Brady Tkachuk has worn No. 7 throughout his NHL career as his father, Keith, did for much of his. Only Dmitry Kulikov wears that number with the Florida Panthers, and has for some time.
With Brady Tkachuk now part of the Panthers, he needs to pick a new numbers.
Seems he did so pretty quickly.
On Monday morning, the Panthers’ team store began selling new Brady Tkachuk No. 8 jerseys.
Keith Tkachuk did wear No. 8 with the Atlanta Thrashers for part of one season.
On Tuesday in Fort Lauderdale, Brady said picking No. 8 is honoring his dad even though it sounds a little inadvertent.
Tkachuk said he wanted to wear a single digit number and considered No. 2.
“I picked 8 and then realized my dad wore 8 in Atlanta,’’ he said, “so, I thought that would be a tribute to him as well.”
Tkachuk said he has worn No. 7 for so long that he has signed a few autographs since the trade with the No. 8 attached. It may take some time to get used to.
As for asking Kulikov for the number, he said he would not do such a thing.
“I have too much respect for Kuli,’’ Tkachuk said. “I never would have texted him for 7. He has been a great player in this league for a long time, and 7 is his number.”
Dallas Eakins was the first to wear No. 8 for the Panthers during their second season, and Tkachuk will be the 16th to wear it in franchise history.
Notable players to wear No. 8 for the Panthers include Val Bure, Peter Worrell, and Kyle Okposo.
ON DECK: FLORIDA PANTHERS OFFSEASON
NHL Draft (No picks in First Round, Six Overall): Friday-Saturday; KeyBank Center, Buffalo
NHL Free Agency: Opens July 1
Panthers Development Camp: Late June/Early July; IcePlex, Fort Lauderdale
Panthers Rookie Camp/Tournament: Late August/Early Sept.; Site TBA
Panthers Training Camp: Early/Mid September; Fort Lauderdale
2026-27 NHL Season Opens: Late September; Site, Opponent TBA