Brady Tkachuk is wasting little time settling into his new reality with the Florida Panthers, and his offseason routine already reflects the intensity he plans to bring to the defending Stanley Cup champions. Known for thriving in the game’s most physical moments, the star forward is sharpening that edge long before training camp opens.
His latest stop, however, came far from an NHL rink and offered a glimpse into how he is preparing for the next chapter of his career.
Brady Tkachuk Trains With Khabib Nurmagomedov Ahead of Panthers Debut
Panthers forward Tkachuk recently stepped onto the mats at the Nicholas Scott Catone Training Center in Brick, New Jersey, where he trained alongside some of the biggest names in mixed martial arts.
The workout featured undefeated former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, reigning UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev, Bellator lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov, and former UFC fighter Nick Catone, whose gym hosted the session.
The images, originally shared by Catone, immediately gained traction across social media as fans got a look at Tkachuk’s offseason preparation. For the Panthers’ newest forward, the workout was more than a photo opportunity.
Tkachuk has frequently used MMA-based training during previous offseasons, relying on grappling, balance drills, and combat-focused conditioning to complement the physical style that has defined his NHL career. The timing also placed him alongside Makhachev as the UFC champion continues preparing for his upcoming title defense against Ian Machado Garry.
The demanding training session comes only weeks after Tkachuk’s blockbuster move from the Ottawa Senators to Florida, a deal that reshaped one of the league’s biggest storylines.
Ottawa decided to trade its captain after learning he had no plans to sign a long-term extension beyond the expiration of his current contract in 2028. Rather than allowing uncertainty to linger around the franchise, the Senators chose to maximize his value while they still controlled the situation.
The trade was driven by more than contract negotiations.
Tkachuk had expressed a desire for a fresh chapter in his career, while Senators general manager Steve Staios later acknowledged that signs of the captain’s growing dissatisfaction had been evident for over a year.
While Brady repeatedly emphasized that reuniting with his older brother was not the only factor behind his decision, the chance to play beside Matthew Tkachuk on one of the NHL’s deepest rosters undoubtedly strengthened Florida’s appeal.
Early projections have already placed Brady into a top-line role, giving the Panthers another physical, high-impact presence capable of complementing their championship core.
His return to Ottawa has already become one of the most anticipated dates on Florida’s schedule, with the Panthers set to visit Canadian Tire Center on October 21.
ALSO READ: Senators Fans Irritated as GM Reveals When It Was ‘Fairly Clear’ Brady Tkachuk Wanted Out
Until that reunion arrives, though, Tkachuk’s attention remains fixed on preparing for his Panthers debut, and his latest work alongside some of MMA’s biggest stars suggests he is determined to hit the ice in peak condition.
