The Florida Panthers are still celebrating their back-to-back NHL championship after defeating the Edmonton Oilers in the Stanley Cup Final. However, star Matthew Tkachuk is already thinking about a potential three-peat, and to that end, he shared a piece of advice for his teammates Sam Bennett, Brad Marchand, and Aaron Ekblad, who are all approaching free agency.
Tkachuk has previously made it clear that what sets the Panthers apart is that they play as a team, not as a group of individuals. His stance exemplifies strong leadership. However, when it comes to contract negotiations, many factors must align to reach a common understanding.
Marchand achieved his long-awaited goal of becoming a Stanley Cup champion after 14 years, even spending three months away from his family to do so. His future remains uncertain, as it does for Bennett and Ekblad, who are also awaiting contract offers for next season. In the midst of this, Tkachuk offered some advice that might not sit well with the franchise’s front office.
Tkachuk’s bold advice to his teammates
“Billy probably can’t stand me because I’m the guy that tells those guys, like, ‘You better make as much as you possibly can, whether that’s here or somewhere else. I’m a big believer, like, I’m an all-player guy. You better go out there and get that Brinks truck backed up right in your front yard,’” Tkachuk told ESPN after the Stanley Cup Final.
Brad Marchand #63 of the Florida Panthers warms up before a game against the before playing the Edmonton Oilers in Game Four of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final at Amerant Bank Arena on June 12, 2025 in Sunrise, Florida.
Despite Tkachuk’s statement to his teammates, it’s likely that Bennett, Marchand, and Ekblad will adjust their expectations based on what a championship team like Florida can afford, and that’s not a small amount. All three players were crucial in helping the Panthers win back-to-back titles.
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Panthers could lose a lot without Marchand, Bennett, and Ekblad
In the coming days, Florida will need to address the futures of key players like Bennett and Marchand, who were essential to the Panthers’ title run with 22 and 20 playoff points, respectively. Meanwhile, Ekblad was a major force on the defensive end. The next few days will be decisive.
