Hello, hockey fans! If you love following the NHL and admire world-class, Matthew Tkachuk is a name you’ll recognize instantly. Matthew Tkachuk is an American professional ice hockey winger who plays as an alternate captain for the Florida Panthers in the NHL and is widely regarded as one of the league’s top power forwards. By 2025, he has become a Stanley Cup champion, a consistent All-Star-level player, and one of the highest-paid stars in the league.
Matthew Tkachuk’s Biography
| Details | Information |
| Full Name | Matthew Brendan Tkachuk |
| Nickname | Chucky |
| Date of Birth | December 11, 1997 |
| Age | 27 years old |
| Birthplace | Scottsdale, Arizona, USA |
| College | University of Notre Dame |
| Junior League | London Knights (OHL) |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6 ft 2 in (188 cm) |
| Weight | 210 lb (95 kg) |
| Turned Professional | 2016 |
| Current Team | Florida Panthers |
| Position | Left Winger |
| Net Worth | $60 million |
| Annual Salary | $9.5 million |
| Spouse | Ellie Connell |
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Instagram Profile | @matthew_tkachuk |
Early Career
Matthew Tkachuk’s path to professional hockey diverged from the typical American trajectory. Initially committed to playing college hockey at the University of Notre Dame, he made the pivotal decision in May 2015 to forgo NCAA eligibility and join the London Knights of the Ontario Hockey League instead.
This move proved transformative, as during his single 2015-16 season with the Knights, he accumulated 107 points, finishing fifth in OHL scoring. Playing alongside future NHL star Mitch Marner, Tkachuk scored the game-winning goal in overtime during the 2016 Memorial Cup final, cementing his status as an elite prospect. His combination of size, hockey intelligence, and competitive edge caught the attention of NHL scouts, and the Calgary Flames selected him sixth overall in the 2016 NHL Draft, a decision that changed his life forever.
Professional Career
Tkachuk’s NHL career has been marked by remarkable consistency and leadership. Since making his debut with the Calgary Flames in the 2016-17 season, he has evolved from a promising rookie into one of the league’s premier forwards. During his six seasons with Calgary, he gradually increased his production, culminating in a spectacular 104-point season in 2021-22. In July 2022, the Flames traded him to the Florida Panthers, who immediately signed him to an eight-year, $76 million contract.
This move proved transformative for both player and franchise. In his first season with Florida, Tkachuk surpassed his previous career best, recording 109 points. His impact extended beyond statistics, as his leadership and competitive intensity helped restore the Panthers to Stanley Cup contention. Over his time with the Panthers, Tkachuk has maintained elite scoring numbers while serving as an alternate captain and emotional leader. His gritty style, combined with exceptional playmaking ability and net-front presence, has made him invaluable during high-pressure situations.
Wife
Matthew Tkachuk is married to Ellie Connell, whom he married on July 19, 2025. The couple met several years before going public with their relationship, making their first official appearance together at the 2023 NHL Awards. Tkachuk proposed to Connell in April 2024, and they exchanged vows in a lavish wedding ceremony just weeks after his second consecutive Stanley Cup victory. Ellie Connell is a luxury travel advisor and founder of Travel Untethered, a high-end travel company that specializes in customized travel experiences for discerning clients.
She maintains a relatively private social media presence, though her business accounts showcase her expertise in creating personalized travel itineraries. Tkachuk and Connell do not have any children together at this time, though Matthew recently became an uncle when his brother Brady’s son, Ryder, was born on September 16, 2024.
Matthew Tkachuk’s Net Worth Details
As of 2025, Matthew Tkachuk’s estimated net worth stands at approximately $60 million. This substantial wealth reflects his successful NHL career spanning nearly a decade, featuring lucrative multi-year contracts and strategic financial planning. The foundation of his net worth is built primarily on his eight-year, $76 million contract with the Florida Panthers, signed in 2022. This contract is heavily structured with signing bonuses, totaling $68 million across the deal’s duration, providing Tkachuk with significant financial security.
