In this special edition of NHL Wraparound, hosts Neil Smith and Vic Morren sit down with Keith Tkachuk—former NHL power forward and father of current stars Matthew and Brady Tkachuk—for a wide-ranging and insightful conversation covering team leadership, trade dynamics, and the evolution of NHL franchises.

Keith shares his perspective on the Florida Panthers’ success, their physical, fast-paced style, and how GM Bill Zito has built a tightly knit, playoff-ready roster. He also unpacks Matthew Tkachuk’s trade to Florida, explaining how Matthew sought a winning core built around players like Barkov, Reinhart, and Bennett.

The conversation shifts to Brady Tkachuk and the pressures of captaining a young, rebuilding Ottawa Senators team amid organizational changes. Keith offers fatherly advice rooted in his own career, emphasizing accountability and focus.

The episode wraps with reflections on Keith’s own journey—from the Winnipeg Jets’ final days, through the franchise’s move to Phoenix, to his optimism about the Arizona Coyotes’ future.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[01:16] The origin of Keith’s nickname “Walt”

[01:48] Panthers' identity: fast, physical, and unified

[05:24] How Florida built its team chemistry

[06:57] Inside Matthew Tkachuk’s trade and motivations

[08:30] Brady Tkachuk's role and pressure in Ottawa

[11:06] Organizational challenges within the Senators

[15:36] The uncertain but hopeful future of the Arizona Coyotes

[17:30] Keith's memories of the original Winnipeg Jets

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Matthew Tkachuk actively guided his trade to Florida to join a team aligned with his competitive goals.
• The Florida Panthers’ playoff identity—tough, fast, unified—is key to their rise.
• Brady Tkachuk, as captain of the Senators, faces intense leadership challenges in a transitioning franchise.
• Keith remains hopeful about the Coyotes’ long-term viability, especially with league support and a potential new arena.

LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE:

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and all major podcast platforms.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgBj1LV0-DMfBhcRPSJZLjA

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ABOUT KEITH TKACHUK:

Drafted 19th overall by the Winnipeg Jets in 1990, Keith Tkachuk scored over 500 goals and 1,000 points during his NHL career. A five-time All-Star, Tkachuk played for the Jets, Phoenix Coyotes, St. Louis Blues, and Atlanta Thrashers, and represented Team USA in four Olympic Games. He is widely considered one of the most impactful American-born power forwards in NHL history.

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