The Tkachuk brothers, Brady and Matthew, are two of the NHL’s most recognizable names, celebrated for their grit, physical play, and ability to frustrate opponents.
But recently, they’ve found themselves in an unexpected spotlight; both were ranked among the league’s worst finishers by Data Driven Hockey’s advanced metrics, with Brady sitting fourth and Matthew sixth on the list. It’s a surprising revelation considering their reputations and the significant impact they’ve had on their respective teams.
Tkachuk Brothers Rank Low in Finishing but Shine in Other Roles
For Matthew Tkachuk, this ranking doesn’t fully reflect his journey or his role on the ice. When he joined the Florida Panthers, the team already had a complete offensive unit with multiple scoring threats.
This allowed Matthew to lean into his identity as a grinder and fighter rather than carrying the sole responsibility of being a top scorer. Instead of being the guy who had to put the puck in the net every night, Tkachuk was free to deliver the hits, draw penalties, and create chaos in front of opposing goalies, all critical contributions that don’t always show up in finishing statistics.
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This role shift has worked wonders. Since joining Florida, Matthew has transformed from what many viewed as a risky acquisition into one of the most impactful players in franchise history.
When the Panthers made the blockbuster trade to acquire him, it was widely seen as a huge win for the Calgary Flames. Fast-forward a few seasons, and that narrative has completely flipped. Tkachuk has now won back-to-back Stanley Cups with Florida and even landed on the cover of EA Sports NHL 26, marking his evolution from promising agitator to hockey superstar.
Brady Tkachuk, meanwhile, continues to be a force for the Ottawa Senators. Like his brother, Brady’s value extends beyond goal scoring.
He’s one of the league’s best power forwards, relentless on the forecheck, and a natural leader who inspires his teammates with his physical style of play. Finishing metrics don’t capture the moments where he screens goalies, draws defenders, or sets up plays that lead to goals for others.
The advanced analytics also highlight something about the Oilers’ recent struggles. While goaltending has often been blamed for their playoff shortcomings, Data Driven Hockey’s numbers suggest poor finishing has also been a major issue.
If Brady and Matthew Tkachuk are struggling in this area and still finding success with their teams, it raises questions about whether Edmonton’s issues run deeper than just their netminders.
Ultimately, labeling the Tkachuks as “bad finishers” doesn’t diminish their overall impact. Both brothers bring a rare combination of toughness and skill that fuels their teams in ways statistics can’t fully measure.
