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==Early life==
==Early life==
Tkachuk was born in [[Scottsdale, Arizona|Scottsdale]], [[Arizona]], to [[Keith Tkachuk|Keith]] and Chantal (née Oster)<ref>{{cite web |last1=Murphy |first1=Austin |title=Under Control These Days, The Coyotes' Star Power Forward, Keith Tkachuk, Does His Hell-Raising On The Ice|url=https://vault.si.com/vault/1997/03/03/under-control-these-days-the-coyotes-star-power-forward-keith-tkachuk-does-his-hell-raising-on-the-ice |website=Sports Illustrated|date=March 3, 1997|access-date=July 13, 2023}}</ref> 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, today known as the [[Arizona 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 [[NCAA Division I]] 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>
Tkachuk was born in [[Scottsdale, Arizona|Scottsdale]], [[Arizona]], to [[Keith Tkachuk|Keith]] and Chantal (née Oster)<ref>{{cite web |last1=Murphy |first1=Austin |title=Under Control These Days, The Coyotes' Star Power Forward, Keith Tkachuk, Does His Hell-Raising On The Ice|url=https://vault.si.com/vault/1997/03/03/under-control-these-days-the-coyotes-star-power-forward-keith-tkachuk-does-his-hell-raising-on-the-ice |website=Sports Illustrated|date=March 3, 1997|access-date=July 13, 2023}}</ref> 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, today known as the [[Arizona 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 an [[NCAA Division I]] [[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>


Tkachuk spent his formative years in NHL hockey rinks, watching his father practice from the players' bench. As an infant in Scottsdale, Tkachuk's mother would drop him off at the Phoenix Coyotes' former arena, the Ice Den, on practice days, where the team's equipment managers would take on babysitting duties while his father was on the ice.<ref name="Babysitting">{{cite web|title=Diaper Dandy: Coyotes Equipment Manager Babysat Flames Star Matthew Tkachuk|url=https://theathletic.com/1351256/2019/11/05/diaper-dandy-coyotes-equipment-manager-babysat-flames-star-matthew-tkachuk/|website=The Athletic|access-date=June 16, 2023}}</ref> Of his childhood, Tkachuk has said, "When you say you grew up in a rink people think, 'Oh, yeah, your dad played but you didn't really grow up there.' No, I literally grew up in the rink."<ref name="Babysitting" />
Tkachuk spent his formative years in NHL hockey rinks, watching his father practice from the players' bench. As an infant in Scottsdale, Tkachuk's mother would drop him off at the Arizona Coyotes' former arena, the Ice Den, during his father's practice days, where the team's equipment managers would take on babysitting duties while she ran errands.<ref name="Babysitting">{{cite web|title=Diaper Dandy: Coyotes Equipment Manager Babysat Flames Star Matthew Tkachuk|url=https://theathletic.com/1351256/2019/11/05/diaper-dandy-coyotes-equipment-manager-babysat-flames-star-matthew-tkachuk/|website=The Athletic|access-date=June 16, 2023}}</ref> Of his childhood, Tkachuk has said, "When you say you grew up in a rink people think, 'Oh, yeah, your dad played but you didn't really grow up there.' No, I literally grew up in the rink."<ref name="Babysitting" />


