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'''Matthew Tkachuk''' ({{IPAc-en|k|ə|ˈ|tʃ|ʌ|k}}; born December 11, 1997) is an American professional [[ice hockey]] [[Winger (ice hockey)|winger]] and [[Captain (ice hockey)#Alternate captain|alternate captain]] for the [[Florida Panthers]] of the [[National Hockey League]] (NHL). Tkachuk was selected sixth overall at the [[2016 NHL Entry Draft]] by the [[Calgary Flames]].<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/flames-select-matthew-tkachuk-6th-overall-pick-nhl-draft/ | title = Flames select Matthew Tkachuk with 6th overall pick in NHL Draft| publisher = Sportsnet | date = June 24, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nhl.com/ice/blogpost.htm?id=40876 |title=U.S. forward Tkachuk conjures memories of dad – 2016 World Junior Championship |website=NHL.com |date=2014-11-17 |access-date=2015-09-19}}</ref>
'''Matthew Brandon Tkachuk''' ({{IPAc-en|k|ə|ˈ|tʃ|ʌ|k}}; born December 11, 1997) is an American professional [[ice hockey]] [[Winger (ice hockey)|winger]] and [[Captain (ice hockey)#Alternate captain|alternate captain]] for the [[Florida Panthers]] of the [[National Hockey League]] (NHL). Tkachuk was selected sixth overall at the [[2016 NHL Entry Draft]] by the [[Calgary Flames]].<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/flames-select-matthew-tkachuk-6th-overall-pick-nhl-draft/ | title = Flames select Matthew Tkachuk with 6th overall pick in NHL Draft| publisher = Sportsnet | date = June 24, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nhl.com/ice/blogpost.htm?id=40876 |title=U.S. forward Tkachuk conjures memories of dad – 2016 World Junior Championship |website=NHL.com |date=2014-11-17 |access-date=2015-09-19}}</ref>


For the [[2021-22 NHL season|2021-22]] and [[2022-23 NHL season|2022-23]] NHL seasons, Tkachuk was a top ten point-scorer in the league, registering 104 and 109 points, respectively. In 2023, Tkachuk was named a finalist for the NHL's [[Hart Memorial Trophy]] as the league's [[most valuable player]].
⚫
==Playing career==
⚫
Tkachuk played in the 2010 [[Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament]] with the St. Louis Blues [[minor ice hockey]] team, where he was teammates with [[Logan Brown]], [[Clayton Keller]] and [[Luke Kunin]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.publicationsports.com/ressources/files/439/Joueurs_Pro.pdf|title=Pee-Wee players who have reached NHL or WHA|year=2018|website=Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament|access-date=2019-01-02|archive-date=March 6, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190306085544/https://www.publicationsports.com/ressources/files/439/Joueurs_Pro.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>


===Major junior===
==Early life==
Matthew Brandon Tkachuk was born in [[Scottsdale, Arizona|Scottsdale]], [[Arizona]], to [[Keith Tkachuk|Keith]] and Chantal (née Oster) Tkachuk. His father is a former National Hockey League player who had an 18-year career with the [[Winnipeg Jets]], [[Phoenix Coyotes]], [[St. Louis Blues]] and [[Atlanta Thrashers]] and is a member of the [[United States Hockey Hall of Fame]].<ref>{{cite web|author=Chapin Landvogt |url=http://u18worlds2015.iihf.com/en/news/en/like-father-like-son/ |title=Like father like son – WM18 – International Ice Hockey Federation IIHF |publisher=U18worlds2015.iihf.com |date=2015-04-16 |access-date=2015-09-19}}</ref> Tkachuk was born in Scottsdale while his father was playing for the Phoenix Coyotes.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Dillman|first1=Lisa|title=Tkachuks go miles for Matthew, star siblings|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/tkachuk-family-always-on-the-move-watching-sons-on-hockey-rink/c-296609604|website=NHL.com|access-date=April 10, 2018|date=March 4, 2018}}</ref> His younger brother, [[Brady Tkachuk|Brady]], is the captain of the [[Ottawa Senators]], and his younger sister, Taryn, is a collegiate field hockey player with the [[University of Virginia]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Taryn Tkachuk|url=https://virginiasports.com/player/taryn-tkachuk/|website=Virginia Cavaliers Official Athletic Site|access-date=June 15, 2023}}</ref>

At age four, following his father being dealt to the [[St. Louis Blues]], Tkachuk moved to the [[St. Louis]] suburb of [[Chesterfield, Missouri]], where he was raised. He attended [[Chaminade College Preparatory School (Missouri)|Chaminade College Preparatory School]] from sixth to ninth grade, where he was classmates with [[Boston Celtics]] forward [[Jayson Tatum]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Austin |first1=Daniel |title=Road to NBA and NHL went through one gym class for Tatum and Tkachuk |url=https://calgarysun.com/sports/hockey/nhl/calgary-flames/road-to-nba-and-nhl-went-through-one-gym-class-for-tatum-and-tkachuk |website=Calgary Sun |access-date=February 1, 2018}}</ref> Tkachuk left Chaminade after ninth grade to join the [[USA Hockey National Team Development Program]] in [[Ann Arbor, Michigan]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Baugh |first1=Peter |title=Before Tatum and Tkachuk Became a Hero and Villain in Boston, They Were High School Classmates |url=https://theathletic.com/4525038/2023/05/17/jayson-tatum-matthew-tkachuk-chaminade-high-school/ |website=The Athletic |access-date=May 17, 2023}}</ref>

