Wayne Gretzky doesn’t usually speak in absolutes, but when he does, the hockey world listens. So, when he turned his attention to Matthew and Brady Tkachuk, his message landed with real weight.
In a candid and wide-ranging discussion, Gretzky didn’t just praise their talent; he made it clear that he sees them as key figures shaping the NHL’s modern identity and expanding the sport’s reach far beyond traditional hockey markets.
Wayne Gretzky Lauds Matthew and Brady Tkachuk
Speaking on The Pat McAfee Show, Wayne Gretzky reflected on how far the NHL has grown globally and how competitive the league has become, using the Tkachuk brothers and Hughes brothers as examples of that evolution.
Gretzky pointed out that the league’s reach has expanded far beyond North America, noting its growth in countries like Finland and Sweden, while also expressing hope that international hockey could eventually welcome back Russian players.
“But the Americans and what the Hughes boys and the Tkachuks have done for the game, going back to guys like Brett Hull and Billy Guerin and guys, what they did and Brian Leach and Chelios. You know, we’re so proud of our sport. There’s no other way to say it. We’re very proud of our sport,” Gretzky said.
In his words, the NHL today is defined by pride in the sport, parity across teams, and strong leadership at the league level.
Gretzky also emphasized how wide open the league has become, noting that nearly two dozen teams could realistically contend for the Stanley Cup in any given year, a development he credited to the strength and balance of the modern NHL.
Beyond the praise for the league itself, his comments about the Tkachuks stood out most. By grouping Matthew and Brady with some of the greatest players in history, Gretzky underscored how much impact they’ve already had on the game.
In Gretzky’s view, the Tkachuks are more than just stars. They’re part of a new wave of American talent shaping the NHL’s identity and growth. What sets them apart is their mix of skill and physical, high-energy play, combining finesse with a relentless, emotional edge that connects with fans.
Matthew Tkachuk’s impact in the back-to-back Stanley Cup wins with the Florida Panthers and Brady’s leadership role with the Ottawa Senators have only strengthened their reputations. Add in their contributions to Team USA’s success on the international stage, and the picture becomes even clearer: they are central figures in the sport’s present and future.
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When a player widely considered the greatest of all time speaks about a group of players with that level of admiration, it reinforces just how significant their rise has been in today’s game.
