Pittsburgh Hockey Insider has no direct affiliation to the Pittsburgh Penguins, NHL or NHLPA
Brady Tkachuk Gets Emotional Sharing What It Means to Be on NHL 26 Deluxe Cover With his Father Keith
Brady Tkachuk graces the cover of the NHL26 video game, and now, he's opened up on what it means to be sharing the cover with his iconic father Keith.
The 2024/25 season was an incredibly successful one for the Tkachuk's, with Brady experiencing his first ever Stanley Cup Playoffs in Ottawa while Matthew would go on to win his second straight Stanley Cup with the Florida Panthers.
The honours didn't stop there however, as they would share the ice together for Team USA at the Four Nations Face Off, and now, they've officially graced the cover of NHL 26 with their NHL icon of a father, Keith.
Brady gets emotional when addressing his father and his influence
In a recent interview with NHL.com, Brady opened up on just what it meant to share the cover with his father, revealing the influence that Keith had on he and Matthew all throughout their childhood into their NHL careers.
"Growing up, Matthew and I dreamed of playing just like our dad. Even now, his influence on how we play and prepare remains huge. It's an honor to be featured on the cover (of NHL 26). Having him (dad Keith) standing alongside us makes the whole thing even better."
Keith was just as proud of his sons, as he shared a piece of advice that he gave them growing up, one that has clearly stuck with them throughout their NHL careers to this point.
"I always told the boys to play hard, be smart, and never lose their personality out there. I'm proud to be sharing the cover with them."
Controversy over the choice of cover athletes
While this has clearly been a great honour for the Tkachuk's to share this entire situation together, there has been some backlash, with many believing that Brady potentially didn't earn his spot on the cover, but simply rather rode the coat tails of his brother.
Ultimately though, it's easy to see why Brady, Matthew and Keither are honoured to be sharing this spot together, and after all his brother has accomplished, you can bet Brady is motivated to lift the Cup himself at some point in his NHL career.
| POLL | ||
AOUT 11 | 26 ANSWERS Brady Tkachuk Gets Emotional Sharing What It Means to Be on NHL 26 Deluxe Cover With his Father Keith Will we see Brady Tkachuk lift the Stanley Cup at some point in his career? | ||
| Yes | 13 | 50 % |
| No | 13 | 50 % |
| List of polls | ||