⚫
==Playing career==
===Junior===
[[File:Matthew Tkachuk - London Knights.jpg|thumb|Tkachuk playing for the London Knights in April 2016]]
[[File:Matthew Tkachuk - London Knights.jpg|thumb|Tkachuk playing for the London Knights in April 2016]]
⚫
Tkachuk played in the 2010 [[Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament]] with the St. Louis Blues [[minor ice hockey]] team, where he was teammates with [[Logan Brown]], [[Clayton Keller]] and [[Luke Kunin]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.publicationsports.com/ressources/files/439/Joueurs_Pro.pdf|title=Pee-Wee players who have reached NHL or WHA|year=2018|website=Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament|access-date=2019-01-02|archive-date=March 6, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190306085544/https://www.publicationsports.com/ressources/files/439/Joueurs_Pro.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>
On May 8, 2015, Tkachuk gave up his [[National Collegiate Athletic Association|NCAA]] eligibility when he signed with the [[London Knights]] of the [[Ontario Hockey League]] (OHL), who had drafted him in the fourth round of the 2013 OHL Priority Selection.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.thehockeynews.com/blog/keith-tkachuks-son-matthew-commits-to-london-knights-heres-why-thats-big-news/ |title=Keith Tkachuk's son Matthew commits to London Knights. Here's why that's big news |magazine=The Hockey News |date=2015-05-08 |access-date=2015-09-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151119070815/http://www.thehockeynews.com/blog/keith-tkachuks-son-matthew-commits-to-london-knights-heres-why-thats-big-news/ |archive-date=November 19, 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Playing on a line with [[Mitch Marner]] and [[Christian Dvorak]], Tkachuk scored 107 points, placing him fifth in OHL scoring. Tkachuk scored the game winning goal in overtime for the Knights in the [[2016 Memorial Cup]] final.
On May 8, 2015, Tkachuk gave up his [[National Collegiate Athletic Association|NCAA]] eligibility when he signed with the [[London Knights]] of the [[Ontario Hockey League]] (OHL), who had drafted him in the fourth round of the 2013 OHL Priority Selection.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.thehockeynews.com/blog/keith-tkachuks-son-matthew-commits-to-london-knights-heres-why-thats-big-news/ |title=Keith Tkachuk's son Matthew commits to London Knights. Here's why that's big news |magazine=The Hockey News |date=2015-05-08 |access-date=2015-09-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151119070815/http://www.thehockeynews.com/blog/keith-tkachuks-son-matthew-commits-to-london-knights-heres-why-thats-big-news/ |archive-date=November 19, 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Playing on a line with [[Mitch Marner]] and [[Christian Dvorak]], Tkachuk scored 107 points, placing him fifth in OHL scoring. Tkachuk scored the game winning goal in overtime for the Knights in the [[2016 Memorial Cup]] final.


Leading up to the NHL draft, Tkachuk was the second-ranked North American skater, described as a ''bona fide'' future star for an NHL club that brings elite skills and attributes.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/pierre-luc-dubois-named-top-skater-in-final-2016-nhl-draft-rankings/c-280262490?tid=277764372|title=Dubois jumps to top of draft rankings|website=NHL.com|access-date=2016-04-12}}</ref> After his selection by the [[Calgary Flames]], sixth overall, Tkachuk was signed to a three-year, entry-level contract on July 7, 2016.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://flames.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=888861 | title = Flames sign Matthew Tkachuk | website = [[Calgary Flames]] | date = 2016-07-07 | access-date = 2016-07-07}}</ref>
Leading up to the NHL draft, Tkachuk was the second-ranked North American skater, described as "a bona fide future star for an NHL club that brings elite skills and attributes."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/pierre-luc-dubois-named-top-skater-in-final-2016-nhl-draft-rankings/c-280262490?tid=277764372|title=Dubois jumps to top of draft rankings|website=NHL.com|access-date=2016-04-12}}</ref> After his selection by the [[Calgary Flames]], sixth overall, Tkachuk was signed to a three-year, entry-level contract on July 7, 2016.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://flames.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=888861 | title = Flames sign Matthew Tkachuk | website = [[Calgary Flames]] | date = 2016-07-07 | access-date = 2016-07-07}}</ref>


