Apr 18, 2026; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; Ottawa Senators left wing Brady Tkachuk (7) reacts against the Carolina Hurricanes during the second period in game one of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Lenovo Center. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images
Apr 18, 2026; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; Ottawa Senators left wing Brady Tkachuk (7) reacts against the Carolina Hurricanes during the second period in game one of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Lenovo Center. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images
On their podcast Wingmen, brothers Matthew and Brady Tkachuk shared an emotional tribute to NHL legend Claude Lemieux and reflected on his passing.
A listener asked a question, and the discussion quickly turned into a pensive moment about loss and respect in hockey.
Matthew Tkachuk answered first. The Florida Panthers winger said he was shocked by the news and spoke about Lemieux’s family. He also talked about the sadness of losing someone from the hockey world.
“Anytime that something like that is shocking, you just think of the family and the hockey… I mean, the NHL, it’s all a brotherhood, right?” he reflected.
Jan. 20, 2009; San Jose, CA, USA; San Jose Sharks right wing Claude Lemieux (32) warms up before the game against the Vancouver Canucks at HP Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Jan. 20, 2009; San Jose, CA, USA; San Jose Sharks right wing Claude Lemieux (32) warms up before the game against the Vancouver Canucks at HP Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
He ended his thoughts with a simple but strong message.
“Just terrible news and really just thinking of the family.”
Brady Tkachuk, captain of the Ottawa Senators, followed with a similar emotional response. He added to his brother’s tribute and spoke about how supportive the NHL community is.
“All my condolences and prayers go to the Lemieux family,” Brady said.
He continued by stressing the league’s shared identity.
“We’re, you know, a brotherhood and the NHL family is a loving, supporting family.”
Furthermore, Brady urged listeners to seek support and look after each other in times of peril, before reiterating his condolences to the Lemieux family.
He also mentioned the competitive history involving Brendan Lemieux and their father’s battles with Claude Lemieux. He pointed to the on-ice rivalries, but also emphasized off-ice respect, support, and unity in the hockey community.
“Matthew being competitors with Brendan and, of course, our dad playing against Claude all those years. You have battles on the ice, but, at the end of the day, you're supportive off the ice and uh, that we're always there for them”, Brady said.
His words showed that in moments of personal tragedy, rivalries in professional hockey do not matter. Both brothers extended compassion and heartfelt tributes to Lemieux.
Claude Lemieux’s Legacy and Hockey World Reaction
NHL legend Claude Lemieux won four Stanley Cups during his career and represented six franchises, including Montreal, New Jersey, and Colorado, across 21 seasons.
He was renowned for strong playoff performances, including winning the Conn Smythe Trophy in 1995. He played a very physical style, which sometimes irked opponents. Still, fans and rivals respected his competitiveness and ability to perform in big games.
With three Hart Memorial Trophies in his cabinet, Lemieux has left an indelible mark on the sport.
In addition to Matthew Tkachuk and Brady Tkachuk, multiple personalities and teams shared tributes to the late NHL legend. The New Jersey Devils and Montreal Canadiens remembered Lemieux for his contributions to the franchises and the sport.
What do you think? How do Matthew and Brady Tkachuk’s words reflect hockey’s deeper brotherhood beyond intense on-ice rivalries?
Read more at the NHL Fan Central.
Written by
Kapil Manghnani
Edited by
Sijo Paul