The NHL recently revealed its Top 20 wingers list for the 2024-25 season on NHL Network, placing Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk at number 12. This ranking spurred strong reactions from fans on social media platforms such as X, especially given the presence of his brother, Matthew Tkachuk of the Florida Panthers, ranked significantly higher at number two.
Nikita Kucherov of the Boston Bruins secured the top spot, followed by Matthew Tkachuk and Colorado Avalanche’s Mikko Rantanen. Fans quickly debated Brady Tkachuk’s placement, with some arguing his ranking was inflated due to his last name. One fan tweeted,
“Matthew Tkachuk’s brother is becoming tremendously overrated because of his name.”
Another social media user pointed out,
“Brady Tkachuk isn’t even a top 10 winger on his team.”
Conversely, supporters highlighted the full scope of Brady’s contributions beyond point totals. One fan stated,
“People look at points only to make these polls but if you look at the overall portrait of Brady Tkachuk’s game, he’s easily a top 10 winger in the game, easily,”
While others critiqued perceptions of his scoring ability, noting,
“Brady Tkachuk is a fuckin 50 point winger and y’all parade him around like he’s a 100 plus point guy.”
Matthew Tkachuk Honored as EA Sports NHL 26 Cover Athlete
Matthew Tkachuk, Brady’s older brother and a standout winger for the Florida Panthers, was announced as the cover athlete for EA Sports NHL 26 on August 4, 2025. This selection marks the first appearance of a Panthers player on the cover since John Vanbiesbrouck featured in NHL 97.
Matthew’s reputation has been bolstered by his back-to-back Stanley Cup championships with the Panthers during the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons. Notably, he scored in the decisive Game 6 of the Cup Finals against the Edmonton Oilers.
Reflecting on the team’s success, Matthew said,
“Heart meets talent. Our team was a team. When things were getting hard for them, they looked to one guy. But our team, we do it collectively…. And that’s why we’re lifting the Stanley Cup right now —because we’re a team and not a bunch of individuals,” he said after lifting the Cup.”
Under contract for eight years worth $76 million, Matthew recorded 57 points during the regular season, scoring 22 goals and assisting on 35 others. In the playoffs, he added 23 points across 23 games.
Significance of the Rankings and What Lies Ahead
Brady Tkachuk’s positioning at number 12 among NHL wingers has sparked debate about his true impact versus the perception influenced by his brother’s accomplishments. The contrasting opinions highlight the challenges players face when comparisons arise within families, especially at elite levels. Fans and analysts will likely continue to monitor Brady’s performance to see if he can move up in future rankings.
Meanwhile, Matthew Tkachuk’s status as cover athlete and recent championship success solidifies his standing among the league’s premier players. His role with the Florida Panthers is expected to remain central as they aim to defend their title. For Brady, the coming seasons may prove critical in defining his own legacy distinct from familial ties, as he seeks to reshape any narrative of being overrated.