===NHL===
===Professional===
====Calgary Flames (2016–2022)====
====Calgary Flames (2016–2022)====
Tkachuk scored his first NHL goal in a 4–3 overtime win against the [[Buffalo Sabres]].<ref>{{cite web|last1=Odland|first1=Kristen|title=Flames rookie Matthew Tkachuk notches first goal of season to force game into overtime|url=http://www.calgarysun.com/2016/10/19/flames-rookie-matthew-tkachuk-notches-first-goal-of-season-to-force-game-into-overtime|website=Calgary Sun|access-date=December 7, 2016|date=October 18, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202064232/http://www.calgarysun.com/2016/10/19/flames-rookie-matthew-tkachuk-notches-first-goal-of-season-to-force-game-into-overtime|archive-date=February 2, 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref> On March 20, 2017, he was suspended two games for an elbow to the face of [[Los Angeles Kings]] defenseman [[Drew Doughty]].<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.nhl.com/news/calgary-flames-matthew-tkachuk-suspended-for-elbowing/c-287899848 | title = Matthew Tkachuk of Flames suspended two games | website = NHL.com | date = March 20, 2017}}</ref> During the next meeting between the two teams on March 29, Tkachuk further settled the hit by fighting Kings defenseman [[Brayden McNabb]]. Tkachuk finished seventh in voting for the [[Calder Memorial Trophy]], an award awarded annually to the top rookie in the NHL.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.nhl.com/player/matthew-tkachuk-8479314 | title = Matthew Tkachuk Bio | website = NHL.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Gilbertson|first1=Wes|title=Johnny Gaudreau wins Lady Byng Memorial Trophy|url=https://calgaryherald.com/sports/hockey/nhl/calgary-flames/johnny-gaudreau-wins-lady-byng-memorial-trophy|newspaper=Calgary Herald|date=21 June 2017|access-date=15 December 2017|quote=Rambunctious rookie Matthew Tkachuk ranked seventh in the Calder Memorial Trophy race}}</ref>
Tkachuk scored his first NHL goal in a 4–3 overtime win against the [[Buffalo Sabres]].<ref>{{cite web|last1=Odland|first1=Kristen|title=Flames rookie Matthew Tkachuk notches first goal of season to force game into overtime|url=http://www.calgarysun.com/2016/10/19/flames-rookie-matthew-tkachuk-notches-first-goal-of-season-to-force-game-into-overtime|website=Calgary Sun|access-date=December 7, 2016|date=October 18, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202064232/http://www.calgarysun.com/2016/10/19/flames-rookie-matthew-tkachuk-notches-first-goal-of-season-to-force-game-into-overtime|archive-date=February 2, 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref> On March 20, 2017, he was suspended two games for an elbow to the face of [[Los Angeles Kings]] defenseman [[Drew Doughty]].<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.nhl.com/news/calgary-flames-matthew-tkachuk-suspended-for-elbowing/c-287899848 | title = Matthew Tkachuk of Flames suspended two games | website = NHL.com | date = March 20, 2017}}</ref> During the next meeting between the two teams on March 29, Tkachuk further settled the hit by fighting Kings defenseman [[Brayden McNabb]]. Tkachuk finished seventh in voting for the [[Calder Memorial Trophy]], an award awarded annually to the top rookie in the NHL.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.nhl.com/player/matthew-tkachuk-8479314 | title = Matthew Tkachuk Bio | website = NHL.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Gilbertson|first1=Wes|title=Johnny Gaudreau wins Lady Byng Memorial Trophy|url=https://calgaryherald.com/sports/hockey/nhl/calgary-flames/johnny-gaudreau-wins-lady-byng-memorial-trophy|newspaper=Calgary Herald|date=21 June 2017|access-date=15 December 2017|quote=Rambunctious rookie Matthew Tkachuk ranked seventh in the Calder Memorial Trophy race}}</ref>
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==Personal life==
==Personal life==
His father, [[Keith Tkachuk]], played 1,201 games in the NHL and is a member of the [[United States Hockey Hall of Fame]].<ref>{{cite web|author=Chapin Landvogt |url=http://u18worlds2015.iihf.com/en/news/en/like-father-like-son/ |title=Like father like son – WM18 – International Ice Hockey Federation IIHF |publisher=U18worlds2015.iihf.com |date=2015-04-16 |access-date=2015-09-19}}</ref> Matthew Tkachuk's younger brother, [[Brady Tkachuk|Brady]], plays for the [[Ottawa Senators]] and won bronze with the United States at the [[2018 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships]].<ref>{{cite web|last1=Dillman|first1=Lisa|title=Tkachuks go miles for Matthew, star siblings|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/tkachuk-family-always-on-the-move-watching-sons-on-hockey-rink/c-296609604|website=NHL.com|access-date=April 10, 2018|date=March 4, 2018}}</ref> Tkachuk was born in the Phoenix suburb of [[Scottsdale, Arizona|Scottsdale]] during his father's stint with the Coyotes, and grew up in the St. Louis suburb of [[Chesterfield, Missouri|Chesterfield]], when his father was dealt to the [[St. Louis Blues]] in 2001. He attended [[Chaminade College Preparatory School (Missouri)|Chaminade College Preparatory School]] from sixth to ninth grade until he decided to join the United States Hockey League. While at Chaminade, Tkachuk was in the same gym class and good friends with [[Boston Celtics]] forward [[Jayson Tatum]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Austin |first1=Daniel |title=Road to NBA and NHL went through one gym class for Tatum and Tkachuk |url=https://calgarysun.com/sports/hockey/nhl/calgary-flames/road-to-nba-and-nhl-went-through-one-gym-class-for-tatum-and-tkachuk |website=Calgary Sun |access-date=February 1, 2018}}</ref>


