When Florida Panthers star Matthew Tkachuk raised the Stanley Cup for the second consecutive season, it was a family affair. His father, Keith Tkachuk, a former NHL player, and brother Brady Tkachuk, captain of the Ottawa Senators, joined in the celebration. This moment was just one of many highlights for the Tkachuk family, who recently graced the cover of EA Sports' NHL 26 Deluxe Edition.

Family Legacy and NHL Success

Brady Tkachuk shared, "Growing up, Matthew and I dreamed of playing just like our dad. Even now, his influence on how we play and prepare remains huge. It's an honor to be featured on the cover. Having him standing alongside us makes the whole thing even better."

Olympic Dreams and USA Hockey

The Tkachuk brothers are two of the six players already named for the 2026 U.S. men's Olympic ice hockey team. Matthew Tkachuk reflected on the significance of winning Olympic gold, "It's been a long time since USA Hockey's been at the top of the mountain. Canada's owned the Olympics or World Cups. Winning gold would not only accomplish our dreams but also bring satisfaction to those who paved the way for us."

Brady Tkachuk, who plays in a Canadian city, added, "Your dream as kids is winning the Stanley Cup and a gold medal for your country. We have an opportunity to pave the way for the next generation of kids in the U.S."

NHL 26 and Video Game Memories

The brothers reminisced about their video game history. Matthew Tkachuk said, "We played the game like how you'd probably expect us to: Turn off all the penalties, make all the guys really big and fast. It was like prison rules NHL."

Brady Tkachuk added, "Right after school, if it was a nice day, out for roller hockey then dinner and then we were playing NHL. We try to sneak in a best-of-seven if it was early enough."

Future Aspirations and NHL CBA

Discussing the new NHL collective bargaining agreement, Brady Tkachuk said, "I think Marty Walsh, Ron Hainsey, and the NHLPA did a really good job. The 84-game schedule means more hockey for people to come and watch."

Matthew Tkachuk added, "I've never liked the preseason setup. However they were able to shorten that, I was on board with that for sure."

Conclusion

The Tkachuk brothers continue to make waves in the NHL and beyond, driven by their family legacy and a shared passion for the game. Their journey from NHL glory to Olympic dreams is a testament to their dedication and talent.