Matthew Tkachuk's Utah prank resurfaces

A clip shared this morning revealed the full tale: last season, Tkachuk hyped up a «must-try» local spot during the Panthers' trip to Salt Lake City, insisting the team walk there together. The catch? It was a 30-minute trek in the cold. The bigger catch? Tkachuk never left his hotel room. His teammates made the full hike while he stayed warm, amused, and very much off the hook for the joke.

The reveal has Panthers fans roaring because it fits Tkachuk perfectly. His off-ice mischief has always matched his on-ice edge. The guy loves chaos, whether he's stirring the pot in a scrum or orchestrating a prank that becomes instant locker-room lore. Even injured, even away from the lineup, his personality keeps the room loose.

Here's the clip that brought the story back to life:

As a fan, stuff like this is pure gold. You see why teammates love him, why he anchors a room even when he is not scoring 40 or dragging defenders into battles they did not ask for.

This team has needed levity through a tough, injury-heavy start, and Tkachuk has always been the guy who can deliver it. He is still working toward a return, targeting the weeks around the Winter Classic, and moments like this remind everyone of the spark he brings. The Panthers' identity is equal parts relentlessness and personality, and Tkachuk embodies both better than anyone.

And, honestly, this prank tracks. He grew up in a hockey household where chirping is a love language. Making teammates walk half an hour in freezing weather to a spot he had no intention of visiting feels almost tame by Tkachuk standards. The best part? They absolutely should have known.

The Panthers face Colorado next, and while Tkachuk is not back yet, the team could use some of that mischief-powered energy. His return will matter statistically, but it might matter even more emotionally. This prank just proves he never stops influencing the room.