At age three, following his father being dealt to the [[St. Louis Blues]], Tkachuk moved to the [[St. Louis]] suburb of [[Creve Coeur, Missouri]], where he was raised.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Keller |first1=Katlyn |title=
At age three, following his father being dealt to the [[St. Louis Blues]], Tkachuk moved to the [[St. Louis]] suburb of [[Creve Coeur, Missouri]], where he was raised.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Keller |first1=Katlyn |title=
Former Blues forward Keith Tkachuk sells his Creve Coeur home for $1.85 million|url=https://www.bizjournals.com/stlouis/news/2017/08/10/former-blues-forward-keith-tkachuk-sells-his-creve.html |website=St. Louis Business Journal |access-date=July 16, 2023}}</ref> He and his brother continued to regularly accompany their father to practices as well as to multiple NHL All-Star games, where they would play mini sticks with NHL players.<ref name="St. Louis">{{cite web|title=Tkachuk Photo Albums A Who's Who Of A Hockey Family's History|url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/?sn-article=tkachuk-photo-albums-whos-hockey-familys-history|website=Sportsnet|access-date=June 16, 2023}}</ref> Tkachuk attended the elementary program, formerly known as Oak Hill School, at [[Villa Duchesne]],<ref>{{cite web |title=Stuck With The Tkachuks: Chris Weinke Helps Matthew & Brady Run Football Drills
Former Blues forward Keith Tkachuk sells his Creve Coeur home for $1.85 million|url=https://www.bizjournals.com/stlouis/news/2017/08/10/former-blues-forward-keith-tkachuk-sells-his-creve.html |website=St. Louis Business Journal |access-date=July 16, 2023}}</ref> Tkachuk and his brother continued to regularly accompany their father to practices with the Blues and traveled to watch him play in multiple NHL All-Star games and the [[2006 Winter Olympics]].<ref name="St. Louis">{{cite web|title=Tkachuk Photo Albums A Who's Who Of A Hockey Family's History|url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/?sn-article=tkachuk-photo-albums-whos-hockey-familys-history|website=Sportsnet|access-date=June 16, 2023}}</ref> The Tkachuk family acted as a [[billet family]] for young St. Louis Blues players, and Tkachuk lived with NHL players [[David Backes]], [[Lee Stempniak]] and [[Philip McRae]] at different times throughout his adolescence.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Lomon |first1=Chris |title=My Top 5: Matthew Tkachuk |url=https://www.nhlpa.com/news/1-13822/my-top-5-matthew-tkachuk |website=NHLPA |access-date=August 14, 2023}}</ref> Tkachuk attended the elementary program, formerly known as Oak Hill School, at [[Villa Duchesne]],<ref>{{cite web |title=Stuck With The Tkachuks: Chris Weinke Helps Matthew & Brady Run Football Drills
|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jAwC8ZqYP98 |website=youtube.com |publisher=[[Sportsnet]] |language=en |format=video |date=June 23, 2020}}</ref> and completed the sixth through ninth grades at [[Chaminade College Preparatory School (Missouri)|Chaminade College Preparatory School]], 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>
|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jAwC8ZqYP98 |website=YouTube.com |publisher=[[Sportsnet]] |language=en |format=video |date=June 23, 2020}}</ref> and completed the sixth through ninth grades at [[Chaminade College Preparatory School (Missouri)|Chaminade College Preparatory School]], 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>