Tkachuk is of [[Ukraine|Ukrainian]] ancestry on both his maternal and paternal sides; the surname "Tkachuk" translates to ''weaver'' in Ukrainian.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nhl.com/flames/news/tkachuk-family-helping-matthew-settle-in/c-285968128|title=TKACHUK FAMILY HELPING MATTHEW SETTLE IN|website=NHL.com|language=en-US|access-date=2019-02-27}}</ref><ref name="Irish">{{Cite web|url=https://www.lowellsun.com/2013/10/25/lowell-court-officer-i-can-honestly-say-ive-loved-this-job/|title=Lowell Court Officer: 'I Can Honestly Say I've Loved This Job'|website=The Lowell Sun|language=en-US|access-date=June 15, 2023}}</ref> He is also of [[Ireland|Irish]] ancestry on his paternal side.<ref name="Irish" />
Tkachuk is a second cousin of former NHL player [[Tom Fitzgerald (ice hockey)|Tom Fitzgerald]], who grew up with his father and a second cousin once-removed to his sons, [[Ryan Fitzgerald (ice hockey)|Ryan]] and [[Casey Fitzgerald (ice hockey)|Casey]], who are both NHL prospects. He is also a cousin of NHL players [[Kevin Hayes (ice hockey)|Kevin]] and the late [[Jimmy Hayes (ice hockey)|Jimmy Hayes]]. Tkachuk is a Ukrainian surname, although his father has said that his family background and name is either "Polish, Russian, [or] Ukrainian, one of those."<ref name=cnnsiukr>{{cite news|title=Athlete profile: Keith Tkachuk|url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/olympics/events/1998/nagano/athletes/569.htm|work=3 February 1998|publisher=CNN / Sports Illustrated|access-date=October 4, 2011|date=February 3, 1998}}</ref> Tkachuk is of Canadian descent, as his mother Chantal is a native of [[Winnipeg]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nhl.com/flames/news/tkachuk-family-helping-matthew-settle-in/c-285968128|title=TKACHUK FAMILY HELPING MATTHEW SETTLE IN|website=NHL.com|language=en-US|access-date=2019-02-27}}</ref>

The Tkachuk family has been referred to as one branch of "a giant hockey family tree" and Tkachuk is related to several other current and former NHL players and league industry members through both his father's family, originally from [[Medford, Massachusetts]], and his mother's family, originally from [[Winnipeg, Manitoba]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://theathletic.com/601451/2018/10/22/a-giant-hockey-family-tree-with-roots-running-across-the-nhl-grows-in-charlestown/|title=A Giant Hockey Family Tree With Roots Running Across the NHL Grows in Charlestown}}</ref>

Tkachuk is a second cousin of former NHL player and current General Manager of the [[New Jersey Devils]], [[Tom Fitzgerald (ice hockey)|Tom Fitzgerald]], as well as a second cousin once-removed to his Florida Panthers teammate [[Casey Fitzgerald (ice hockey)|Casey Fitzgerald]] and Casey's brother, [[Ryan Fitzgerald (ice hockey)|Ryan]], who plays in the [[American Hockey League|AHL]]. He is also a cousin of NHL player [[Kevin Hayes (ice hockey)|Kevin Hayes]] and his brother, the late [[Jimmy Hayes (ice hockey)|Jimmy Hayes]]. Tkachuk's maternal uncle is NHL player agent Craig Oster, who represents numerous NHL players including [[Erik Karlsson]], [[Mark Stone (ice hockey)|Mark Stone]] and [[Evgeny Kuznetsov]], as well as both Tkachuk and his brother.


==Career statistics==
==Career statistics==

Revision as of 03:31, 16 June 2023

Matthew Tkachuk
Tkachuk with the Calgary Flames in 2021
Born (1997-12-11) December 11, 1997 (age 27)
Scottsdale, Arizona, U.S.
Height 6 ft 2 in (188 cm)
Weight 210 lb (95 kg; 15 st 0 lb)
Position Right wing / Left wing
Shoots Left
NHL team
Former teams		 Florida Panthers
Calgary Flames
NHL draft 6th overall, 2016
Calgary Flames
Playing career 2016–present

Matthew Brandon Tkachuk (/kəˈtʃʌk/; born December 11, 1997) is an American professional ice hockey winger and alternate captain for the Florida Panthers of the National Hockey League (NHL). Tkachuk was selected sixth overall at the 2016 NHL Entry Draft by the Calgary Flames.[1][2]

For the 2021-22 and 2022-23 NHL seasons, Tkachuk was a top ten point-scorer in the league, registering 104 and 109 points, respectively. In 2023, Tkachuk was named a finalist for the NHL's Hart Memorial Trophy as the league's most valuable player.

