Matthew Tkachuk has been a crucial star in helping the Florida Panthers win back-to-back NHL championships, defeating the Edmonton Oilers in six games. His leadership role makes him a credible voice when explaining the reasons behind the franchise’s triumph, even if it includes a subtle jab at Connor McDavid and the rest of the Oilers.
Tkachuk has taken on a leadership role both on and off the ice. Throughout the 2024–25 season, he was a key piece in the team’s success, even playing through major injuries like a sports hernia and an adductor tear, yet still delivering a high level of performance.
Beating the Oilers in back-to-back Finals only reinforced Florida’s superiority. Tkachuk is enjoying another Stanley Cup victory, and when asked what it means to him, he gave a response that could easily be interpreted as a pointed message toward his rivals, suggesting that McDavid‘s Edmonton is not a team.
Tkachuk’s message
“Heart meets talent. Our team was a team. When things were getting hard for them, they looked to one guy. But our team, we do it collectively… And that’s why we’re lifting the Stanley Cup right now —because we’re a team and not a bunch of individuals,” Tkachuk said, according to Luke Fox of Sportsnet.
Tkachuk’s impact on the Panthers
In the Final against the Oilers, Tkachuk proved once again that he’s a vital force. The Florida forward scored the goal that sealed the series in Game 6, capping off a 5–1 win in Sunrise, and showed how his aggressive style and commitment continue to inspire his teammates.
The Panthers aim to maintain their dynasty
Tkachuk’s future with the team is secure, but the Panthers now face the challenge of retaining three key stars: Sam Bennett, Brad Marchand, and Aaron Ekblad. In that context, general manager Bill Zito said he wants all of them to stay. The Panthers have $19 million in cap space available to make it happen.