During his adolescence, Tkachuk played [[minor ice hockey]] with a youth affiliate of the St. Louis Blues, where he was teammates with fellow St. Louis-area players [[Clayton Keller]], [[Logan Brown]] and [[Luke Kunin]].<ref name="Minor">{{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> Their team competed in the 2010 [[Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament]].<ref name="Minor" /> Tkachuk left St. Louis after the 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>
During this time, Tkachuk played [[minor ice hockey]] with a youth affiliate of the St. Louis Blues, where he was teammates with fellow St. Louis-area players [[Clayton Keller]], [[Logan Brown]] and [[Luke Kunin]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Allen |first1=Kevin |title=Another Tkachuk ready to make his mark on NHL
|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nhl/2016/06/21/matthew-tkachuk-father-dad-keith-draft/86189766/|website=[[USA Today]]|access-date=June 21, 2016}}</ref> Their team competed in the 2010 [[Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament]].<ref name="Minor">{{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> Tkachuk left St. Louis after the 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==
==Playing career==
===Junior===
===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 was drafted by the [[London Knights]] in the fourth round, 64th overall, of the 2013 [[Ontario Hockey League]] (OHL) Priority Selection.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thedraftanalyst.com/prospects/matt-tkachuk/|title=LW Matt Tkachuk |website=Elite Prospects|date=2015-05-08 |access-date=2015-10-03 |archive-date=July 16, 2023}}</ref> He played two seasons with the USA Hockey National Team Development Program for both the U.S. National U17 Team (USDP) and the U.S. National U18 Team (USDP).<ref name="Knights">{{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}}</ref><ref name="USNTDP">{{cite web |last=Olsen|first=Becky|title=Matthew Tkachuk Builds On Success In Second Year With NTDP|url=https://www.usahockeyntdp.com/news_article/show/505919|website=USA Hockey National Team Development Program|access-date=July 13, 2023 |date=April 21, 2015}}</ref> In his first season with the team, he registered 13 goals and 34 points in 53 games,<ref name="OHL">{{cite web |title=Matthew Tkachuk Bio|url=https://teamusa.usahockey.com/page/show/2721446-matthew-tkachuk|website=USA Hockey|access-date=July 13, 2023}}</ref> and in his second season, he finished second on the team with 96 points (38 goals and 58 assists) in 65 games.<ref>{{cite web |last=Wells|first=Nathan|title=Matthew Tkachuk signs with London Knights (OHL)
Tkachuk was drafted by the [[London Knights]] in the fourth round, 64th overall, of the 2013 [[Ontario Hockey League]] (OHL) Priority Selection.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thedraftanalyst.com/prospects/matt-tkachuk/|title=LW Matt Tkachuk |website=Elite Prospects|date=2015-05-08 |access-date=2015-10-03}}</ref> He played two seasons with the USA Hockey National Team Development Program for both the U.S. National U17 Team (USDP) and the U.S. National U18 Team (USDP).<ref name="Knights">{{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}}</ref><ref name="USNTDP">{{cite web |last=Olsen|first=Becky|title=Matthew Tkachuk Builds On Success In Second Year With NTDP|url=https://www.usahockeyntdp.com/news_article/show/505919|website=USA Hockey National Team Development Program|access-date=July 13, 2023 |date=April 21, 2015}}</ref> In his first season with the team, he registered 13 goals and 34 points in 53 games,<ref name="OHL">{{cite web |title=Matthew Tkachuk Bio|url=https://teamusa.usahockey.com/page/show/2721446-matthew-tkachuk|website=USA Hockey|access-date=July 13, 2023}}</ref> and in his second season, he finished second on the team with 96 points (38 goals and 58 assists) in 65 games.<ref>{{cite web |last=Wells|first=Nathan|title=Matthew Tkachuk signs with London Knights (OHL)
|url=https://www.sbncollegehockey.com/2015/5/8/8575855/matthew-tkachuk-signs-london-knights-ohl|website=SB Nation|access-date=July 13, 2023}}</ref> During his time in Ann Arbor, Tkachuk played on a line with [[Auston Matthews]] and [[Jack Roslovic]], and lived part time with the family of teammate [[Christian Fischer]].<ref name="USNTDP" />
|url=https://www.sbncollegehockey.com/2015/5/8/8575855/matthew-tkachuk-signs-london-knights-ohl|website=SB Nation|access-date=July 13, 2023}}</ref> During his time in Ann Arbor, Tkachuk played on a line with [[Auston Matthews]] and [[Jack Roslovic]], and lived part time with the family of teammate [[Christian Fischer]].<ref name="USNTDP" />


Line 83: Line 84:
Tkachuk is of [[Ukraine|Ukrainian]] descent 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 of [[Ukraine|Ukrainian]] descent 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" />


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|website=The Athletic|language=en-US|accessdate=October 22, 2018}}</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 [[Boston, 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|website=The Athletic|language=en-US|accessdate=October 22, 2018}}</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 [[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.<ref>{{Cite web|last1=McKenzie|first1=Julian|url=https://theathletic.com/3625254/2022/11/15/tkachuk-huberdeau-trade/|title=The Story Of How The Matthew Tkachuk-Jonathan Huberdeau Trade Was Completed|website=The Athletic|language=en-US|accessdate=November 15, 2022}}</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 [[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.<ref>{{Cite web|last1=McKenzie|first1=Julian|url=https://theathletic.com/3625254/2022/11/15/tkachuk-huberdeau-trade/|title=The Story Of How The Matthew Tkachuk-Jonathan Huberdeau Trade Was Completed|website=The Athletic|language=en-US|accessdate=November 15, 2022}}</ref>

Revision as of 02:14, 15 August 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 Brendan 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). He previously played in the NHL for the Calgary Flames. The Flames selected him in the first round, 6th overall, in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft.[1][2]

The son of former NHL player Keith Tkachuk, Tkachuk was born in Scottsdale, Arizona and raised in the St. Louis suburb of Creve Coeur, Missouri. He is a product of the USA Hockey National Team Development Program and played one season of major junior hockey with the London Knights of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), where he scored the game winning goal in overtime to win his team the 2016 Memorial Cup.

