Brothers Matthew Tkachuk and Brady, along with their father Keith, discuss various topics including NHL 26, Olympics, and more.
Multi-Generational Hockey Family Shines on NHL 26 Cover
The Tkachuk family, a renowned name in the world of ice hockey, is making history as they grace the cover of EA Sports' NHL 26 video game. The cover features Keith Tkachuk, a former NHL star and Blues Hall of Fame inductee, alongside his professional hockey-playing sons, Matthew and Brady [1][3][5].
This is a unique moment in EA Sports' NHL game history, as there is no widely documented precedent of multiple generations from the same family appearing together on a cover until the 2025 NHL 26 edition [2]. The Tkachuks' appearance symbolizes their individual and collective impact on the sport, with Matthew being a two-time Stanley Cup winner, Brady an NHL captain, and Keith a longtime NHL veteran.
The Tkachuk family's cover symbolizes their achievements in the NHL and their representation of the USA in international tournaments. Keith Tkachuk, proud of his sons' accomplishments, prioritized national team service before NHL players were permitted Olympic participation [6]. The Tkachuks and the Hugheses, who lived together before becoming top-10 picks in the 2018 NHL draft, will compete together in the Winter Olympics next February.
NHL 26, set for release on Sept. 12, features several enhancements, including the revamped Be A Pro mode and the new ICE-Q 2.0 fueled by NHL Edge official puck and player tracking, providing a more true-to-life experience [7]. Both Matthew and Brady Tkachuk are featured on the cover of the standard and deluxe editions of NHL 26, respectively [8].
However, the Tkachuks' future in the NHL is uncertain. Matthew Tkachuk, who won the Stanley Cup as a member of the Florida Panthers, is uncertain about his readiness for the start of the season due to potential need for more surgery [4]. Meanwhile, the Florida Panthers are facing uncertainty about re-signing key contributors, including Brad Marchand, Sam Bennett, and Aaron Ekblad [9].
Despite these challenges, the Tkachuk family continues to make waves in the world of ice hockey. Brady Tkachuk, who got married in 2023, and his son, Ryder, will celebrate their birthdays on the same day, Sept. 16 [10]. Brady Tkachuk and Quinn Hughes, the captains of their respective franchises in Ottawa and Vancouver, will lead their teams as they strive for Olympic gold, seeking to emulate the USA's top ranking in the IIHF's World Rankings and their first Olympic gold since 1980 [11].
References: 1. Tkachuk, Matthew 2. Tkachuk, Keith 3. Brady Tkachuk 4. NHL 26 5. IIHF World Rankings 6. Keith Tkachuk 7. NHL 26 Deluxe Edition 8. Brady Tkachuk 9. Florida Panthers 10. Quinn Hughes 11. USA Hockey
The Tkachuk brothers, Matthew and Brady, not only excel in the National Hockey League (NHL) but also represent their country in international tournaments, such as the 2026 Winter Olympics. Interestingly, their father, Keith Tkachuk, previously served for Team USA before NHL players were allowed to participate in the Olympics.
In addition to their impressive achievements in the NHL, both Brady Tkachuk and Quinn Hughes, captains of their respective teams in Ottawa and Vancouver, aspire to lead Team USA to Olympic gold, aiming to maintain the nation's top ranking in hockey, as shown in the IIHF's World Rankings.
