Matthew Tkachuk calls Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid best player in the world | NHL News

Matthew Tkachuk #19 of the Florida Panthers and Stuart Skinner #74 of the Edmonton Oilers shake hands after Game Six of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final between the Edmonton Oilers and the Florida Panthers at Amerant Bank Arena on June 17, 2025 in Sunrise, Florida. The Panthers won the Stanley Cup Final series 4-2. (Photo by Brian Babineau/NHLI via Getty Images)

Florida Panthers forward Matthew Tkachuk did not hesitate when asked to describe his longtime rival following the Olympic final. Despite years of intense playoff battles, Tkachuk openly labeled Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid as the best player in the world after their latest showdown on international ice.The praise came after Team USA’s dramatic victory over Canada in the gold medal game at the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games, adding another chapter to a rivalry shaped by Stanley Cup Finals clashes and high-stakes NHL matchups.

Matthew Tkachuk on Connor McDavid‘s Olympic gold medal game

After Team USA’s close win over Canada, Matthew Tkachuk talked openly about how Connor McDavid has changed the game. The Florida Panthers star said that no other player has the same speed, vision, and puck control as the captain of the Edmonton Oilers.Tkachuk’s words came after a key moment in the gold medal game. McDavid broke in alone on United States goaltender Connor Hellebuyck while Canada was behind and the game was still up for grabs. The play could have changed the course of the game and the story of the tournament.Instead, Hellebuyck made a key save that kept the Americans’ small lead. Tkachuk later called the moment a turning point and said that stopping a player like McDavid on a breakaway takes calmness and perfect timing.The Florida Panthers forward said that if McDavid had scored, it might have changed the mood of the game. With veteran leader Sidney Crosby out because of an injury, the focus naturally turned to the captain of the Edmonton Oilers to step up for Canada.Team USA won gold in the end, but Tkachuk made it clear that he still respects McDavid. Their rivalry, which started in the Stanley Cup Finals and has continued through tough NHL games, is still a big part of this era of hockey.Tkachuk’s comments are a reminder for fans who read the latest NHL news and updates: even fierce rivals can see greatness when they see it.