Internationally, Tkachuk has represented the United States at a U17 World Hockey Challenge, a U18 World Championship and at the 2016 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships, where his team won a bronze medal. In 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

Tkachuk was born in Scottsdale, Arizona, to Keith and Chantal (née Oster)[3] 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.[4] Tkachuk was born in Scottsdale while his father was playing for the Phoenix Coyotes, today known as the Arizona Coyotes.[5] His younger brother, Brady, is the captain of the Ottawa Senators, and his younger sister, Taryn, is an NCAA Division I field hockey player with the University of Virginia.[6]

Tkachuk spent his formative years in NHL hockey rinks, watching his father practice from the players' bench. As an infant in Scottsdale, Tkachuk's mother would drop him off at the Arizona Coyotes' former arena, the Ice Den, during his father's practice days, where the team's equipment managers would take on babysitting duties while she ran errands.[7] Of his childhood, Tkachuk has said, "When you say you grew up in a rink people think, 'Oh, yeah, your dad played but you didn't really grow up there.' No, I literally grew up in the rink."[7]

At age three, following his father being dealt to the St. Louis Blues, Tkachuk moved to the St. Louis suburb of Creve Coeur, Missouri, where he was raised.[8] Tkachuk and his brother continued to regularly accompany their father to practices with the Blues and traveled to watch him play in multiple NHL All-Star games and the 2006 Winter Olympics.[9] The Tkachuk family acted as a billet family for young St. Louis Blues players, and Tkachuk lived with NHL players David Backes, Lee Stempniak and Philip McRae at different times throughout his adolescence.[10] Tkachuk attended the elementary program, formerly known as Oak Hill School, at Villa Duchesne,[11] and completed the sixth through ninth grades at Chaminade College Preparatory School, where he was classmates with Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum.[12]

During this time, Tkachuk played minor ice hockey with a youth affiliate of the St. Louis Blues, where he was teammates with fellow St. Louis-area players Clayton Keller, Logan Brown and Luke Kunin.[13] Their team competed in the 2010 Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament.[14] Tkachuk left St. Louis after the ninth grade to join the USA Hockey National Team Development Program in Ann Arbor, Michigan.[15]

Playing career

Junior

Tkachuk playing for the London Knights in April 2016

Tkachuk was drafted by the London Knights in the fourth round, 64th overall, of the 2013 Ontario Hockey League (OHL) Priority Selection.[16] He played two seasons with the USA Hockey National Team Development Program for both the U.S. National U17 Team (USDP) and the U.S. National U18 Team (USDP).[17][18] In his first season with the team, he registered 13 goals and 34 points in 53 games,[19] and in his second season, he finished second on the team with 96 points (38 goals and 58 assists) in 65 games.[20] During his time in Ann Arbor, Tkachuk played on a line with Auston Matthews and Jack Roslovic, and lived part time with the family of teammate Christian Fischer.[18]

Prior to the 2015-16 season, Tkachuk opted to join the London Knights roster, forfeiting his NCAA eligibility and de-committing from the University of Notre Dame.[17] Playing on a line with Mitch Marner and Christian Dvorak, Tkachuk scored 107 points during the 2015-16 season (30 goals, 77 assists), placing him fifth overall in OHL scoring.[19] He was named an OHL First Team All-Star and scored the game winning goal in overtime for the Knights in the 2016 Memorial Cup final.[17]

Leading up to the 2016 NHL Entry 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."[21] After his selection by the Calgary Flames, sixth overall, Tkachuk was signed to a three-year, entry-level contract on July 7, 2016.[22]

Professional

Calgary Flames (2016–2022)

Tkachuk scored his first NHL goal in a 4–3 overtime win against the Buffalo Sabres.[23] On March 20, 2017, he was suspended two games for an elbow to the face of Los Angeles Kings defenseman Drew Doughty.[24] 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.[25][26]

