NHL: Stanley Cup Final-Edmonton Oilers at Florida Panthers - Source: Imagn — Looking at five second-generation NHL players who were better than their fathers ft. Matthew Tkachuk (Image credit: Imagn)

5 NHL sons who turned out better than their fathers feat. Matthew Tkachuk

Modified Aug 22, 2024 11:01 GMT

Throughout NHL history, we've seen a number of second-generation players who enter the league hoping to step out from their fathers' shadows and make a name for themselves. In cases like with Brett and Bobby Hull, these second-generation players fill the massive shoes of those who came before them, living up to the hype and carrying on the family name.

On the other hand, sometimes we see second-generation players fail to live up to the hype, as has been the case across a number of professional sports. Today, however, we're looking at five second-generation NHL players who turned out to be better than their fathers, one of which is Matthew Tkachuk.

5 NHL sons who turned out better than their fathers

#1: Matthew Tkachuk

Stanley Cup Final-Edmonton Oilers at Florida Panthers - Source: Imagn

Matthew and Brady Tkachuk are the sons of Hall of Famer Keith Tkachuk, who played 18 seasons in the NHL. While Matthew Tkachuk may not have surpassed the 538 goals his father scored throughout his career, he's arguably become the most dominant player in his family.

It is obviously a big call to say a player has surpassed a Hall of Famer. However, some stats make a pertinent case for Matthew Tkachuk, who could be playing at a higher level than his father did. Matthew has averaged at least one point per game in each of the last three seasons, a feat his father only accomplished twice across full seasons.

Keith averaged 0.88 PPG in his 1065-game career, while Matthew has averaged 0.98 across 590. Matthew also has a career +/- of +133, while his father was +33 over his career.

Matthew was also named the MVP of the All-Star game in 2023 and in addition to being the only member of his family with a Stanley Cup, he has also eclipsed the 100-point mark twice. This is a feat his father never accomplished, getting to 98 points just once in his career.

#2: Sam Reinhart

Another member of the 2023-24 Florida Panthers squad who raised the Stanley Cup at the end of last season, Sam Reinhart has stepped out from his father's shadow and cemented himself as one of the best young centers in the league.

At just 27 years old, Reinhart has already surpassed the 133 goals scored by his father, Paul Reinhart during his 11-year NHL career, however, he's still chasing the 559 points his father logged throughout his career, sitting at 538 heading into the 2024-25 season.

#3: Elias Lindholm

Stanley Cup Playoffs-Edmonton Oilers at Vancouver Canucks - Source: Imagn

Elias Lindholm has proven himself as a multifaceted player, logging 218 goals and 339 assists throughout his career. On the flip side, Lindholm's father, Mikael Lindholm, had a far less notable career in the NHL, playing just one season in the league, while primarily competing in the AHL.

Heading into this season, Lindholm notably signed a seven-year deal worth a total of $54.25 million with the Boston Bruins, where he's expected to start on the team's first line.

#4: Max Domi

Stanley Cup Playoffs-Toronto Maple Leafs at Boston Bruins - Source: Imagn

While Max Domi's father, Tie Domi, still holds a reputation for being one of the most ferocious fighters in the history of the NHL, Max Domi's offensive abilities set him apart from his father, who sits in third-place all-time for penalty minutes.

Max Domi has already surpassed his father in career goals with 130, while his father finished his career with 104 goals. Although Max Domi may still have a ways to go before earning a reputation as fearsome as his father, his offensive skills have surpassed the Maple Leafs legend.

#5: Jake DeBrusk

Stanley Cup Playoffs-Boston Bruins at Florida Panthers - Source: Imagn

Throughout his NHL career, Jake DeBrusk's father, Louie DeBrusk, earned a reputation as a fierce enforcer who was willing to drop the gloves and throw down with anyone on the ice. His son, Jake DeBrusk, however, has proven that he is an offensive-minded wing.

Last season, DeBrusk logged 40 points in 80 games, following a season where he logged a career-high 50 points in just 64 games.