Matthew Tkachuk: The best trade in Panthers history?
Analyzing Why
Matthew Tkachuk is one of the most unique players in all of hockey. He is feared against with his competitiveness, his intensity and passion, but plays a well-rounded style that brands well with the Florida Panthers. He can score from anywhere, in around the crease, from afar, but also incorporates his playmaking touch to make his linemates better. A very rare superstar to have, but he's shown his talent throughout the 2023 Stanley Cup playoffs on the biggest stage.
Last offseason, Bill Zito changed the dynamic of the Panthers moving forward. In exchange for acquiring Tkachuk, a pending RFA from Calgary, the Panthers moved on from long-time franchise star Jonathan Huberdeau, and MacKenzie Weegar.
Tkachuk, a 24-year-old rising superstar at the same, came in with a sense of belonging right away, as he signed a long-term extension for nearly $10 million AAV. It was a commitment that showed on both sides, but Tkachuk especially, knowing how the Panthers have been on the rise the last few years.
Fast forward to now, and Tkachuk has been exactly what Bill Zito said the Panthers were looking for, as he stated in his introductory press conference with Tkachuk how this player would bring the franchise a playing style rarely seen in hockey.
Tkachuk thrived in the back half of Florida's first-round series against Boston, had a slower start early on in the Toronto series, gradually picking up the pace throughout, and then literally eliminating Carolina with his late goal in the 3rd period against Carolina recently. Tkachuk became one of the fastest players to reach 20 points in a playoff run for Florida all-time, ranking as the 3rd highest playoff scorer (right now) in franchise history behind Carter Verhaeghe and Aleksander Barkov.
While it's arguable that Florida's best trade of all-time would be Pavel Bure when they acquired him from Vancouver, Tkachuk's playoff dominance has continued to emphasize why they acquired him in the first place last year. If Bure had a more profound impact in the playoffs with Florida, that would be much different. However, Tkachuk's impact has allowed Florida to win games, stay alive in games, and move on to another series.
He's been the star of the show in every category, showing up when Florida needs him most in the biggest moments. Other than Sergei Bobrovsky, Tkachuk has been Florida's best player on this playoff run.
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