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.[27] He was suspended again on December 7, for spearing Toronto Maple Leafs winger Matt Martin.[28] 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.[29] Tkachuk was injured in a game against the New York Islanders on March 11, 2018, and missed the rest of the season.[30] 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.[31] Tkachuk set a new career high for points during the season[32] and recorded his first career NHL hat-trick in a 6–3 win over the Vegas Golden Knights.[33] On March 15, 2019, Tkachuk recorded his 100th career assist and became the first player from his draft class to reach that milestone.[34]

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.[35]

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).[36] 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.[37] 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.[38] 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.[39] 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.[38] Tkachuk scored the lone goal of Game 1, giving his team the victory.[40] 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.[41] The Flames drew the Edmonton Oilers in the second round, the first playoff "Battle of Alberta" in 31 years.[42] The Flames were defeated by the Oilers in five games, bringing the playoff run to an end.[43]

After the conclusion of the season, teammate Gaudreau opted to leave the Flames in free agency to sign with the Columbus Blue Jackets.[44] 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.[45] 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.[46][47] 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.[48]

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.[49] 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.[50] 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.[51] In recognition of his achievements, Tkachuk was named a finalist for the Hart Memorial Trophy, awarded to the league's most valuable player.[52] 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.[53]

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.[54] 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.[55]

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 descent on both his maternal and paternal sides; the surname "Tkachuk" translates to weaver in Ukrainian.[56][57] He is also of Irish ancestry on his paternal side.[57]

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 Boston, Massachusetts, and his mother's family, originally from Winnipeg, Manitoba.[58]

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 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.[59]

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 74
NHL totals 510 192 299 491 548 47 18 21 39 126

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 [60]
NHL All Star Game MVP 2023 [61]
NHL Second All-Star Team 2022, 2023
International
World U-17 Hockey Challenge gold medal 2014 [62]
IIHF World U18 Championship gold medal 2015 [63]

