Video Surfaces of the Moment Matthew Tkachuk Separated Himself From Auston Matthews

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Wade Messier
May 26, 2023 (4:00 PM)

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Throughout the last few weeks, we've had many conversations over who would go 1st overall in a 2016 re-draft, Matthew Tkachuk or Auston Matthews. As Tkachuk leads his Panthers to a Stanley Cup Finals appearance, and Matthews' Leafs sit eliminated once again, it's a conversation worth having.

Tkachuk Isn't Like the Others

Looking back to the 2016 draft, we should've known what was coming with Matthew Tkachuk. His gritty, in-your-face, "rat", style of play drives opposing teams crazy, but we had clues that he would become a pest.

An interview with some of the top prospects from the 2016 NHL draft revealed that Tkachuk admired Corey Perry for that same "pest" style of play, and it makes sense. The two play a very similar gritty, yet skilled style of game, which makes them incredibly unpopular to other teams.

Matthews and Laine Can't Believe It

Perhaps the funniest part of this video is the reaction that Auston Matthews and Patrik Laine have when Tkachuk mentions Perry. The two immediately exchange a look as they attempt to hold back laughter, and it really speaks volumes to the differences in their play styles from Tkachuk's.

Perhaps Matthews and Laine could take a page out of Tkachuk's book, as he's finding playoff success, while the other two sit at home.

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