His annual salary from the Panthers averages $9.5 million, making him one of the highest-paid forwards in the entire league. Beyond his hockey earnings, Tkachuk has supplemented his income through endorsement deals with multiple brands including BODYARMOR, Perry Ellis, CarShield, Amerant Bank, and other companies. These endorsement agreements, while not comprising a massive portion of his overall wealth, add meaningful additional revenue streams. His net worth also reflects prudent financial management, brand development, and investments, demonstrating that Tkachuk is building long-term wealth beyond his playing career.
Prize Money
| Award/Achievement | Year | Details |
| Memorial Cup Champion | 2016 | Won with London Knights; scored game-winning goal in final |
| Stanley Cup Champion | 2024 | First Stanley Cup championship with Florida Panthers |
| Stanley Cup Champion | 2025 | Back-to-back Stanley Cup championship with Florida Panthers |
| NHL All-Star Game | 2023 | Named Game MVP; recorded 4 goals and 3 assists (7 points) |
| NHL All-Star Game | 2024 | Second All-Star selection |
| Hart Trophy Finalist | 2023 | Finalist for NHL’s Most Valuable Player award |
| 2016 World Junior Championship | 2016 | Bronze medal with Team USA; 11 points in 7 games |
| 2015 IIHF World U18 Championship | 2015 | Gold medal with Team USA |
| 2014 World U17 Hockey Challenge | 2014 | Gold medal with Team USA |
| OHL First Team All-Star | 2016 | Named All-Star with London Knights |
| Alternate Captain | 2024-Present | Serves as Alternate Captain for Florida Panthers |
| 2016 NHL Draft | 2016 | Selected 6th overall by Calgary Flames |
Endorsements
- BODYARMOR – Multi-year endorsement deal as official sports drink partner; featured in national marketing campaigns during 4 Nations Face-Off
- Perry Ellis – Fashion and apparel partnership established ahead of 4 Nations Face-Off
- CarShield – Auto insurance endorsement spanning multiple years
- Amerant Bank – Banking and investment services brand ambassador
- Hyundai Canada – Vehicle manufacturer endorsement securing Canadian market presence
- Tim Hortons – Canadian food and beverage endorsement
- Sherwood – Hockey equipment and apparel partnership
- Suzuki – Automotive brand partnership
- Kong Company – Official mouthguard manufacturer sponsorship
Career Records
| Record/Statistic | Number | Details |
| Career Hat Tricks | 5 | Including one on January 9, 2024, against St. Louis Blues |
| Career Games Played | 642 | Regular season appearances through 2024-25 |
| Career Goals | 240 | Regular season goals across his entire career |
| Career Assists | 396 | Regular season assists across his entire career |
| Career Points | 636 | Regular season points total |
| Best Season Points | 109 | Achieved in 2022-23 with Florida Panthers |
| Best Season Goals | 42 | Achieved in 2021-22 with Calgary Flames |
| Playoff Games | 94 | Total playoff appearances |
| Playoff Goals | 32 | Goals in playoff competition |
| Playoff Assists | 52 | Assists in playoff competition |
| 2024 Playoffs | 22 pts in 24 games | 6 goals, 16 assists; won Stanley Cup |
| 2025 Playoffs | 23 pts in 23 games | 8 goals, 15 assists; won back-to-back Stanley Cup |
| Stanley Cup Finals MVP Contribution | 2024-2025 | Key contributor in consecutive championship runs |
| Plus-Minus Career | +130 | Career plus-minus rating |
| Penalty Minutes | 690 | Physical playing style reflected in penalty statistics |
FAQs
1. What is Matthew Tkachuk’s relationship to Keith Tkachuk?
Matthew Tkachuk is the son of Keith Tkachuk, a Hall of Fame-caliber former NHL player who played 20 seasons in the league with teams including the Winnipeg Jets, Phoenix Coyotes, St. Louis Blues, and Atlanta Thrashers. Keith was one of the most productive American-born players in NHL history, with over 1,000 career points. Matthew’s younger brother, Brady Tkachuk, is also an elite NHL player currently with the Ottawa Senators, making the Tkachuk family one of the most accomplished hockey dynasties in American sports history.
