Matthew Tkachuk: New Face of the NHL?

Sunrise, FL. – In July 2022, the Florida Panthers organization changed entirely. The team acquired Matthew Tkachuk and a conditional 2025 fourth-round pick in exchange for Jonathan Huberdeau, Mackenzie Weegar, Cole Schwindt, and a conditional 2025 first-round pick. Coming off of a 104-point season and as one of the main pieces in the trade, the Panthers expected Tkachuk to be an integral part of the team moving forward. He has not only met the expectations of Florida fans and employees everywhere but is also on his way to transforming the NHL.

We have acquired Matthew Tkachuk and a conditional fourth-round draft pick from Calgary in exchange for Jonathan Huberdeau, MacKenzie Weegar, prospect Cole Schwindt and Florida’s lottery-protected first-round selection in the 2025 draft.

📝 » https://t.co/icjlgiFxEd pic.twitter.com/XDcFc0eNyd

— Florida Panthers (@FlaPanthers) July 23, 2022

Tkachuk absolutely dominated the NHL regular season in 2022-23. He amassed a total of 109 points, consisting of 40 goals and 69 assists. He was a part of the top 20 NHL players in total points, goals, power-play goals, assists, and plus-minus. Along with being a regular-season hero, Tkachuk’s success has continued throughout the playoffs. In 18 games played so far, he has accumulated 22 points and is leading his team in that category, as well as goals and assists.

Photo: Bruce Bennett / GETTY

The Florida Panthers have experienced a season unlike any other with the on-ice accomplishments from Tkachuk, but so has the NHL. The young star joined Shaquille O’Neal, Ernie Johnson, Kenny Smith, and Charles Barkley on NBA Tip-Off for a quick interview before game six of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals. Among the big four professional sports leagues (NBA, NFL, MLB, and NHL), NHL players receive the least attention from traditional and social media. Tkachuk being a guest, and a memorable one at that is a huge stride for the league.

“I don’t really watch hockey, I just like to see you guys fight.” 😂

Shaq kept it real with Matthew Tkachuk 😅 pic.twitter.com/Lsy0s0AlDW

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) May 28, 2023

From being a member of one of the most famous hockey families to electrifying on-ice play to an entertaining personality, Tkachuk has everything to become the face of the NHL. With his team currently in the Stanley Cup finals, he has more eyes on him than ever. If Tkachuk can be a hero in this series like he was in the Eastern Conference finals against the Carolina Hurricanes, there will be nothing but positive impacts on his team and the league.