Brad Marchand and Matthew Tkachuk turn rivalry into brotherhood after Stanley Cup win

After the Florida Panthers won their second straight Stanley Cup, something happened on the ice that fans did not expect. It wasn’t just about the trophy or the goals. What stood out was a surprising and touching moment between two players who were once fierce rivals.

Brad Marchand and Matthew Tkachuk shared a hug that made fans emotional. But how did these two go from rivals to teammates—and now brothers?

Brad Marchand and Matthew Tkachuk share emotional moment after Panthers’ Stanley Cup win

On Monday, June 17, 2025, the Florida Panthers won the Stanley Cup again after beating their opponent in Game 6 at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Florida. Right after the final buzzer, Brad Marchand and Matthew Tkachuk hugged on the ice in front of fans and cameras. It wasn’t just a quick hug.

It was full of real emotion. Matthew Tkachuk said, “Love you f***ing brother,” and Marchand answered, “Love you too, baby.” The moment was shared by B/R Open Ice on X, and fans quickly started reacting to it.

Marchand and Tkachuk didn’t always get along. Their battles on the ice were intense for years. But everything started to change after they played together at the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament. They began to understand each other more, and their bond started to grow.

Tkachuk had said during the tournament, “It’s our time right now,” and Marchand later fired back after winning for Team Canada, joking, “Sometimes when you shoot your mouth off in the media, it bites you.

”Marchand joined the Panthers in a trade from the Boston Bruins in March 2025. Since then, their friendship has grown even more. “It’s been unreal having him in,” Tkachuk told reporters. “He brings that winning feeling.

We may not be the fastest or the strongest team, but we’re deep and experienced.”

Fans react to Brad Marchand and Matthew Tkachuk’s new friendship on and off the ice

NHL fans were surprised by how close Brad Marchand and Matthew Tkachuk have become. One fan wrote, “The spin and hug looks like something out of a movie.” Others shared that it’s amazing to see tough players drop their past fights and support each other after winning something big.Also Read: Brad Marchand’s $156679.74 Bar Night And Misspelled Tattoo Spark Fresh Internet Mockery From Bruins FansFlorida’s head coach Paul Maurice also praised Marchand’s impact. After the Panthers beat the Toronto Maple Leafs in Round 2, he said, “There’s a Brad Marchand effect in the room.” Maurice explained how players like Anton Lundell have picked up that same fire.Their connection is now a symbol of how rivals can become teammates—and even family—when united by a dream.