Early life

Matthew Brandon Tkachuk was born in Scottsdale, Arizona, to Keith and Chantal (née Oster) Tkachuk. His father is a former National Hockey League player who had an 18-year career with the Winnipeg Jets, Phoenix Coyotes, St. Louis Blues and Atlanta Thrashers and is a member of the United States Hockey Hall of Fame.[3] Tkachuk was born in Scottsdale while his father was playing for the Phoenix Coyotes.[4] His younger brother, Brady, is the captain of the Ottawa Senators, and his younger sister, Taryn, is a collegiate field hockey player with the University of Virginia.[5]

At age four, following his father being dealt to the St. Louis Blues, Tkachuk moved to the St. Louis suburb of Chesterfield, Missouri, where he was raised. He attended Chaminade College Preparatory School from sixth to ninth grade, where he was classmates with Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum.[6] Tkachuk left Chaminade after ninth grade to join the USA Hockey National Team Development Program in Ann Arbor, Michigan.[7]

Playing career

Junior

Tkachuk playing for the London Knights in April 2016

Tkachuk played in the 2010 Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament with the St. Louis Blues minor ice hockey team, where he was teammates with Logan Brown, Clayton Keller and Luke Kunin.[8] On May 8, 2015, Tkachuk gave up his NCAA eligibility when he signed with the London Knights of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), who had drafted him in the fourth round of the 2013 OHL Priority Selection.[9] Playing on a line with Mitch Marner and Christian Dvorak, Tkachuk scored 107 points, placing him fifth in OHL scoring. Tkachuk scored the game winning goal in overtime for the Knights in the 2016 Memorial Cup final.

Leading up to the NHL draft, Tkachuk was the second-ranked North American skater, described as "a bona fide future star for an NHL club that brings elite skills and attributes."[10] After his selection by the Calgary Flames, sixth overall, Tkachuk was signed to a three-year, entry-level contract on July 7, 2016.[11]

Professional

Calgary Flames (2016–2022)

Tkachuk scored his first NHL goal in a 4–3 overtime win against the Buffalo Sabres.[12] On March 20, 2017, he was suspended two games for an elbow to the face of Los Angeles Kings defenseman Drew Doughty.[13] During the next meeting between the two teams on March 29, Tkachuk further settled the hit by fighting Kings defenseman Brayden McNabb. Tkachuk finished seventh in voting for the Calder Memorial Trophy, an award awarded annually to the top rookie in the NHL.[14][15]

During his sophomore year, on November 17, 2017, the NHL Department of Player Safety announced that Tkachuk was suspended one game for his part in a line brawl that took place in a game against the Detroit Red Wings on November 15.[16] He was suspended again on December 7, for spearing Toronto Maple Leafs winger Matt Martin.[17] Tkachuk became the second youngest teenager in Flames history to reach 100 games, the first being Dan Quinn in 1985, when he played against the Arizona Coyotes on November 30.[18] Tkachuk was injured in a game against the New York Islanders on March 11, 2018, and missed the rest of the season.[19] Despite the injury, he finished the season with a career-high 49 points.

Prior to the 2018–19 season, Tkachuk was named an alternate captain for the Flames, along with Mikael Backlund and Sean Monahan.[20] Tkachuk set a new career high for points during the season[21] and recorded his first career NHL hat-trick in a 6–3 win over the Vegas Golden Knights.[22] On March 15, 2019, Tkachuk recorded his 100th career assist and became the first player from his draft class to reach that milestone.[23]

After being absent from the Flames' training camp due to an unsigned contract, Tkachuk signed a three-year, $21 million extension on September 25, 2019.[24]

On April 19, 2022, Tkachuk recorded his 99th point (an assist) in a 3–2 shootout loss to the Nashville Predators, surpassing his father's previous personal record (98 in 1995–96).[25] Two days later, Tkachuk scored his 100th point (and 40 goals) in a 4–2 win against the Dallas Stars, becoming the second player, along with Auston Matthews from the 2016 draft class to score 100 points in a single season.[26] The 2021–22 season was one of the most successful regular seasons in Flames history, with Tkachuk at the center of its success. Tkachuk would spend most of the season playing on the right wing with centreman Elias Lindholm, and left winger Johnny Gaudreau. The trio formed one of the most dominant forward lines in the NHL, and all three members hit numerous personal and collective milestones over the course of the season.[27] All three scored at least 40 goals in the course of the season, the first time in 28 years that linemates had all achieved this, and only the fourth time in that span that a team had three 40-goal scorers.[28] Tkachuk finished the regular season with 42 goals and 62 assists, while the Flames won the Pacific Division title. The Flames drew the Dallas Stars in the first round of the 2022 Stanley Cup playoffs, a rematch of the bubble playoffs two years prior, and a matchup in which the Flames were considered the favourites.[27] Tkachuk scored the lone goal of Game 1, giving his team the victory.[29] The series proved a greater challenge than anticipated, largely due to Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger, but the Flames eventually won in seven games, with Tkachuk managing another goal in the series-clinching game.[30] The Flames drew the Edmonton Oilers in the second round, the first playoff "Battle of Alberta" in 31 years.[31] The Flames were defeated by the Oilers in five games, bringing the playoff run to an end.[32]

