The Tkachuk brothers just took their Team Canada and Leon Draisaitl rivalries to a new level
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Ryan Smitheram
Feb 23, 2026 (11:45)
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Photo credit: James Lang | Imagn Images
Matthew and Brady Tkachuk continued to taunt Team Canada and Leon Draisaitl after winning gold at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan.
The Florida Panthers star hasn't lost his touch when it comes to getting under an opponent's skin.
During a break in play in their round robin game, a hot mic caught Tkachuk delivering a verbal jab that is already going viral across every social media platform.
"Always the bridesmaid, eh, Leon? Always the bridesmaid, never the bride," Tkachuk barked toward Leon Draisaitl.
It was a direct reference to the last two Stanley Cup Finals, where Tkachuk’s Panthers beat Draisaitl’s Oilers in consecutive years.
The chirping didn't stop on the ice.
The official 'X' account for the Wingmen podcast—hosted by Matthew and Brady Tkachuk—doubled down on the jab.
They posted a photo leaning into the "bridesmaid" theme, mocking Team Canada and the German captain's inability to close out the big games.
Leon Draisaitl was held scoreless in the round robin game, and ultimately walked away from the Olympics without a medal.
Tkachuk brothers dominate the Olympic narrative
This isn't just about a single chirp; it's about the shift in power between the two North American giants.
Brady Tkachuk has been just as vocal, claiming before the Olympics that the Canadian roster was "past its prime" and needed to "beg for mercy."
Canada claimed victory at the Four-Nations tournament, that reignited the fierce rivalry.
The American's bounced back in the Gold Medal game on Sunday, reigning supreme in an instant classic.
With the United States winning gold, the tension between these rivals has reached a boiling point that won't cool down anytime soon.
Also read on Sunrise Hockey Insider :
Tkachuk’s Milan flight might come with an ugly bill for Florida
Tkachuk’s Milan flight might come with an ugly bill for Florida
Previously on Sunrise Hockey Insider
| POLL | ||
FEVRIER 23|66 ANSWERS The Tkachuk brothers just took their Team Canada and Leon Draisaitl rivalries to a new level Are you entertained by the antics of the Tkachuk brothers? | ||
| Yes | 32 | 48.5 % |
| No | 34 | 51.5 % |
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