Wingmen with Matthew and Brady Tkachuk: No Filter Hockey Talk

The Wingmen podcast isn’t just another hockey show thrown together during the offseason. Produced by Wave Sports & Entertainment—the same digital powerhouse behind Travis and Jason Kelce’s wildly successful “New Heights” podcast—this venture represents the NHL’s most ambitious attempt to create mainstream media personalities from active players. Matthew Tkachuk acknowledged the comparison while managing expectations, noting that they “don’t have the whole Taylor Swift thing” that propelled the Kelces into pop culture stratosphere. What they do have, however, is something arguably more valuable to hockey: genuine personalities willing to push boundaries.

The brothers are perfectly cast for this role. Matthew, a two-time Stanley Cup champion with the Florida Panthers, has built a reputation as one of the league’s most skilled agitators—the type of player opponents despise but would love on their own roster. Brady, captain of the Ottawa Senators, shares his brother’s competitive fire and willingness to speak his mind. ESPN’s Greg Wyshynski pointed out that Brady “actually doesn’t have a filter,” while Matthew “knows his way around provocation.” These aren’t quiet role players content to blend into the background; they’re cornerstone franchise players with established brands and nothing to prove.

According to The Hockey Writers, the Tkachuks represent the first active NHL players to host their own podcast—a distinction that carries both opportunity and risk. This isn’t a retired veteran reflecting on past glories from the safety of distance. It’s two players in their prime agreeing to open a direct line to the public while still competing at the highest level. The gamble is significant, not just for their personal brands but for the league’s willingness to tolerate candid commentary from active players.

Early preview clips suggest the show will balance legitimate hockey insights with the kind of absurd brotherly banter that generates viral moments. Matthew has teased stories about not leaving the Stanley Cup alone in a jail cell during his championship celebration, while Brady recounted his starstruck reaction when Patrick Kane acknowledged him with a “Showtime.” These behind-the-scenes glimpses into player experiences offer exactly what fans crave—authentic access beyond the standard post-game platitudes.

The Wingmen podcast represents more than just another entry in the crowded sports media landscape. It’s a referendum on whether hockey is ready to let its players be human, whether the NHL can compete with other leagues in the personality-driven content economy, and whether two brothers with microphones can help grow a game that has often seemed allergic to change. Matthew and Brady Tkachuk are betting that fans are hungry for authenticity over polish, for personality over platitudes. If they’re right, Wednesday mornings just became must-listen appointments for hockey fans.