Matthew Tkachuk has launched a stock on the Canadian NHL markets

This is far from news but yes the Canadian markets are more difficult for NHL players.

The result of a very different relationship with the game of hockey than our neighbors to the south who in most cities consider hockey the second, third and sometimes fourth most popular sport.

Many players get a taste of both during their careers. One of these players is Matthew Tkachukwho was drafted by the Calgary Flames in 2016 and enjoyed a successful stint with the team before being traded to the Panthers.

Tkachuk today revealed how it feels to play in Canada during an interview with Pierre LeBrun, published by The Athletic and Flames fans won’t like his answer.

Matthew Tkachuk said something to me – I love this guy’s honesty after the Maple Leafs got eliminated by the Panthers last May. I asked him if he could understand what his Maple Leafs friends, Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner, went through in terms of being scrutinized in another playoff loss.
“I understand it’s difficult”The former Calgary Flames star answered. “Playing in Canada is a lot different, with the spotlight and the history. What I’ve noticed is that there are ups and downs between Canada and Florida. So I think they’re, maybe, amazing talents, but unless they win the Stanley Cup, they’re crucified.

And it’s not their fault, it’s kind of like that. I know they are very strong mentally, I know them well, and they have been able to deal with that and improve year after year in their career.
“But I know that seeing this from afar, I don’t have anything against them, but I know I wouldn’t want to experience that every day.”
Bingo.
Tkachuk is a rock star for the Panthers. But he goes to the rink in flip-flops all season long without anyone bothering him.

The message is clear. He lives in Florida, away from media pressure and supporters.

Tkachuk has been on the rise since joining the Florida Panthers, where he just played in his first Stanley Cup Final.