After the conclusion of the season, teammate Gaudreau opted to leave the Flames in free agency to sign with the Columbus Blue Jackets.[33] Tkachuk's own future with the team had been subject to speculation for some time, with many believing he intended to leave the Flames when he reached unrestricted free agency.[34] Days after news of Gaudreau's departure, the Flames announced that they had filed for club arbitration on Tkachuk's next contract, having heretofore failed to come to terms on an extension. This was widely interpreted as being a preliminary measure in a move to trade him to another team, and thereby avoid losing Tkachuk in free agency for no compensation.[35][36] On July 20, The Athletic reported that Tkachuk had told the Flames that he would not re-sign with the team for a long-term contract.[37]

Florida Panthers (2022–present)

On July 22, 2022, two days after informing the Flames of his intention not to re-sign to a long-term deal, Tkachuk was traded to the Florida Panthers along with a conditional fourth-round draft pick in 2025 in exchange for Jonathan Huberdeau, MacKenzie Weegar, Cole Schwindt, and a lottery-protected first-round pick in 2025. Tkachuk signed an eight-year, $76 million contract prior to being traded to the Panthers.[38] In the NHL 2023 All-Star Game on February 4, 2023, Tkachuk was named the Game MVP after scoring 4 goals and 3 assists of 7 points.[39] In his first season with the Florida Panthers, Tkachuk surpassed his personal record for points in a season, and finished with 109 at the end of his first year with Florida.[40] In recognition of his achievements, Tkachuk was named a finalist for the Hart Memorial Trophy, awarded to the league's most valuable player.[41] Tkachuk helped lead the Panthers to the 2023 Stanley Cup Finals, scoring four goals including three game winners against the Carolina Hurricanes in the Eastern Conference Finals.[42]

International play

Medal record
Representing  United States
Men's ice hockey
IIHF World U18 Championship
Gold medal – first place 2015 Switzerland
IIHF World U20 Championship
Bronze medal – third place 2016 Finland

Tkachuk helped the United States win gold at the 2014 World U-17 Hockey Challenge held in Nova Scotia.[43] He also competed at the 2015 IIHF World U18 Championships, where in seven games he registered ten assists (tops in the tournament), leading the U.S. under-18 team to a gold medal win.[44]

At the 2016 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships, held in Helsinki, Tkachuk and Auston Matthews each scored 11 points to lead the American team in scoring. After losing in the semi-finals, the U.S. defeated Sweden to claim the bronze medal.

Personal life

Tkachuk is of Ukrainian ancestry on both his maternal and paternal sides; the surname "Tkachuk" translates to weaver in Ukrainian.[45][46] He is also of Irish ancestry on his paternal side.[46]

The Tkachuk family has been referred to as one branch of "a giant hockey family tree" and Tkachuk is related to several other current and former NHL players and league industry members through both his father's family, originally from Medford, Massachusetts, and his mother's family, originally from Winnipeg, Manitoba.[47]

Tkachuk is a second cousin of former NHL player and current General Manager of the New Jersey Devils, Tom Fitzgerald, as well as a second cousin once-removed to his Florida Panthers teammate Casey Fitzgerald and Casey's brother, Ryan, who plays in the AHL. He is also a cousin of NHL player Kevin Hayes and his brother, the late Jimmy Hayes. Tkachuk's maternal uncle is NHL player agent Craig Oster, who represents numerous NHL players including Erik Karlsson, Mark Stone and Evgeny Kuznetsov, as well as both Tkachuk and his brother.

