Florida Panthers forward Matthew Tkachuk expressed his thoughts on the upcoming rematch against the Edmonton Oilers in the back-to-back Stanley Cup Finals. As the series approaches, Tkachuk reflected on how much the opportunity to compete for another championship has driven him throughout the year.

Addressing the rare chance for both teams to compete again at this stage, Tkachuk said,

“You think about this moment of getting back with a chance to compete for the Stanley Cup again. And we’re the two lucky teams that get to do it. I mean it’s so hard, too, and very few players are able to get a chance at one, even, so if you would have asked both of us in the middle of the summer if we have a chance to play for the Stanley Cup again, a rematch, we would both race to sign that paper.” —Matthew Tkachuk, Florida Panthers forward

Tkachuk’s comments highlight his intense competitive spirit and his appreciation for this rare stage. Facing the Edmonton Oilers again is no small task, as he acknowledges the strength of their opponents.

He added,

“It’s here. They’re an unbelievable team. It’s going to be a great battle. They’re, I’m sure, champing at the bit to get another chance at it.” —Matthew Tkachuk, Florida Panthers forward

Last spring, the Panthers held a commanding 3-0 series lead in the Stanley Cup Final before the Oilers mounted a fiery comeback to force a decisive Game 7, which they narrowly lost. This near-comeback has clearly left a lasting impression, making the stakes higher for both sides this year.

Having gone through that intense experience, Tkachuk anticipated facing the Oilers again in the Stanley Cup Final if his team advanced. While several familiar players will go head-to-head, the impact of new players could tip the balance.

He concluded,

“It is a rematch, and there’s a lot of similar faces, but there’s some fresh blood on both sides that are going to be very hungry and going to be difference-makers in this series.” —Matthew Tkachuk, Florida Panthers forward

Game 1 of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final is set for Wednesday night, with both the Panthers and Oilers eager to claim an early advantage in what promises to be a thrilling series.

How Matthew Tkachuk’s Career Shifted After Joining the Panthers

Matthew Tkachuk began his NHL career with the Calgary Flames, who selected him sixth overall in the 2016 NHL Draft. He spent six seasons developing and excelling in Calgary before a significant change came in 2022 when he was traded to the Florida Panthers.

This move has had a profound effect on Tkachuk’s career and life. Reflecting on the change, he said,

“I think my life changed, obviously, when I got traded here and everything’s just been — it was incredible before when I was playing in Calgary, and it’s just been a whole different beast down here with things that have happened. Hoping to check another box here in a few weeks.” —Matthew Tkachuk, Florida Panthers forward

That “box” refers to winning the Stanley Cup, an achievement that eluded him in Calgary. The trade to Florida opened the door for Tkachuk to compete for the championship more directly.

Feeling fortunate for his opportunities at a relatively young age, Tkachuk shared,

“I feel like I’m not even halfway through my career and I’ve been fortunate enough with so many great things that have happened and been blessed.” —Matthew Tkachuk, Florida Panthers forward

Should the Panthers succeed, Tkachuk would join an exclusive group of players who helped their team win back-to-back Stanley Cups, cementing their place in NHL history.

At 27 years old, Tkachuk is expected to play a pivotal role in leading the Panthers against a powerful Oilers team, which is equally determined to carve its legacy. The upcoming series represents not only a battle for the championship but also a contest between two top-tier squads aiming to etch their names into the sport’s history books.