Does Matthew Tkachuk Have a Girlfriend

Matthew Tkachuk is no longer single he's married. The Florida Panthers star and alternate captain wed Ellie Connell on July 19, 2025, shortly after winning the Stanley Cup with his team. So if you've been wondering, "does Matthew Tkachuk have a girlfriend?" well, she's now his wife. Tkachuk proposed to Connell in April 2024 while on a boat in Fort Lauderdale, marking a huge personal milestone for one of hockey's rising stars.

Who is Ellie Connell?

Ellie Connell works as a luxury travel advisor and founded Travel Untethered, a travel company focused on personalized experiences. She's originally from St. Louis, Missouri the same city where Tkachuk grew up. Connell has kept a pretty low profile on social media compared to many NHL wives and partners (which is honestly pretty refreshing). Her background includes work in digital media and advertising before she launched her travel business.

How their relationship became public

Tkachuk and Connell have been together since at least 2022, though they kept things quiet early on. Their first public appearance together happened at the 2023 NHL Awards, where they walked the red carpet as a couple. The engagement came during that April 2024 proposal on a boat in Fort Lauderdale. Just over a year later, they celebrated their wedding with family and NHL friends, including Tkachuk's brother Brady. The celebration drew attention across hockey circles as fans watched their favorit player reach another life milestone.

Why fans care about his personal life

Tkachuk's marriage matters to hockey fans because it connects to his incredible career achievements. He helped the Panthers win the Stanley Cup in 2024 and was a Hart Trophy finalist in 2023. Personal moments like engagements and weddings make players feel more real and relatable to supporters. Fans invest emotionally in their favorite athletes, so celebrating their off-ice happiness feels natural. Tkachuk's success both on and off the rink shows he's building a complete life while performing at the highest level of professional hockey.