If you’ve spent any time at a hockey rink, you know that one family. The one where the kids are basically a blur of elbows, chirps, and goals, leaving every other parent in the stands either impressed or deeply annoyed. Well, imagine that family, but turn the volume up to eleven. That’s the Tkachuks.
Honestly, Brady and Matthew Tkachuk shouldn’t even be a surprise to us at this point. They were practically raised in an NHL locker room, watching their dad, Keith "Big Walt" Tkachuk, rack up 500 goals and over 2,000 penalty minutes. He didn't just teach them how to skate; he taught them how to be a nightmare for the other team.
And man, it worked.
Currently, Matthew is fresh off back-to-back Stanley Cup wins with the Florida Panthers (2024 and 2025). Brady? He’s the heart and soul of the Ottawa Senators, trying to drag a young team into the same tier of relevance. People love to compare them, but if you look closely, their paths have been wildly different despite the same "Tkachuk" DNA.
Why Matthew Tkachuk is the Ultimate Game Changer
You’ve probably heard the term "unicorn" in sports. It's usually reserved for guys like Connor McDavid or Victor Wembanyama. But Matthew Tkachuk is a unicorn of a different breed. He's a 100-point producer who will also happily punch you in the mouth if you look at his goalie the wrong way.
The 2024-25 season was a weird one for him. He was limited to about 52 games because of some nagging injuries—including a groin issue that kept him out for a chunk of the early 2025-26 season—but when he was on the ice, he was lethal. He put up 57 points in those 52 games. That’s nearly a 90-point pace while playing through literal pain.
Then came the 2025 playoffs.
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Florida was a machine, and Matthew was the engine. He didn't just lead; he provoked. He finished that run with 23 points in 23 games. He even scored the Cup-clinching goal in Game 6 against the Oilers. Imagine that. Your name is already on the Cup from the year before, and you go out and do it again, scoring the winner yourself.
The "Trade of the Century" Legacy
Remember when people thought Calgary won the trade? Giving up Jonathan Huberdeau and MacKenzie Weegar seemed like a massive haul at the time. Fast forward to 2026, and it’s arguably the most lopsided trade in modern NHL history. Matthew didn't just join the Panthers; he redefined their entire culture.
He brought a "Florida Man" energy to the ice that the franchise never had.
Brady Tkachuk: The Captain Fighting an Uphill Battle
While Matthew is living it up in the South Florida sun with two rings, Brady Tkachuk is in the trenches in Ottawa. It’s a different kind of pressure. Brady was named the 10th captain in Senators history back in 2021, and since then, he's carried the weight of a rebuilding franchise on his 6'4" frame.
The stats tell an interesting story.
In the 2024-25 season, Brady hit several massive milestones:
- His 200th career assist.
- His 500th NHL game.
- His 400th career point.
He led the Sens with 29 goals and 55 points in 72 games. But here’s the kicker—he set a franchise record with four overtime goals in a single season. The guy is a clutch monster. He led them to their first playoff appearance since 2017 last year, and even though they bowed out in six games, Brady was the best player on the ice with 7 points in those 6 games.
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He’s basically a human wrecking ball. He regularly lands over 200 hits a season. In fact, by early 2026, he’s sitting at nearly 2,000 career hits. That’s a lot of bruised defensemen.
The Brotherhood: From Mini-Sticks to Podcasts
You’d think there might be some jealousy, right? Matthew has the rings, the 100-point seasons, and the spotlight.
But if you listen to their new podcast, Wingmen with Matthew & Brady Tkachuk—which they launched in late 2025—it’s clear they are each other’s biggest fans. Brady famously admitted he was in the stands crying when Matthew won his first Cup in 2024. He even helped Matthew get dressed during the 2023 Finals when Matthew's sternum was so shattered he couldn't get out of bed.
That’s real stuff.
They also recently suited up together for Team USA at the 4 Nations Face-Off in February 2025. It was chaos. They both got into fights. They both scored. They finished second to Canada, but it served as a preview for what we’re going to see at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina. Both brothers have already been named to the preliminary roster.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Tkachuks
Most fans think they are just "pests" or "instigators." That’s a lazy take.
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Yes, they take penalties. Brady had 123 PIMs last season; Matthew had 54 in his shortened year. But they are elite playmakers. Matthew’s vision from the goal line is top-five in the league. Brady’s ability to win puck battles in the corners is unmatched.
They aren't just "Old School" players. They are high-skill superstars who happen to play like they're in a 1980s bar fight.
Breaking Down the Contracts
- Matthew Tkachuk: 8 years, $76 million ($9.5M AAV). Expires 2030.
- Brady Tkachuk: 7 years, $57.5 million ($8.2M AAV). Expires 2028.
Matthew is making more, but he’s also older and has the hardware to prove it. Brady’s next contract is going to be a fascinating negotiation, especially with the cap rising.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Bettors
If you're following the Brady and Matthew Tkachuk saga this season, here is what you need to keep an eye on:
- Injury Management: Matthew is currently dealing with the fallout of a groin injury. Keep a close eye on his "Time on Ice" (TOI) as he returns in early 2026. He might start on the second line to ease back in.
- The Olympic Factor: With the 2026 Olympics looming, expect both to play with a massive chip on their shoulders. They want to prove they can win gold together, not just compete against each other.
- Ottawa’s Trajectory: Brady is entering his prime. If the Sens don't make a deep run soon, the "trade rumors" will inevitably start, even if they're baseless.
- Stat Tracking: Watch Brady's shots on goal. He’s consistently among the league leaders (357 SOG in 2023-24). If he’s shooting, he’s scoring.
The Tkachuk era isn't just about hockey; it's about a family business that’s currently dominating the NHL. Whether you love them or hate them, you can't ignore them. The best way to stay updated is to tune into their podcast or watch the "Tkachuk Bowl" games whenever Ottawa and Florida meet—it's usually the most entertaining 60 minutes of the week.
Check the NHL schedule for the next Senators vs. Panthers matchup; those are the nights where the handshake agreement to "not fight" usually gets tested to its absolute limit.