With the NHL season running from October through June and training camps kicking off in September, summer is the prime time for NHL stars to celebrate personal milestones. This summer of 2025 saw several prominent players seize the offseason to get married, including Florida Panthers star Matthew Tkachuk in a highly celebrated event.
Leon Draisaitl Celebrates Marriage in France
Edmonton Oilers’ Leon Draisaitl married Celeste Desjardins in France, surrounded by family, friends, and teammates like captain Connor McDavid. Coming off a stellar season where he scored 52 goals and assisted on 54 for a total of 106 points in 71 games, Draisaitl is poised to enter the first year of his lucrative $112 million eight-year contract.
Matthew Tkachuk’s Wedding Reflects Panthers’ Championship Spirit
Matthew Tkachuk, fresh off leading the Florida Panthers to consecutive Stanley Cup victories, married Ellie Connell this summer. The wedding gathered many NHL stars and resembled the Panthers’ Cup celebrations, with memorable moments including Keith Tkachuk being lifted by fellow players, highlighting the festive atmosphere of the event.
MacKenzie Weegar Marries Longtime Partner Maggie Wallace
Calgary Flames defenseman MacKenzie Weegar also tied the knot with Maggie Wallace during this busy offseason. Having spent three seasons in Calgary and contributing 8 goals and 39 assists over 81 games, Weegar’s wedding included several teammates, underscoring the close-knit bond within the Flames roster.
Montreal Canadiens Captain Nick Suzuki Marries Caitlin Fitzgerald
Nick Suzuki, now the captain of the Montreal Canadiens, wed his partner Caitlin Fitzgerald this summer. The couple first met through mutual acquaintances, becoming engaged in 2024 while vacationing in the Dominican Republic. Reflecting on Suzuki’s character, Fitzgerald said, “He’s super compassionate,” followed by,
“He’s super easy to get along with… He always knows how to handle everything, and he does it calmly.”
Suzuki’s performance last season included 30 goals and 59 assists, totaling 89 points in 82 games.
Noah Dobson’s New Chapter Includes Wedding and Contract Extension
After the Canadiens’ bold offseason acquisition, star defenseman Noah Dobson not only signed an extension but also married his wife Alexa. Dobson added 10 goals and 29 assists for 39 points in 71 games last season, and his marriage marks another significant milestone in his career and personal life.
A Season of New Beginnings Off the Ice
This string of marriages among NHL stars shows how players balance the rigors of a demanding hockey season with meaningful personal celebrations during the summer. For Matthew Tkachuk and his peers, these weddings signify fresh starts and joyous moments, setting a positive tone as they prepare for the upcoming seasons.