Matthew Tkachuk Eyed for Blues Homecoming

Acquiring the Florida Panthers star would signal a major rebuild in St. Louis

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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The St. Louis Blues are reportedly interested in acquiring star forward Matthew Tkachuk from the Florida Panthers. Tkachuk, a St. Louis native whose father Keith was a Blues legend, is under contract with the Panthers until 2030 but could be open to a homecoming. For the Blues, landing Tkachuk would signify a full-scale rebuild as they look to the future, while the Panthers' championship window may be closing due to the age of their core players.

Why it matters

Tkachuk is one of the NHL's premier young talents, and his addition would be a massive coup for the rebuilding Blues. However, prying him away from the Panthers, who are still contending for the Stanley Cup, would be extremely difficult and likely require the Blues to part with a substantial package of assets.

The details

Tkachuk, 24, is signed with the Panthers through the 2029-30 season at a $9.5 million annual cap hit. He has a modified no-trade clause that doesn't kick in until 2028-29, meaning the Blues could potentially acquire him in the next year or two before he gains more control over his destination. The Panthers' championship window may be closing, with core players like Brad Marchand and Sergei Bobrovsky entering the twilight of their careers, making Tkachuk more gettable.

  • Tkachuk won an Olympic gold medal with Team Canada earlier this week.
  • The NHL trade deadline is set for March 6, 2026.

The players

Matthew Tkachuk

A 24-year-old star forward for the Florida Panthers who is a St. Louis native, with his father Keith having been a Blues legend.

Keith Tkachuk

Matthew Tkachuk's father, who was a longtime Blues player and is considered a franchise legend in St. Louis.

Florida Panthers

The NHL team that currently employs Matthew Tkachuk, who is under contract with them through the 2029-30 season.

St. Louis Blues

The NHL team that is reportedly interested in acquiring Matthew Tkachuk, as he is a St. Louis native.

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What’s next

The Blues will likely need to put together an enticing trade package to pry Tkachuk away from the Panthers, who may be reluctant to part with their young star even as their championship window starts to close.

The takeaway

Acquiring Matthew Tkachuk would be a massive coup for the rebuilding Blues, signaling their intent to build a contender around the St. Louis native. However, the cost to land Tkachuk from the still-competitive Panthers could be prohibitive, requiring the Blues to part with a significant haul of assets.