References

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  2. ^ "U.S. forward Tkachuk conjures memories of dad – 2016 World Junior Championship". NHL.com. November 17, 2014. Retrieved September 19, 2015.
  3. ^ Murphy, Austin (March 3, 1997). "Under Control These Days, The Coyotes' Star Power Forward, Keith Tkachuk, Does His Hell-Raising On The Ice". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved July 13, 2023.
  4. ^ Chapin Landvogt (April 16, 2015). "Like father like son – WM18 – International Ice Hockey Federation IIHF". U18worlds2015.iihf.com. Retrieved September 19, 2015.
  5. ^ Dillman, Lisa (March 4, 2018). "Tkachuks go miles for Matthew, star siblings". NHL.com. Retrieved April 10, 2018.
  6. ^ "Taryn Tkachuk". Virginia Cavaliers Official Athletic Site. Retrieved June 15, 2023.
  7. ^ a b "Diaper Dandy: Coyotes Equipment Manager Babysat Flames Star Matthew Tkachuk". The Athletic. Retrieved June 16, 2023.
  8. ^ Keller, Katlyn. "Former Blues forward Keith Tkachuk sells his Creve Coeur home for $1.85 million". St. Louis Business Journal. Retrieved July 16, 2023.
  9. ^ "Tkachuk Photo Albums A Who's Who Of A Hockey Family's History". Sportsnet. Retrieved June 16, 2023.
  10. ^ Lomon, Chris. "My Top 5: Matthew Tkachuk". NHLPA. Retrieved August 14, 2023.
  11. ^ "Stuck With The Tkachuks: Chris Weinke Helps Matthew & Brady Run Football Drills" (video). YouTube.com. Sportsnet. June 23, 2020.
  12. ^ Austin, Daniel. "Road to NBA and NHL went through one gym class for Tatum and Tkachuk". Calgary Sun. Retrieved February 1, 2018.
  13. ^ Allen, Kevin. "Another Tkachuk ready to make his mark on NHL". USA Today. Retrieved June 21, 2016.
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  28. ^ Canadian Press (December 7, 2017). "Flames' Matthew Tkachuk suspended one game for spearing". Sportsnet.ca. Toronto: Sportsnet. Retrieved December 8, 2017.
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  31. ^ Perterson, Torrie (October 2, 2018). "BACKLUND, TKACHUK NAMED ALTERNATE CAPTAINS". NHL.com. Retrieved October 3, 2018.
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  33. ^ @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.
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  38. ^ a b Luszczyszyn, Dom; Goldman, Shayna (May 1, 2022). "2022 NHL playoff preview: Flames vs. Stars". The Athletic. Retrieved May 16, 2022.
  39. ^ Francis, Eric (April 29, 2022). "Flames' Gaudreau ensures his line joins exclusive 40-40-40 club". Sportsnet. Retrieved May 16, 2022.
  40. ^ Campbell, Glenn (May 4, 2022). "Matthew Tkachuk has fingerprints all over Calgary Flames' victory over Dallas Stars". CTV News. Retrieved July 20, 2022.
  41. ^ "Johnny Gaudreau's overtime goal lifts Flames to Game 7 win over Stars". The Athletic. May 16, 2022. Retrieved May 16, 2022.
  42. ^ Boylen, Rory (May 16, 2022). "Stanley Cup Playoffs Round 2 Preview: Flames vs. Oilers". Sportsnet. Retrieved May 16, 2022.
  43. ^ Spector, Mark (May 27, 2022). "Oilers' stars shine bright — and extinguish Flames in the process". Sportsnet. Retrieved May 28, 2022.
  44. ^ LeBrun, Pierre (July 14, 2022). "How did Johnny Gaudreau end up with the Columbus Blue Jackets?". The Athletic. Retrieved July 14, 2022.
  45. ^ Rutherford, Jeremy; Salvian, Hailey (January 27, 2022). "What we're hearing about Matthew Tkachuk's future in Calgary". The Athletic. Retrieved July 20, 2022.
  46. ^ Francis, Eric (July 20, 2022). "As Flames and Tkachuk head towards divorce, Calgary's losses become a cautionary tale". Sportsnet. Retrieved July 20, 2022.
  47. ^ 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.
  48. ^ 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.
  49. ^ "Flames trade Tkachuk to Panthers for monster haul headlined by Huberdeau". Sportsnet. July 22, 2022. Retrieved July 23, 2022.
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  51. ^ "Matthew Tkachuk". Hockey Reference. Retrieved April 24, 2023.
  52. ^ Satriano, David (May 12, 2023). "McDavid, Pastrnak, Tkachuk named Hart Trophy finalists". NHL.com. Retrieved May 12, 2023.
  53. ^ "'HE DID IT AGAIN': Hockey world amazed by yet another late Matthew Tkachuk goal". Sportsnet.ca. May 24, 2023. Retrieved May 25, 2023.
  54. ^ "Golden boy comes north | The London Free Press". Lfpress.com. May 8, 2015. Retrieved September 19, 2015.
  55. ^ "Matthew Tkachuk signs with London Knights (OHL) – SB Nation College Hockey". Sbncollegehockey.com. May 8, 2015. Retrieved September 19, 2015.
  56. ^ "Tkachuk Family Helping Matthew Settle In". NHL.com. Retrieved February 27, 2019.
  57. ^ a b "Lowell Court Officer: 'I Can Honestly Say I've Loved This Job'". The Lowell Sun. Retrieved June 15, 2023.
  58. ^ "A Giant Hockey Family Tree With Roots Running Across the NHL Grows in Charlestown". The Athletic. Retrieved October 22, 2018.
  59. ^ McKenzie, Julian. "The Story Of How The Matthew Tkachuk-Jonathan Huberdeau Trade Was Completed". The Athletic. Retrieved November 15, 2022.
  60. ^ "NHL All-Star Game rosters revealed". National Hockey League. December 30, 2019. Retrieved December 30, 2019.
  61. ^ "Atlantic beats Central to win NHL All-Star Game, Matthew Tkachuk named MVP". Sportsnet.ca. Retrieved February 5, 2023.
  62. ^ "Matthew Tkachuk". Worldjuniors.usahockey.com. July 13, 2011. Retrieved September 19, 2015.
  63. ^ "Matt Tkachuk signs with London Knights, reflects on U18 team winning gold medal". West Newsmagazine. May 15, 2015. Retrieved September 19, 2015.
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Matthew Tkachuk.
Awards and achievements
Preceded by Calgary Flames' first round draft pick
2016 		Succeeded by
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