Former NHL'er Keith Tkachuk calls out the NHL on son's podcast

Keith Tkachuk was previously known as one of the NHL's top power forwards, however following his retirement he has kept his lineage in the league going through his sons — Matthew and Brady Tkachuk.

The Tkachuk brothers are recently coming off helping the men of USA Hockey win gold at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. Keith has stayed involved throughout his son's careers, appearing on a recent episode of the pair's "Wingmen" podcast, which is a Wave Original. Keith's appearance on the show turned heads, with the league alum calling the current state of the NHL "soft."

Keith was known as "Big Walt" during his league days, due to his strong play in front of the net and being known as a tough, physical fighter.

However, it appears the former hybrid scorer and enforcer is not happy with the current state of the NHL.

Keith Tkachuk calls modern NHL "soft"

“I had bruises all over me. Now, you touch a guy in front of the net and you get called by George Parros," Keith said. "You guys are kind of playing in a soft league right now."

Keith concluded his league career following the 2009-10 season with the St. Louis Blues. He saw play with the Winnipeg Jets, Phoenix Coyotes, Atlanta Thrashers and the Blues; which was the team he retired with. 

In his final three years in the league, "Big Walt" would score his 500th NHL goal and tally his 1,000th point. He announced his retirement on April 13, 2010.

His aforementioned sons of Matthew and Brady were each selected in the first round of the NHL Draft. Matthew was selected No. 6 by the Calgary Flames in 2016 NHL Draft, and Brady was selected No. 4 by the Ottawa Senators in the 2018 NHL Draft.

Keith's comment of the league being "soft right now" comes in the midst of the NHL seeing three goalie fights within the past three months. Most recently — Igor Shesterkin of the New York Rangers dropped the gloves against New Jersey Devils' goaltender Jacob Markstrom.

Current well-known enforcers in the league include Matt Rempe, Ryan Reaves, Mathieu Olivier among others. 

MORE: Rangers-Devils goalie fight: Why Igor Shesterkin, Jacob Markstrom brawled