Career statistics

Regular season and playoffs

Regular season Playoffs
Season Team League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM
2013–14 U.S. National Development Team USHL 33 5 12 17 18 — — — — —
2014–15 U.S. National Development Team USHL 24 13 20 33 75 — — — — —
2015–16 London Knights OHL 57 30 77 107 80 18 20 20 40 42
2016–17 Calgary Flames NHL 76 13 35 48 105 4 0 0 0 4
2017–18 Calgary Flames NHL 68 24 25 49 61 — — — — —
2018–19 Calgary Flames NHL 80 34 43 77 62 5 2 1 3 18
2019–20 Calgary Flames NHL 69 23 38 61 74 6 1 1 2 10
2020–21 Calgary Flames NHL 56 16 27 43 55 — — — — —
2021–22 Calgary Flames NHL 82 42 62 104 68 12 4 6 10 20
2022–23 Florida Panthers NHL 79 40 69 109 123 20 11 13 24 12
NHL totals 510 192 299 491 548 47 18 21 39 64

International

Year Team Event Result GP G A Pts PIM
2014 United States U17 1st place, gold medalist(s) 6 4 3 7 2
2015 United States U18 1st place, gold medalist(s) 7 2 10 12 4
2016 United States WJC 3rd place, bronze medalist(s) 7 4 7 11 6
Junior totals 20 10 20 30 12

Awards and honors

Award Year Ref
NHL
NHL All-Star Game 2020, 2023 [48]
NHL All Star Game MVP 2023 [49]
NHL Second All-Star Team 2022
International
World U-17 Hockey Challenge gold medal 2014 [50]
IIHF World U18 Championship gold medal 2015 [51]

