Matthew Tkachuk has never been afraid to speak his mind, but his latest comments have set the hockey world abuzz. After a year filled with personal and team triumphs, including back-to-back Stanley Cup victories with the Florida Panthers, Tkachuk now finds himself at the center of a new controversy—this time, for his surprising remarks about the legendary Wayne Gretzky.

In a recent interview, Tkachuk was asked a simple question that many expected would pay homage to “The Great One.” Instead, his unexpected answer has sparked debate among fans and analysts, raising eyebrows and fueling discussions about respect, legacy, and what it means to be truly great in the sport of hockey. As the dust settles on another dramatic NHL season, Tkachuk’s words have ensured that the conversation is far from over.

Florida Panthers forward Matthew Tkachuk

Photo credit: Pro Hockey Rumours

Matthew Tkachuk has had a truly special year, winning two Stanley Cups and making three cup finals with the Florida Panthers, but, his recent comments on Wayne Gretzky have caught the eye of many.

Tkachuk, 27, was traded to the Florida Panthers by the Calgary Flames in 2022, in a massive package including Jonathan Huberdeau, Mackenzie Weegar, Cole Schwindt, and draft picks.

The Panthers certainly aren’t regretting that move, despite it being criticized at the time, as they have began a modern dynasty with Tkachuk as a key piece.

Tkachuk, however, is no stranger to some media fire, having taken many shots at his rival Edmonton Oilers, and not shying away from any topic.

When asked at the American Century Championship who he would choose in a winner-take-all shootout, he didn’t take the lay-up answer of the Great One, but rather went with recently retired TJ Oshie, who put up heroics at the Sochi Olympics in 2014.

«That’s so tough. I feel like I saw somewhere once Gretzky said he didn’t like breakaways, which I find that that’s not true, but one of my favorite moments in sports history was watching Oshie in the four-shootout-goal game, so I’m going to take Oshie.»

What Oshie did in 2014 was incredible, but we’re talking about the legendary Wayne Gretzky here — Tkachuk simply missed the mark.

Gretzky, of course, was the NHL’s all-time leader in goals up until a few months ago, until Alex Ovechkin broke his all-but-untouchable 894-goal marker. The shootout didn’t exist when he played, but, if it did, it would have been an incredible sight to see the creativity he could come up with.