Panthers' Matthew Tkachuk Named Cover Athlete for NHL 26

Matthew Tkachuk will grace his first cover.

The Florida Panthers forward who is fresh off winning back-to-back Stanley Cups has been named the EA Sports cover athlete for NHL 26. This will be the first time in almost 30 years that a Panther has graced the cover.

He’s loud. He’s relentless. He’s a problem. Now he’s the face of the game.
See the full #NHL26 reveal August 6th: https://t.co/dXmeA7gpdw pic.twitter.com/2s2cneeJMs
— EA SPORTS NHL (@EASPORTSNHL) August 4, 2025

Tkachuk, 27, made his way back from significant injuries last season to help the Panthers to their second Cup in as many years, and isn't actually expected to open the NHL season on the Panthers' active roster. However, that hasn't stopped EA Sports from giving Tkachuk his flowers.

The last time the Panthers had someone on the video game's cover, was back in 1997 when goaltender John Vanbiesbrouck covered NHL 97. NHL 26 will be released in September.

Tkachuk has elevated his career in a major way since joining the Panthers from an offseason blockbuster trade from the Calgary Flames a few years ago. He's averaged over a point a game in each of his three years as a Panther, and is dominant in the playoffs, collecting 69 points in 67 games, and now has two Cup rings on the mantle.

It’s been an unbelievable run for Matthew Tkachuk since joining the Panthers in 2022 👀🔥 pic.twitter.com/TyQ8ZSzQg3
— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) August 4, 2025