After advancing to the Stanley Cup Final in three straight seasons, Florida Panthers forward Matthew Tkachuk is not satisfied playing spring hockey at the world championship.
The tournament, which takes place in Europe while the Stanley Cup Playoffs are going on in North America, is a popular event for NHLers whose team did not make the post-season, or who suffered early exits.
Of course, given the recent success of the Panthers, playing at worlds has not been a consideration for Florida players.
And if Tkachuk is any indication, they're not eager to make participation a habit.
"I never want to be back in this tournament," Tkachuk told reporters after the United States' loss to Canada in the quarterfinals on Thursday. "I want to be playing in playoffs."
Read: He would much rather be playing for the Stanley Cup.
He has tons of experience with it too, as the Panthers have made the Cup Final in each of his three seasons since joining the team, winning in both 2024 and 2025. Prior to that, he made the playoffs in all but two of his seasons with the Calgary Flames.
Tkachuk finished the tournament with four goals and seven points in five games before being ousted by Canada.
"If for some reason I am (back at the tournament), we can get another crack at them."
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