2. Why did Matthew Tkachuk choose the OHL over college hockey?
In May 2015, Matthew made the strategic decision to de-commit from the University of Notre Dame and join the London Knights of the Ontario Hockey League instead. This decision was driven by his belief that major junior hockey would provide faster development, higher-caliber competition, and better preparation for the NHL compared to NCAA hockey. His instincts proved correct, as he excelled in the OHL and helped London win the 2016 Memorial Cup before being drafted sixth overall by Calgary.
3. How much is Matthew Tkachuk’s contract with the Florida Panthers worth?
Tkachuk signed an eight-year, $76 million contract extension with the Florida Panthers in 2022, which runs through the 2029-30 season. The deal includes an average annual value of $9.5 million and is heavily structured with signing bonuses totaling $68 million. His annual salary varies between $1 million in base salary and up to $10.25 million in certain years, making him one of the highest-paid forwards in the NHL.
4. What are Matthew Tkachuk’s most notable achievements in his NHL career?
Matthew Tkachuk’s most significant career achievements include winning back-to-back Stanley Cup championships with the Florida Panthers in 2024 and 2025, being named an NHL All-Star twice, and earning Hart Trophy finalist consideration in 2023. He was also the 2023 NHL All-Star Game MVP, recording seven points in a single game. Internationally, he has represented Team USA at multiple levels, winning medals at youth world championships.
5. How did Matthew Tkachuk meet his wife Ellie Connell?
While the specific details of how Matthew and Ellie met have not been publicly disclosed, they made their first public appearance together at the 2023 NHL Awards. They dated for several years before Tkachuk proposed in April 2024. The couple married on July 19, 2025, just weeks after Tkachuk won his second consecutive Stanley Cup championship.
6. What endorsement deals does Matthew Tkachuk currently have?
Matthew Tkachuk has endorsement partnerships with multiple brands including BODYARMOR, Perry Ellis, CarShield, Amerant Bank, Hyundai Canada, Tim Hortons, Sherwood, Kong Company, and Suzuki. These deals span industries from sports beverages and fashion to automotive and financial services. He is among the most endorsed NHL players, with his marketability increasing significantly following the Panthers’ Stanley Cup victories.
7. What is Matthew Tkachuk’s playing style and what position does he play?
Matthew Tkachuk plays left winger and is known for his aggressive, physical playing style combined with exceptional hockey intelligence and playmaking ability. He excels at puck protection, net-front presence, and performing in high-pressure situations. His combination of size (6’2″, 210 lbs), speed, and competitive intensity makes him effective both offensively and defensively, contributing to his status as an alternate captain and team leader.
8. How has Matthew Tkachuk contributed to the Florida Panthers’ recent success?
Since joining the Panthers in 2022, Tkachuk has been instrumental in the franchise’s return to championship status. In his first season, he recorded 109 points, setting a career high. His leadership, competitive drive, and clutch playoff performances helped lead the Panthers to consecutive Stanley Cup Finals appearances in 2023, 2024, and 2025. He was particularly impactful in the 2024-25 playoff run, contributing 23 points in 23 games, directly helping secure the franchise’s second Stanley Cup championship.
9. What is Matthew Tkachuk’s estimated net worth, and where does it come from?
Matthew Tkachuk’s estimated net worth is approximately $60 million as of 2025. The primary source of his wealth is his NHL salary from his $76 million contract with the Florida Panthers. Additional income comes from endorsement deals with multiple brands, investment returns, and financial planning. His net worth reflects his status as one of the NHL’s highest-paid and most marketable players.
10. Does Matthew Tkachuk have any children, and what is his family situation?
Matthew Tkachuk does not have children with his wife Ellie Connell, whom he married on July 19, 2025. However, he recently became an uncle when his brother Brady’s son, Ryder, was born on September 16, 2024. Matthew maintains close family ties with his parents Keith and Chantal Tkachuk, his brother Brady (also an NHL player), and his sister Taryn (who plays field hockey at the University of Virginia). The Tkachuk family remains actively involved in supporting one another’s professional endeavors.