Not just one Tkachuk, but two?
Credit: Daniel Torok
The Florida Panthers appear to be landing a big prize this NHL offseason.
Multiple reports, including from ESPN’s Emily Kaplan and Bleacher Report, indicate the Panthers are acquiring Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk in a blockbuster deal that reunites him with brother Matthew Tkachuk in South Florida.
According to Sportsnet, the return heading to Ottawa includes both of Florida’s first-round picks in the 2026 NHL Draft (Nos. 9 and 25 overall), a first-round pick in 2029 and a second-round pick in 2030.
The move comes just hours after the Panthers traded forward Mackie Samoskevich to the Seattle Kraken for the No. 25 pick in this year’s draft and a future second-round selection, creating additional draft capital that ultimately became part of the reported Tkachuk package.
For Panthers fans, the prospect of Matthew and Brady Tkachuk wearing the same sweater is the type of scenario typically reserved for video games and trade-deadline fantasy discussions. Instead, it now appears poised to become reality.
Brady, 26, has spent his entire NHL career in Ottawa and served as the franchise’s captain. Known for his physical play, scoring touch and willingness to agitate opponents, he brings another star presence to a Panthers roster that has already established itself as one of hockey’s premier organizations.
The cost is steep. Florida is once again shipping out premium draft assets, continuing a trend under general manager Bill Zito of prioritizing proven NHL talent over future picks. Panthers fans, however, have watched that strategy produce championships – ahem, back-to-back ones – and deep playoff runs.
