The Florida Panthers have cemented their place among the NHL elite by winning back-to-back Stanley Cup championships, defeating the Edmonton Oilers 4–2 in the final series. At the heart of this achievement stands star forward Matthew Tkachuk, whose leadership both on and off the ice has been instrumental.
Tkachuk not only contributed with strong performances but also served as the emotional engine that brought the group together, creating a bond that proved crucial in repeating as champions. From the start of the year, the Panthers understood that defending the title would require physical endurance, mental toughness, and deep team cohesion.
After their victory at Amerant Bank Arena, Florida set aside the pressures of competition to celebrate the historic feat with a series of events that included parades, fan meetups, beach barbecues, and even a night out at a Miami nightclub. It was in that festive context that Tkachuk revealed who the team’s “Party MVP” was.
Tkachuk’s surprising answer
When NHL insider Jameson Olive asked Tkachuk during a press conference who the “Party MVP” was, the Panthers star didn’t hesitate. “Aleksander Barkov. I don’t see how Barky doesn’t get his jersey retired at E11even (nightclub),” Tkachuk replied with a laugh.
Aleksander Barkov #16 of the Florida Panthers looks on during the third period against the Edmonton Oilers in Game Two of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final at Rogers Place on June 06, 2025 in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
The Panthers’ celebrations
Tkachuk’s lighthearted answer reflected the great chemistry within the Panthers’ locker room. The players shared countless moments with fans during the celebrations. It was even during these festivities that news of a potential contract extension for Sam Bennett began to surface.
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Maintaining the core of a championship team is no small task for the Panthers’ front office. The team has shown strong chemistry on and off the ice, with names like Brad Marchand, Barkov, Bennett, and Tkachuk serving as key pillars in their quest to lift the Stanley Cup once again.
