overall, in the 2016 NHL entry draft by the Calgary Flames, his first professional team. Tkachuk's prowess on the rink has seen him represent the United States in various international competitions, including the U17 World Hockey Challenge, U18 World Championship, and the 2016 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships where he and his team earned a bronze medal.

Over the years, Tkachuk's performance has become synonymous with excellence in the NHL. He was a top ten point-scorer in the 2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons, scoring 104 and 109 points respectively. His impressive performance in 2023 earned him a nomination as a finalist for the NHL's Hart Memorial Trophy, a prestigious award given to the league's most valuable player. This period was marked by significant victories for his team, the Florida Panthers, as they won back-to-back Stanley Cup championships in 2024 and 2025. Tkachuk played a pivotal role in these victories, even scoring the Stanley Cup-clinching goal in game six of the 2025 series.

In addition to his numerous achievements on the ice, Tkachuk has been recognized individually for his contributions to the game. He was named Game MVP at the NHL 2023 All-Star Game and again was a finalist for the Hart Memorial Trophy later that year. In 2024, he scored his fifth career NHL hat-trick against the St. Louis Blues. His career-high of 109 points in a single season, achieved with the Florida Panthers, further underscores his proficiency as a top-tier NHL player. Outside of hockey, he co-hosts the "Wingmen" podcast with his brother, Brady Tkachuk.