Keith Tkachuk, a two-time 50-goal scorer in the NHL, was elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame on Monday, just one day after his son Brady forced a trade from the Ottawa Senators to the Florida Panthers to play alongside his brother Matthew.
2026 Hall of Fame Class Announced
Tkachuk was part of the 2026 class announced Monday afternoon. He joins first-year eligible Patrice Bergeron, second-year goaltender Carey Price of the Montreal Canadiens, Nashville Predators netminder Pekka Rinne, and American women's hockey pioneer Cindy Curley. Brian Burke, a former NHL executive, was the singular choice in the builder's wing.
Bergeron Headlines the Class
Bergeron, a Boston Bruins centre who won six Frank Selke Trophies as the NHL's best defensive forward, was considered an easy choice. He was the bedrock of success for the Bruins, winning one Stanley Cup, and for Team Canada, capturing Olympic gold and the World Cup. TSN commentator Craig Button said, "There was no flash and dash to his game, but everything he did was with excellence."
Price and Rinne Join
Carey Price, who narrowly missed induction in a crowded 2025 field, was elected this year. Selection committee chair Ron Francis noted that few Hart Trophy winners don't get enshrined. Price, like Rinne, did not win a Stanley Cup but put together several strong seasons and excelled on the international stage, winning Olympic and World Cup titles.
Curley and Burke Honored
Cindy Curley, captain of Team USA at the inaugural women's IIHF world championship in 1990, was a 5-foot-5 forward with Providence College. She was named to the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame in 2013. Brian Burke, who managed several NHL teams and served the game in many facets, was the sole builder inductee.
Tkachuk Family Makes Headlines
Keith Tkachuk has been a familiar face in the stands, watching his sons score and scrap for their clubs or Team USA. The weekend blockbuster trade that sent Brady from the Senators to the Panthers for three first-round picks resulted from Brady's refusal to re-sign in Ottawa.
