Matthew Tkachuk Isn’t Happy About Not Being in the Stanley Cup Playoffs

Matthew Tkachuk and the Florida Panthers’ quest for a three-peat fell well short in 2025–26, as the back-to-back Stanley Cup champions failed to even qualify for the postseason.

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Nobody in hockey wants to hear injuries being used as an excuse for a team’s shortcomings, but in the Panthers’ case, they had every right to point to the wear and tear and absence of many of their star players throughout the year. Tkachuk was, of course, one of those, and while everyone can understand why Florida is watching these playoffs from home, that hasn’t made it any easier for the superstar winger to deal with.

Tkachuk said:

“Even watching these playoff games, like I love it so much it actually ****ing pisses me off that I’m not in it this year. Like it is so sad. I’m watching, I’m seeing these buildings, I’m seeing the tailgates, I’m seeing the watch parties, I’m seeing the intensity. There’s nothing better than that first game, that first period — it is the best,”

The 28-year-old Tkachuk was productive in limited action this season, tallying 34 points (13 goals, 21 assists) in just 31 games played.

After years of his brother Brady coming to Calgary and Florida to support Matthew, this time around, he’s the one playing the role of a fan. We saw him and his parents in Carolina on Monday night watching the Senators, who are now in an 0–2 hole heading back to Ottawa.

Fans may be happy they don’t have to watch Tkachuk and the Panthers all spring long, but they shouldn’t count on that becoming a trend. A healthy and rested Florida team heading into 2026–27 won’t just be back as playoff contenders, but right back in the mix of contending for another Stanley Cup.

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