Panthers superstar Matthew Tkachuk credits Paul Maurice with making him 'so much of a better player'

A relationship built on trust and mutual respect is flourishing between Matthew Tkachuk and Paul Maurice

Matthew Tkachuk's first season with the Florida Panthers was about as good as anyone could've hoped.

He filled up the stat categories and acted as a leader both on and off the ice, all while doing an amazing job of embracing the community and being present, outgoing and endearing to a new fanbase.

The sample size is small, but after one calendar year, it sure looks like Tkachuk is a perfect fit in South Florida with the Panthers.

Speaking with Cam Janssen and Andy Strickland on the Cam and Strick Podcast earlier this week, Tkachuk continued to lean into the idea that he found the perfect hockey home with the Panthers.

One thing Tkachuk has done almost nonstop since being traded to the Panthers is proclaim his love and adoration for living in South Florida.

A year into his tenure with the Panthers, he was asked if he had any idea he would love it as much as he has so far.

"No, not to this extent," Tkachuk said.

As for what makes South Florida so great, he said, "It's such a bad answer, but literally everything. The guys, the town, the activities that you're able to do, just everything."

Something Tkachuk made sure to point out was that as awesome as it is being a Floridian – living in a place people come to vacation, with a beautiful tropical climate and no snow-filled winters to contend with – the flip-flop, laid back lifestyle ends when you get to the rink.

"When you're at the rink, it's as business as you could imagine," Tkachuk explained. "You're there to win hockey games. You're not there for a good way of life. That's not what the Florida Panthers are about anymore."

During the interview, Tkachuk discussed Florida's roller coaster of a season that ended with their incredible run all the way to the Stanley Cup Final.

While there were countless elements and contributing factors that brought the Panthers to the brink of a championship, one thing Tkachuk said stood out.

He spoke about the bond that formed as the year went by between himself and his head coach in Florida, Paul Maurice.

The mutual respect between the two was apparent throughout the season, but especially during the playoffs.

"I truly mean this when I say this," Tkachuk began. "He has made me so much of a better player…trusting me, and allowing me to play the way that I have to play to make myself and make (my teammates) successful."

Tkachuk talked about how calm things would be on the bench during the playoffs, and how Maurice is the perfect mix of a coach who says 'if you're not having fun, what are you doing here' while also having the old school 'if you don't play hard, you don't play' mentality.

"He's been amazing," Tkachuk said. "He's the perfect coach for our team."

With Tkachuk under contract with Florida through the end of the decade, it certainly makes you wonder how special of a relationship the pair might have when all is said and done.

For now, we'll see if it translates beyond a single remarkable season.

Year two of the Tkachuk-Maurice show begins in a few short weeks.