Matthew Tkachuk is living larger than life in South Florida

Matthew Tkachuk is the kind of athlete you hate to play against but enjoy having on your team. There is no middle ground with him. Take it or leave it. The second-generation hockey player recently celebrated his 28th birthday. It’s amusing how “loud” he gets on the ice by irritating and getting under his opponents’ skin, and how quiet he is off the ice with his personal life. 

But there is a chance to get to know the Panthers forward a bit more. The Tkachuk brothers, Matthew and Brady (Ottawa Senators), started the “Wingmen” podcast in November 2025. Every Wednesday, fans can get an update on Matthew’s health, listen to Tkachuk's hockey stories and reactions to the news, and leave comments. As of right now, the show is unfiltered, and the NHL wingers are very open-minded and direct. Just two brothers discussing various news and sharing narratives. The injured hockey players haven’t wasted any time and have dived into entertainment culture while recovering. It’s their way to connect with the community, develop a support system, and, probably, grow hockey. 

Back in February 2025, hockey siblings joined another sports family duo, Travis and Jason Kelce, on the “New Heights” podcast. Besides sharing their childhood and best on-ice stories, Matthew and Brady gave off a vibe about their potential show. Nine months later, they delivered. 

On the ice, Matthew, the older of the Tkachuk brothers and the Panthers player, can start fights on the flat top. He doesn’t need a reason to force his opponents to lose control, occasionally overdoing his dirty tricks himself.  Will it happen off the ice on the podcast? It’s easy to discuss suspensions, battles, and Connor Bedard’s autograph decline situation while in recovery. Imagine Matthew Tkachuk getting fully healthy and back on the Panthers roster. How many NHL players will be happy about him discussing roughing scenarios, trash talks, and behind-the-scenes moments? That’s when it will get interesting. The good thing is the “Wingmen” segment is produced by the same company that manages the Kelce brothers’ podcast. So, there is a sense of leadership and direction. 

The Cats fans haven’t seen Chucky in action since the Stanley Cup Final on June 17, 2025. He had a very productive summer, starting with a victory parade, partying with the Stanley Cup, meeting famous friends, appearing on the cover of EA Sports NHL 26, celebrating his wedding, participating in the celebrity golf tournament, and being recognized by the White House. There was another unplanned and heavy burden. The Panthers’ star had to focus on his health and undergo surgery to repair a sports hernia and a torn adductor muscle. It was fixed in August 2025, but Matthew Tkachuk needs to regain his strength. He has many supporters, goals, and shoes to fill.

Back in August, President Trump signed a new executive order focusing on sports, fitness, and nutrition. Surprisingly or not, Matthew Tkachuk was named to the Council, along with Wayne Gretzky, Tua Tagovailoa of the Miami Dolphins, and others. During his February 2025 visit to the White House with the Florida Panthers and the Stanley Cup, Tkachuk delivered a powerful speech that left an impression. Whether it's NHL games or White House visits, Matthew knows how to present himself. Only time will reveal his exact role and duties. 

His other off-the-ice gig was a guest appearance on ESPN College GameDay at the University of Miami campus in September. Tkachuk is catching a sound wave of South Florida sports. 

The two-time Stanley Cup champion is recovering, back to skating individually, working out, and dreaming of competing at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy. Another possibility is participation in the 2026 NHL Winter Classic. 

It would be a Christmas miracle to see Matthew “Chucky” Tkachuk back with the team before the end of the year. Thanks to the “Wingmen” podcast, he will be able to break the news about his return to the Panthers lineup himself. The Panthers star is on his way to building his own fandom.