The Tkachuk Brothers Reunite: Brady Joins Matthew in Florida

Matthew and Brady Tkachuk are set to join forces in Florida following a major offseason trade by the Panthers. The exchange between Florida and Ottawa involved Florida sending four draft picks to the Senators for Brady Tkachuk, who is the brother of Panthers’ star Matthew Tkachuk.

Florida handed over significant draft capital: this year’s No. 9 pick, Tampa Bay’s first-round pick (acquired via a previous trade with Seattle involving Mackie Samoskevich), the Panthers’ second-round pick in 2027, and a top-10-protected first-round pick in 2029. This strategic move bolsters Florida’s forward lineup, adding a top-tier player without sacrificing any of their leading scorers from the prior season.

“Brady is a dynamic competitor and one of the most physical and relentless forwards in the league,” stated Panthers hockey operations president and GM Bill Zito. “He is a proven leader and embodies the player we desire in our locker room. We are excited to welcome Brady to South Florida as we continue our quest for championship hockey.”

Brady Tkachuk, who has spent his eight-year NHL career with Ottawa, will now play alongside his brother, Olympic teammate, and podcast co-host Matthew Tkachuk in Florida. Matthew has resided in Florida for the past four seasons, achieving two Stanley Cup victories and reaching the finals three times. Brady brings an impressive resume, remaining Ottawa’s captain over the last five years.

The trade decision was significant, noted Senators GM Steve Staios, “This was not a decision we took lightly, but ultimately we did what we felt was best for the long-term future of our hockey club.” The trade provides Ottawa with cap space and draft flexibility, positioning them to enhance their roster actively.

Matthew and Brady Tkachuk have previously thrived together, representing USA Hockey at events such as the 4 Nations Face-Off in 2025 and the Milan Cortina Olympics, securing gold in the latter—the first American men’s team gold since Lake Placid. Florida is familiar territory for the Tkachuks; their father, former NHL star Keith Tkachuk, owns a home in the area and often attends Panthers games. Brady has established connections within the Florida organization, aided by former associations through USA Hockey.

Brady’s legacy at Ottawa is substantial. He has led in goals, points, power-play goals, shots, hits, game-winning goals, multigoal games, and penalty minutes during his tenure, drafted with the No. 4 pick in 2018. The Panthers, having previously acquired Matthew Tkachuk, now extend the talent pool from the Tkachuk family once more.

Florida’s strategy aims to secure major players for ongoing seasons, including names like Aleksander Barkov, Aaron Ekblad, Sam Reinhart, Sam Bennett, Carter Verhaeghe, Gustav Forsling, and Anton Lundell—all Stanley Cup champions. Brady Tkachuk’s inclusion presents a real opportunity to join the roster of players immortalized on the Stanley Cup.