“You know I couldn’t let Edmonton win”: Matthew Tkachuk gives shout-out to fans in Calgary

Even in the euphoria of winning Hockey’s Ultimate Prize, one of the top players in the game had to give a callback to his former home.

Minutes after the Florida Panthers defeated the Edmonton Oilers in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final, Panthers forward Matthew Tkachuk made sure to let Calgary Flames fans know they were still on his mind, especially in regard to their provincial rivals.

“Shout out to my fans in Calgary,” Tkachuk told Sportsnet’s Kyle Bukauskas. “You know I couldn’t let Edmonton win.”

Tkachuk broke into the league with the Flames in 2016 after the team drafted him sixth overall. He played six seasons in Calgary, establishing himself as one of the rising stars in the league. The former London Knight also put his fingerprints into the Battle of Alberta, leading to some infamous moments, including a number of crazy battles with former Edmonton forward Zach Kassian.

In 431 games with the Flames, Tkachuck scored 152 goals and 382 points, including 15 points in 27 playoff games. Following the 2021-22 season, he signed an eight-year contract with Calgary, but was traded to the Panthers shortly thereafter–which was originally planned.

The Scottsdale, Arizona native was a key part of Florida’s run to consecutive Stanley Cup Finals, with the Panthers winning the franchise’s first championship on Monday night. In 44 postseason appearances with the Panthers, Tkachuk has notched 17 goals and 46 points.

However, despite the success of winning it all in a different market, Tkachuk proves that no matter where a player might go, the ferocity and the hatred of the Battle of Alberta is driven so deep, that there will always be a little resentment toward the rival.

During his interview with Bukauskas, Tkachuk was sure to mention his family. His father, longtime former NHLer Keith Tkachuk, and his brother, Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk, were in attendance for the historic game.

“They’re the biggest reason why I’m able to do what I do…I’ve got such a great support system at home. So much great family everywhere.”