Matthew Tkachuk and Ellie Connell expecting their first baby: Inside the NHL couple’s love life, dating history, and more

Florida Panthers star Matthew Tkachuk and his wife, Ellie Connell, are expecting their first child, the couple revealed in a recent podcast appearance shared exclusively with People.com.

The news comes less than a year after Tkachuk got hitched to his longtime partner and helped Florida win back-to-back Stanley Cups. It is to be noted that Tkachuk also represented Team USA in the Winter Olympics 2026.Reports suggest that the couple has decided not to find out the baby’s sex before the birth, describing it as an “old-school approach” he wasn’t sure about at first, but has now embraced. He said knowing the answer was “right there” on the scan made it tempting, but they agreed to wait for the delivery-room moment.

The couple is expecting their first child within a year of their marriage, which took place on July 19, 2025. Let’s take a closer look at the NHL couple’s love life, dating history, relationship, and more.

Matthew Tkachuk and Ellie Connell’s love story and dating history

Matthew Tkachuk and Ellie Connell’s love story is rooted in their shared St. Louis background, as both of them grew up in St. Louis. The couple made their relationship public in 2022, when Matthew posted photos from a family vacation to Greece that included Ellie, marking the first time he shared their relationship with fans.

The first major public appearance as a couple came on the 2023 NHL Awards red carpet in Nashville, where Ellie joined Matthew for the event. By then, she had already become a part of the Tkachuk family circle, appearing in photos from trips and celebrations.

After taking their romance public in 2022, Matthew proposed to Ellie in the spring of 2024. Reports suggest Matthew got down on one knee on a boat to propose to her. The couple celebrated with champagne and shared a kiss after Ellie said yes.

Matthew Tkachuk and Ellie Connell’s marriage and relationship

Following the proposal, Matthew Tkachuk and Ellie tied the knot in St. Louis on July 19, 2025, in the presence of their friends and family members. The day after their wedding, they spent their turn with the Stanley Cup in their hometown, visiting some meaningful local spots, including some of Matthew’s childhood landmarks. Ellie has always been a supportive wife of Matthew's NHL career. She was seen cheering for Tkachuk and the club when the Panthers won the Stanley Cup in 2024 and posed next to Matthew when he lifted the giant trophy in the air.

She also accompanied Matthew back to St. Louis to celebrate the big win with their hometown. Ellie has also appeared in several public events alongside his husband, including the 2023 NHL Awards, which marked her and Matthew's first public appearance as a couple. As the NHL couple is all set to welcome their firstborn, Tkachuk has admitted that he hopes to have a son at some point and is already dreaming about future hockey days.