Matthew and Brady Tkachuk have been front and center ever since Team USA wrapped up a stunning gold medal win over their eternal rivals, Canada, at the Winter Olympics. Since then, the Tkachuk brothers have visited the White House, hosted Jack and Quinn Hughes on their podcast, and reveled in all the glory of their gold medal win.
On the back of that achievement, the Tkachuk brothers scheduled a cash-for-autographs event on Monday, March 30, in Florida. However, the concept of the event came in for some criticism on social media.
Jamie Rivers Backs Matthew and Brady Tkachuk’s Event
Matthew and Brady Tkachuk are scheduled to appear together for a public autograph signing in Wellington, Florida. The event will take place at Palm Beach Autographs inside the Mall at Wellington Green from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. It is scheduled one day before Brady’s Ottawa Senators face Matthew’s Florida Panthers on March 31 at Amerant Bank Arena.
The brothers will attend the event with their Olympic gold medals after Team USA’s 2-1 overtime win against Canada at the 2026 Winter Olympics. Fans will have options to purchase autographs, add inscriptions, or choose a VIP package that includes a photo with both players and their medals.
The event drew attention after an NHL analyst, Stu Cowan, noted that the brothers would be “cashing in on Olympic gold medals” and also mentioned their current salaries.
Former St. Louis Blues defenseman Jamie Rivers responded to Cowan’s take on X and defended the brothers by putting the situation in a broader context.
He wrote, “Because Jordan, LeBron, Shaq, Bonds, Jeter, Rodriguez, etc. never made money away from the game? Also, you sure they’re not donating a portion to charity? I mean, the Ball family profited without even winning anything. Let’s at least get all of the facts straight.”
By naming figures like Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Shaquille O’Neal, Barry Bonds, Derek Jeter, and Alex Rodriguez, he pointed to a long history of top athletes building income beyond their sport.
His mention of the Ball family also added an example of how visibility and branding can turn into business opportunities during a player’s playing career.
The discussion around the event also connects to the success the brothers had earlier this year on the international stage. Team USA won the gold medal in men’s hockey at the 2026 Milano-Cortina Olympics, ending a 46-year drought since their last title.
The final against Canada ended 2-1 in overtime, with Jack Hughes scoring the winner while Connor Hellebuyck made 41 saves to secure the result.
READ MORE: Brady Tkachuk Makes His Feelings Clear on Senators’ Recent Push To Seal NHL Playoff Spot
Both players contributed during the tournament in different ways, as Brady scored three goals, including one in the semifinal, while Matthew helped create chances and support the offense. They also combined on plays during games, which showed their connection on the ice during high-pressure situations.
Meanwhile, the Senators and Panthers move toward their March 31 game with a playoff spot still in play for Ottawa.
Ottawa remains in the wild-card race, while Florida now has the sixth-worst record in the league as they look to retool for next year with a healthy roster.
