Keith Tkachuk Says Brady Deserved the NHL 27 Cover More Than Anyone
Keith Tkachuk has allegedly weighed in on EA Sports’ NHL 27 cover decision—and according to the fictional scenario, he believes there was only one obvious choice.
Speaking in the imagined interview, the former NHL star claimed that his son, Brady Tkachuk, should have been selected as the face of NHL 27, arguing that no player embodies the passion, intensity and leadership of today’s NHL more than the Ottawa Senators captain.
“Brady plays every shift like it’s Game 7,” the fictional Keith reportedly says. “He’s the kind of player fans pay to watch. If you’re looking for someone to represent the next generation of hockey, it’s him.”
The satirical remarks continue with Keith joking that Brady brings everything a cover athlete needs: physicality, personality and the ability to change the momentum of a game with one shift.
While the scenario is entirely fictional, Brady Tkachuk’s standing around the NHL is very real.
Since being selected fourth overall in the 2018 NHL Draft, the Senators captain has developed into one of the league’s premier power forwards. Known for his relentless forechecking, physical style and offensive production, Brady has become the emotional heartbeat of Ottawa’s rebuild. He combines goal-scoring ability with a willingness to battle in every area of the ice, making him one of the NHL’s most recognizable leaders.
Brady’s leadership has been praised throughout his career. Despite captaining one of the league’s youngest teams, he has consistently embraced the responsibility of setting the standard both on and off the ice. His teammates frequently point to his competitiveness and energy as qualities that elevate the entire group.
The Tkachuk name itself has become synonymous with NHL excellence. Keith enjoyed an outstanding 18-year NHL career, recording more than 500 goals while establishing himself as one of the greatest American-born players in league history. His sons have continued that legacy in different ways.
Older brother Matthew Tkachuk has become one of hockey’s biggest stars with the Florida Panthers, helping the franchise capture back-to-back Stanley Cup championships while earning a reputation as one of the game’s most impactful playoff performers. Brady, meanwhile, has carved out his own identity in Ottawa through leadership, consistency and his trademark physical edge.
The brothers have often spoken about how growing up in a competitive hockey family shaped their careers. Whether battling in driveway games or competing in EA Sports NHL as kids, the sibling rivalry helped fuel both players’ development into NHL stars.
Being featured on the cover of the EA Sports NHL series has long been viewed as one of hockey’s biggest individual honors. Players often describe it as a childhood dream, having grown up playing previous editions of the game themselves. The Tkachuk family experienced that milestone together when Keith, Matthew and Brady appeared on the NHL 26 Deluxe Edition cover, marking the first time a father and both of his sons shared the honor.
This year’s standard NHL 27 cover ultimately went to Macklin Celebrini, whose remarkable rise has made him one of hockey’s brightest young stars. Even so, Brady Tkachuk remains one of the league’s most marketable personalities, and many fans believe it is only a matter of time before he receives an individual cover of his own.
As for Keith’s supposed campaign to get Brady on the cover? That’s simply part of the joke. The comments in the opening section are fictional and intended solely for entertainment. But considering the pride Keith has always expressed in both of his sons’ accomplishments, it’s easy to imagine him making a passionate case for Brady—even if only in a satirical headline.
Editor’s Note: The opening scenario is entirely fictional and intended as satire. Keith Tkachuk has not made these comments.
