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Busy Sunday in Sunrise: Panthers scout prospects, then land Brady Tkachuk

While NHL scouts evaluated the 2026 draft-eligible prospects in Fort Lauderdale, the Florida Panthers stole the spotlight with a blockbuster Brady Tkachuk trade.
ByDaria Mironova|
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Mar 28, 2026; Elmont, New York, USA; Florida Panthers left wing Matthew Tkachuk (19) celebrates his goal against the New York Islanders with centers Carter Verhaeghe (23) and Eetu Luostarinen (27) and defenseman Seth Jones (3) during the first period at UBS Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Mar 28, 2026; Elmont, New York, USA; Florida Panthers left wing Matthew Tkachuk (19) celebrates his goal against the New York Islanders with centers Carter Verhaeghe (23) and Eetu Luostarinen (27) and defenseman Seth Jones (3) during the first period at UBS Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images | Brad Penner-Imagn Images

With the 2026 NHL draft around the corner, league scouts and managers have a chance to take a glimpse at some talent before the most electrifying weekend of the year. One of the best NHL agencies, Gold Star Management, has hosted a pre-draft showcase, bringing in the draft-eligible young players from Russia and Europe. The camp takes place at the Florida Panthers’ practice rink in Fort Lauderdale. 

Hockey weekend

Saturday was a usual day of business, with young prospects taking ice and physical tests. Scouts and managers were networking, watching the drills, taking notes, and interviewing players individually off the ice. Panthers defenseman Matvei Shuravin, who recently signed and is also represented by Gold Star, skated with a separate group at another rink. 

For the Panthers’ fans, Sunday morning started with the news of Mackie Samoskevich’s trade. The U.S.-born forward was originally selected by Florida in the 1st round, 24th overall, in the 2021 NHL draft. He had his ups and downs during the past three seasons, but overall, Samoskevich recorded 63 points in 156 NHL games with the Panthers and showed strong signs of improvement. 

Back at the prospects camp, the Panthers' scouts and the players' development team, including Roberto Luongo, attended Day 2 on Sunday. Another round of ice and off-ice business followed. Then, all the Cats' representatives left for the meeting, while most of other NHL representatives followed the players to the gym. It wasn't suspicious then.

In a few hours, in the middle of the day, the news broke: Brady Tkachuk, the younger brother of Matthew Tkachuk, became a new Panther through a trade with the Ottawa Senators. The Internet exploded. The news became the main talk of the day and will probably be remembered as the trade of the summer. Two Olympic champions, two brothers, two podcast hosts on one team.

The expectations from the "Cat-Chuk" move are so high that some fans are already getting ready for the 2027 Stanley Cup parade. Moreover, the Battle for Florida just got a whole new meaning.

Father's Day to remember

It all runs in the family. The 2002 Olympic silver medalist, Keith Tkachuk, received a double present on Father’s Day. First, his younger son became a Panther, meaning the whole family can be united and reside in the Sunshine State full-time. Second, Tkachuk Sr. earned a spot in the 2026 Hockey Hall of Fame class. This family just can’t stop celebrating and pumping up American hockey culture. 

In the office

Bill Zito made another loud and striking move. The Florida Panthers management let the 2026 Stanley Cup champions have their moment for a second, then got back to work. The Carolina Hurricanes enjoyed their victory parade on Saturday, June 20. The next day, the Cats’ office was back to business, working on bringing the Stanley Cup home to South Florida. 

 

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