Tkachuk was one of three finalists for the Hart Trophy last season, his first with Florida
Matthew Tkachuk’s first season with the Florida Panthers couldn’t have gone any better.
Acquired in an off-season sign-and-trade with the Calgary Flames, Tkachuk made an immediate impact on the Panthers, both on the ice and off.
He led the team in scoring, putting up his second consecutive season of 40-plus goals and 100-plus points while providing another dimension of physicality to Florida’s relentless forechecking and generally physical style of play.
Tkachuk played as key a role as any during the Panthers march to the Stanley Cup Final, scoring big goal after big goal and literally giving everything he had to offer…ultimately trying to play through a broken sternum during Florida’s final games.
He was also incredible for the Panthers in terms of a locker room leader. Florida’s dressing room was one of the tightest and lightest in the league, and it played a big part in the team reaching the heights that it did.
After arriving in South Florida, Tkachuk was also happy to talk about how much he loved the community, the environment and really everything about living down here.
It’s been a home run of a fit.
Tkachuk’s spectacular first season in Florida was recognized on varying levels, perhaps none more impressive than his nomination as a finalist for the Hart Trophy, given annually to the player voted most valuable to their team.
Considering he’s still just 25 years old, its perfectly reasonable to think that Tkachuk’s best years may still be ahead of him.
That being the case, it makes sense that he would be among the players viewed as early favorites for this year’s Hart Trophy.
A recent story by The Hockey News’ Rachel Doerrie took a look at who she believes will be the betting favorites for MVP.
Naturally, Tkachuk was on the list, with the story pointing out his unique ability to wear multiple hats on the team while still playing like one of the best players in the league.
It also touches on Tkachuk’s contributions on the power play, something we’ve discussed recently here at THN Florida, but also mentions that of the Hart Trophy-caliber players considered at his level, Tkachuk may be lacking in comparison in the two-way play department.
Over at Bovada, Tkachuk comes in with the fourth shortest odds to win at +1200, meaning a $100 bet will win you $1,200.
The favorite is Connor McDavid, who is at even money (you bet $100, you win $100), followed by Nathan MacKinnon at +900 and Leon Draisaitl at +1000.
Rounding out the top five are Auston Matthews, David Pastrnak and Kirill Kaprizov, all at +1600.
Looking further down the list, Panthers captain Sasha Barkov is +10000 to win the Hart Trophy while former Florida star Jonathan Huberdeau is listed at +25000.
Perhaps another big year for Tkachuk and the Panthers will lead to the young American taking home some hardware next summer.