Ex-NHL defenseman brings Panthers star Matthew Tkachuk down a peg with wild assertion
|
Mike Armenti
Feb 21, 2026 (3:30 PM)
|
|
Photo credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
Florida Panthers star Matthew Tkachuk drives opponents crazy, but one ex-NHLer suggests that the agitator is not exactly reinventing the wheel out there.
Former NHL defenseman Alec Martinez knows exactly what it takes to hoist the hardware and survive the grind of the Show. He spent years shutting down top forwards.
The veteran blueliner locked horns with Tkachuk extensively during the physically bruising 2023 Stanley Cup Final. The series featured constant post-whistle scrums.
Vegas ultimately dismantled the Panthers in five games to capture the championship. They neutralized Florida's top weapons when it mattered most.
Martinez recently joined Jon Lazarus and Colby Cohen on Daily Faceoff to share a few harsh realities about that specific playoff series and the modern NHL.
He gave an honest, unfiltered assessment when the conversation naturally shifted to Florida's most notorious pest and his overall impact on the ice.
"He's an incredible talent, but he's not the first guy to ever be a s*** disturber," Martinez stated bluntly during the interview.
Nothing New Under The Sun
Tkachuk has built a massive reputation around his ability to get under the skin of opposing players. He thrives on creating chaos during a shift.
He certainly backs up the trash talk with elite offensive output and crisp passing in the attacking zone. He is rarely held scoreless when the stakes are high.
The winger racked up an absurd 109 points during that 2022-23 regular season before dragging Florida to the Finals with multiple clutch, overtime goals.
He added another 24 points in 20 playoff games during that historic run. His production was undeniable, even playing through a broken sternum.
But seasoned veterans like Martinez refuse to buy into the myth that this aggressive style of play is somehow a fresh concept in the league.
The NHL has a rich history of elite agitators who could also fill the net. Think about the legacy of guys like Brad Marchand or Corey Perry.
Tkachuk is exceptionally good at his job. He consistently draws penalties and forces opponents into poor decisions, but he is just the newest model off an old assembly line.
The tactical approach he brings every single night is older than the blue line itself. Opposing defensemen will keep treating him exactly the same way heading into the playoffs.
Also read on Sunrise Hockey Insider :
Sam Bennett and Brad Marchand make a surprising confession after the semifinal win against Finland
Sam Bennett and Brad Marchand make a surprising confession after the semifinal win against Finland