When Matthew Tkachuk playfully called Auston Matthews a 'whiner' over sea travel problems

Toronto Maple Leafs superstar Auston Matthews and Florida Panthers forward Matthew Tkachuk have been like brothers since they played side by side for the U.S. National Team Development Program (USNTDP). Their friendship, built through years of fighting each other on the ice and sharing similar experiences, only strengthened as both have become NHL stars. Despite playing for division rivals, the two have a light-hearted, antagonistic relationship that fans love to see on and off the ice.


Tkachuk poked fun at Matthews ‘a little bit of a whiner’ regarding the latter's woes on the seas in a 2016 interview with Chris Lund of Leafs TV. The trade, which quickly became popular among hockey enthusiasts within a few minutes, occurred when the two were speaking about their time when they were at the U.S. National Team Development Program (USNTDP). Tkachuk, who is used to speaking his mind, didn't think twice before responding to the question whose teammate complained the most.
“Uh, probably myself. Auston—he's a little bit of a whiner. So, whenever he gets into those situations where, you know, he doesn't like something a lot, he can—he has a tendency to complain a little bit. But that's just—that's just my take on it,” Tkachuk said.

Not one to go quietly into the night on a good chirp, Matthews was quick to fire back by reminding Tkachuk of his life of boating luxury due to his father, former NHLer Keith Tkachuk. “Well, I mean, he pretty much lives on a boat. His dad has, like, four of them. So, you know, everyone knows Keith Tkachuk. They just go down to the Cape and have a good time on their family boat.” he said.

Apart from the trash talk, Keith Tkachuk also recently complained about Auston Matthews' play this season. The Maple Leafs winger and one of the NHL's best goal-scorers hasn't been as effective on the score sheet this season. With just 23 markers so far, some fans were concerned about his production. But Keith Tkachuk was quick to defend Matthews, claiming that his contribution goes way, way beyond goals.
“I’ve known Auston for a lot of years. He played with Matthew at the [USNTDP] program. Everybody looks at the goal-scoring, he’s an incredible goal-scorer, he’s got a great shot. His two-way details are what makes him such a great player.” Tkachuk said.
He also mentioned that even the best players have scoring droughts and that Matthews is still among the best, contributing in ways other than scoring goals.
Also read: Keith Tkachuk Praises Auston Matthews Amid Scoring Struggles
While Matthews' goal count this season might not be as explosive as in others, his entire game is continuing to develop. At just 27 years young, he still has plenty of years to polish his style of play and remain one of the NHL's best. And speaking of Tkachuk, anticipate more friendly jabs and witty jabs on and off the ice as these two superstars continue to encounter each other.