Florida Panthers star Matthew Tkachuk has gone up against some of the best defensemen in the NHL. Somehow, some way, the Cats’ forward has managed to come out on top more often than not. When asked about an ideal defensive pairing to play alongside, Tkachuk hinted at who he believes is the best in the league—and it’s neither Cale Makar nor teammate Aaron Ekblad.
The Tkachuk brothers have become some of the most influential celebrities in the NHL. The sons of Keith—Matthew and Brady—have risen to the big stage and made their mark.
Now, everyone wants to take a shot at the reigning Stanley Cup champs and wipe the smile off Tkachuk’s face. Matthew loves the attention, and though he has a knack for chirping opponents, he voiced a sincere message hinting at who he arguably views as the best defenseman in the NHL. While many believe Makar deserves that honor, and others expected Tkachuk to name teammate Ekblad.
The best in the business
Asked to choose two blueliners to play alongside a hypothetical forward line of himself, Brady, and Keith, Tkachuk made an honest admission, naming Quinn Hughes and Gustav Forsling. Forsling’s selection is less surprising, as the Swede plays with Tkachuk in Florida. And although Hughes will most likely play with Tkachuk on Team USA this winter, his inclusion subtly suggests that Tkachuk probably considers him the best defenseman in the league.
Quinn Hughes #43 of the Vancouver Canucks looks on during the first period of the game against the Carolina Hurricanes at Lenovo Center on January 10, 2025 in Raleigh, North Carolina.
“We would probably need somebody that could rip the puck better than anybody, because we’d have all three at the net. And we would need a really good defensive defenseman too, because we’re all offense up there,” Tkachuk said, via Bleacher Report Open Ice. “Maybe Quinn Hughes back there. He’s really good at finding the net from the point, and Gustav Forsling.”
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Reign supreme
Matthew and the Panthers are the team to beat in the league. Every NHL franchise has its eyes on them, and the Cats have a huge target on their backs. However, no one has managed to dethrone them. Tkachuk has changed the course of history for Florida.
Since Tkachuk arrived in Sunrise, the Panthers experienced highs that were unimaginable. Of course the same could be said for the winger, who unlocked a whole new level to his game after moving in to South Florida.
Eyes set on Winter Olympics
Matthew and Brady Tkachuk turned a lifelong dream into reality last winter when they played together for Team USA in the Four Nations Face-Off. The two brothers even had the chance to share the ice and assist each other.
Obviously, the heartbreaking ending and Matthew’s injury left a sour taste, but it served as a huge lesson and building block. Now, the real test will come during the 2026 Olympics in Milan. A once-in-a-lifetime chance to strike gold—and get back at Canada while they’re at it.
Matthew Tkachuk #19 of the Florida Panthers says a few words to the crowd during the Florida Panthers 2025 Stanley Cup Victory Parade and Rally on June 22, 2025 on Fort Lauderdale Beach, Florida.
“I don’t even know if you look at it as revenge, but it’s been a long time coming since USA Hockey’s been at the top of the mountain,” Matthew Tkachuk reflected, per ESPN. “Canada’s owned the Olympics or World Cups or even the world championships, although we got that back a little bit this year.
“They’ve been the leader in all of that and the team that we’ve all been trying to knock off. I don’t think it’d be as much as revenge than showing how far along USA Hockey has come.“
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The nation of Brotherly Love
In addition to the Tkachuk brothers, Team USA could put together another sibling duo with New Jersey Devils forward Jack Hughes and Vancouver Canucks blueliner Quinn Hughes. There’s even an argument for the Hughes brothers to one-up the Tkachuks and have Luke Hughes join them as well. However, that seems like a utopian scenario.
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For now, the two older siblings will settle for being together at the Olympics, as last February Quinn missed out on the Four Nations due to injury. Plus, Luke already knows what it’s like to play with a sibling on a regular basis, as he shares the Devils’ locker room with Jack.
