Fueled by a desire for Stanley Cup glory, the former Senators captain embraces Florida’s high-stakes culture and relentless work ethic alongside his brother and new championship-caliber teammates.
One of the newest members of the Florida Panthers is anxious to get to work.
Brady Tkachuk was the centerpiece in the blockbuster trade that brought him to South Florida from the Ottawa Senators, joining forces with his brother Matthew and a Panthers team expected to be among the NHL’s top contenders for the Stanley Cup.
This week, the younger Tkachuk brother was in Las Vegas for the NHL/NHLPA North American Player Media Tour.
While in Vegas with his new captain Sasha Barkov, Tkachuk spoke about his anticipation and enthusiasm for the upcoming season, with Panthers training camp expected to begin next week in Fort Lauderdale.
“You can just feel the energy and excitement,” said Tkachuk, per NHL.com. “Last year didn’t go the way that they wanted, what they expected, and just the motivation … They’re not even talking about the two Cups. They’re talking about last year and how they want to get back to where they wanted to be.
“You can see it, the commitment to get back there,” he continued. “I know everybody’s chomping at the bit to get the season going, and we just can’t wait for the next week and a half.”
Tkachuk has been slowly getting settled in South Florida.
He’s already been spotted on the ice in his Panthers gear at the team’s practice facility, getting in some informal workouts with his brother, Florida captain Sasha Barkov and other members of the squad.
Much of the spotlight, and rightly so, will be on Tkachuk joining forces with his older brother, but for Brady, it’s also about becoming part of a team that’s very much in win-now mode, with tons of playoff experience that knows what it takes to find success during the postseason.
“I’m more excited about the on-ice aspects, not just with (Matthew) but with the group,” said Tkachuk. “I’m really excited about that. It’s a great group to be a part of. The main focus is always going to be on hockey.”
Overall, the expectation is that Tkachuk joining his brother and the Panthers will be something that fits, to steal a phrase from Ace Ventura, “like a glove.”
A physically imposing team with a great locker room and well-known work ethic that just so happens to also include his older brother?
Yeah, Tkachuk knows exactly what he’s getting himself in to.
“It’s just a dream come true,” he said.
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Photo caption: Feb 3, 2023; Sunrise, Florida, USA; Ottawa Senators left wingBradyTkachuk(left) and FloridaPantherscenter Aleksander Barkov (right) dress in beach outfits during the 2023NHLAll-Star Skills Competition at FLA Live Arena. (Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports)