References

  1. ^ "Flames select Matthew Tkachuk with 6th overall pick in NHL Draft". Sportsnet. June 24, 2016.
  2. ^ "U.S. forward Tkachuk conjures memories of dad – 2016 World Junior Championship". NHL.com. November 17, 2014. Retrieved September 19, 2015.
  3. ^ Chapin Landvogt (April 16, 2015). "Like father like son – WM18 – International Ice Hockey Federation IIHF". U18worlds2015.iihf.com. Retrieved September 19, 2015.
  4. ^ Dillman, Lisa (March 4, 2018). "Tkachuks go miles for Matthew, star siblings". NHL.com. Retrieved April 10, 2018.
  5. ^ "Taryn Tkachuk". Virginia Cavaliers Official Athletic Site. Retrieved June 15, 2023.
  6. ^ Austin, Daniel. "Road to NBA and NHL went through one gym class for Tatum and Tkachuk". Calgary Sun. Retrieved February 1, 2018.
  7. ^ Baugh, Peter. "Before Tatum and Tkachuk Became a Hero and Villain in Boston, They Were High School Classmates". The Athletic. Retrieved May 17, 2023.
  8. ^ "Pee-Wee players who have reached NHL or WHA" (PDF). Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament. 2018. Archived from the original (PDF) on March 6, 2019. Retrieved January 2, 2019.
  9. ^ "Keith Tkachuk's son Matthew commits to London Knights. Here's why that's big news". The Hockey News. May 8, 2015. Archived from the original on November 19, 2015. Retrieved September 19, 2015.
  10. ^ "Dubois jumps to top of draft rankings". NHL.com. Retrieved April 12, 2016.
  11. ^ "Flames sign Matthew Tkachuk". Calgary Flames. July 7, 2016. Retrieved July 7, 2016.
  12. ^ Odland, Kristen (October 18, 2016). "Flames rookie Matthew Tkachuk notches first goal of season to force game into overtime". Calgary Sun. Archived from the original on February 2, 2017. Retrieved December 7, 2016.
  13. ^ "Matthew Tkachuk of Flames suspended two games". NHL.com. March 20, 2017.
  14. ^ "Matthew Tkachuk Bio". NHL.com.
  15. ^ Gilbertson, Wes (June 21, 2017). "Johnny Gaudreau wins Lady Byng Memorial Trophy". Calgary Herald. Retrieved December 15, 2017. Rambunctious rookie Matthew Tkachuk ranked seventh in the Calder Memorial Trophy race
  16. ^ "Tkachuk suspended one game for actions in Flames game against Red Wings". NHL.com. November 17, 2017. Retrieved November 20, 2017.
  17. ^ Canadian Press (December 7, 2017). "Flames' Matthew Tkachuk suspended one game for spearing". Sportsnet.ca. Toronto: Sportsnet. Retrieved December 8, 2017.
  18. ^ Gilbertson, Wes (November 30, 2017). "Flames sophomore Matthew Tkachuk hits 100-game plateau". Calgarysun.com. Calgary Sun. Retrieved December 4, 2017.
  19. ^ Vickers, Aaron (March 28, 2018). "Tkachuk, Brodie likely out for remainder of Flames season". NHL.com. Retrieved April 10, 2018.
  20. ^ Perterson, Torrie (October 2, 2018). "BACKLUND, TKACHUK NAMED ALTERNATE CAPTAINS". NHL.com. Retrieved October 3, 2018.
  21. ^ @NHLFlames (January 7, 2019). "Matthew Tkachuk now has 5⃣0⃣ points on the year, a new career-high!" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  22. ^ @SportsCentre (March 10, 2019). "Matthew Tkachuk records a hat trick as #Flames score three answered goals to beat #GoldenKnights 6-3 and snap a four-game losing streak" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  23. ^ Mike Johnston (March 16, 2019). "5 things we learned in the NHL: Flames' Gaudreau, Tkachuk make history". sportsnet.ca. Retrieved March 16, 2019.
  24. ^ "FLAMES RE-SIGN MATTHEW TKACHUK". National Hockey League. September 25, 2019. Retrieved September 25, 2019.
  25. ^ Gilbertson, Wes (April 19, 2022). "Flames' Tkachuk sets family record, nears milestone moment". calgarysun. Retrieved May 18, 2022.
  26. ^ "Tkachuk scores 40th, Flames beat Stars to win Pacific title". ESPN. April 21, 2022. Retrieved May 18, 2022.
  27. ^ a b Luszczyszyn, Dom; Goldman, Shayna (May 1, 2022). "2022 NHL playoff preview: Flames vs. Stars". The Athletic. Retrieved May 16, 2022.
  28. ^ Francis, Eric (April 29, 2022). "Flames' Gaudreau ensures his line joins exclusive 40-40-40 club". Sportsnet. Retrieved May 16, 2022.
  29. ^ Campbell, Glenn (May 4, 2022). "Matthew Tkachuk has fingerprints all over Calgary Flames' victory over Dallas Stars". CTV News. Retrieved July 20, 2022.
  30. ^ "Johnny Gaudreau's overtime goal lifts Flames to Game 7 win over Stars". The Athletic. May 16, 2022. Retrieved May 16, 2022.
  31. ^ Boylen, Rory (May 16, 2022). "Stanley Cup Playoffs Round 2 Preview: Flames vs. Oilers". Sportsnet. Retrieved May 16, 2022.
  32. ^ Spector, Mark (May 27, 2022). "Oilers' stars shine bright — and extinguish Flames in the process". Sportsnet. Retrieved May 28, 2022.
  33. ^ LeBrun, Pierre (July 14, 2022). "How did Johnny Gaudreau end up with the Columbus Blue Jackets?". The Athletic. Retrieved July 14, 2022.
  34. ^ Rutherford, Jeremy; Salvian, Hailey (January 27, 2022). "What we're hearing about Matthew Tkachuk's future in Calgary". The Athletic. Retrieved July 20, 2022.
  35. ^ Francis, Eric (July 20, 2022). "As Flames and Tkachuk head towards divorce, Calgary's losses become a cautionary tale". Sportsnet. Retrieved July 20, 2022.
  36. ^ Gentille, Sean; Salvian, Hailey (July 20, 2022). "If Matthew Tkachuk is traded, where could he go? 7 potential destinations". The Athletic. Retrieved July 20, 2022.
  37. ^ Rutherford, Jeremy; Salvian, Hailey (July 20, 2022). "Matthew Tkachuk tells Flames he won't re-sign long-term; trade likely: Sources". The Athletic. Retrieved July 20, 2022.
  38. ^ "Flames trade Tkachuk to Panthers for monster haul headlined by Huberdeau". Sportsnet. July 22, 2022. Retrieved July 23, 2022.
  39. ^ "Atlantic beats Central to win NHL All-Star Game, Matthew Tkachuk named MVP". Sportsnet. February 4, 2023. Retrieved February 5, 2023.
  40. ^ "Matthew Tkachuk". Hockey Reference. Retrieved April 24, 2023.
  41. ^ Satriano, David (May 12, 2023). "McDavid, Pastrnak, Tkachuk named Hart Trophy finalists". NHL.com. Retrieved May 12, 2023.
  42. ^ "'HE DID IT AGAIN': Hockey world amazed by yet another late Matthew Tkachuk goal". Sportsnet.ca. May 24, 2023. Retrieved May 25, 2023.
  43. ^ "Golden boy comes north | The London Free Press". Lfpress.com. May 8, 2015. Retrieved September 19, 2015.
  44. ^ "Matthew Tkachuk signs with London Knights (OHL) – SB Nation College Hockey". Sbncollegehockey.com. May 8, 2015. Retrieved September 19, 2015.
  45. ^ "TKACHUK FAMILY HELPING MATTHEW SETTLE IN". NHL.com. Retrieved February 27, 2019.
  46. ^ a b "Lowell Court Officer: 'I Can Honestly Say I've Loved This Job'". The Lowell Sun. Retrieved June 15, 2023.
  47. ^ "A Giant Hockey Family Tree With Roots Running Across the NHL Grows in Charlestown".
  48. ^ "NHL All-Star Game rosters revealed". National Hockey League. December 30, 2019. Retrieved December 30, 2019.
  49. ^ "Atlantic beats Central to win NHL All-Star Game, Matthew Tkachuk named MVP". Sportsnet.ca. Retrieved February 5, 2023.
  50. ^ "Matthew Tkachuk". Worldjuniors.usahockey.com. July 13, 2011. Retrieved September 19, 2015.
  51. ^ "Matt Tkachuk signs with London Knights, reflects on U18 team winning gold medal". West Newsmagazine. May 15, 2015. Retrieved September 19, 2015.
Awards and achievements
Preceded by Calgary Flames' first round draft pick
2016 		Succeeded by
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