Senators’ Brady Tkachuk Reveals What He Learned From Auston Matthews at 4 Nations originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

The Ottawa Senators and the Toronto Maple Leafs’ captains have known each other for years, and the former made clear recently that he highly respects his Ontario-based counterpart.

Senators’ center Brady Tkachuk’s relationship with Leafs superstar Auston Matthews dates back nearly a decade, but their time together at the first ever 4 Nations Face-Off last February gave Ottawa’s captain a deeper appreciation for Matthews.

Matthews was named the USA’s captain for the international tournament, leading the Americans to the championship game before they fell to Canada, and after guiding the squad through a four-game run that ended just short of the title.

“I was super impressed with how dialled in he was…”
Brady Tkachuk shares his feelings about teaming up with Auston Matthews. @thegoldenmuzzy | @Jay_D_Rosehill#LMT#LeafsMorningTakepic.twitter.com/oR8caGQGgu

— TheLeafsNation (@TLNdc) August 13, 2025

Brady Tkachuk Praises Auston Matthews’ Presence And Work Ethic

Tkachuk discussed many topics while appearing on Tuesday’s episode of the “Leafs Morning Take” podcast, including his feelings of teaming up with Matthews.

“I’ve known Auston since I was 14 or 15, and he’s always been so good,” Tkachuk said. “He’s just so funny, and such a great guy to be around. It was pretty awesome for me to be able to learn from him as a captain and what makes him himself and one of the best players in the NHL.”

Tkachuk pointed to Matthews’ professionalism and poise as defining traits he spotted during the 4 Nations.

“I was just super impressed with how dialed in he was and so professional and how even keel he was,” Tkachuk said. “It almost felt like nothing bothers him, and he’s just going to go out there, lead by example with his work ethic. I think a lot of the things that he does go under the radar.”

Senators-Maple Leafs Playoff Clash Contrasted with 4 Nations Partnership

Just weeks after the 4 Nations, Tkachuk and Matthews were on opposite sides of a first-round playoff series between Ottawa and Toronto in the latest chapter of the Battle of Ontario.

The Senators, making their first postseason appearance since 2017, fought back from a 3–0 series deficit to force Game 6 before the Maple Leafs closed it out then and there, advancing to the second round with a 4-2 series victory.

Matthews, in his first season as the Leafs’ captain, battled through injuries during the regular season but still finished with 33 goals and 78 points in 67 games.

Tkachuk, meanwhile, notched 55 total points while also missing time at the end of the season, appearing in only 72 regular-season games.

During their six-game postseason matchup, Tkachuk and Matthews tied for seven points apiece, with the former scoring four goals to the latter’s two.

Related: Senators’ Brady Tkachuk Drops Honest Take on Maple Leafs-Mitch Marner Saga

Related: Senators’ Brady Tkachuk Reveals Why He Had to Hide His Venmo From NHL Fans

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 14, 2025, where it first appeared.

#Senators039 #Brady #Tkachuk #Reveals #Learned #Auston #Matthews #Nations