29 Ukrainians in NHL Last Season

There were 29 players of Ukrainian descent skating in National Hockey League arenas in the recently completed 2024-25 season. Fifteen of the above players can be classified as frontline forwards and defensemen, six can be described as relevant contributors, another six are highly touted rookies who received a taste of the NHL, and two were minor leaguers who have seen better days.

The winner of the Norris Trophy (top defenseman) and First Team All-Star in 2024-25 was Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar (80 games played, 30 goals, 62 assists, 92 points) who is Ukrainian on his father’s side. This was Makar’s second Norris Trophy and his consistent point production and strong defensive acumen have drawn comparisons to Bobby Orr. He led all defensemen in goals, assists and points and is destined to continue adding hardware to his trophy case.

The Tkachuk brothers led the forward group of Ukrainians with captain Brady spearheading the Ottawa Senators attack while older brother Matthew, himself an assistant captain, was the heart and soul of the Florida Panthers, who successfully repeated as Stanley Cup Champions when they once again defeated the Edmonton Oilers in the Finals. In 52 games, Matthew (22G-35A-57PTS-54PIM) actually outscored Brady (72GP-29G-26A-55PTS-123PIM) despite missing 30 games due to injuries. Of note, mother Chantal Oster Tkachuk, wife of retired superstar Keith Tkachuk, is a full-blooded Ukrainian from Winnipeg, Canada. Keith has admitted he has distant Ukrainian bloodlines.

Other Topics of Interest

Kostyuk Reaches Historic French Open Semifinal, Dedicates Win to Ukraine

Marta Kostyuk fought back tears after reaching her first Grand Slam semifinal at the French Open, dedicating the victory to Ukraine following a wave of Russian drone and missile attacks that killed at least 21 people.

Defenseman Jakob Chychrun was acquired by Washington in the offseason to add some firepower and toughness to the Capitals defense corps. He did just that with a breakout campaign, tallying 20 goals and adding 27 assists for 47 points while also adding some missing leadership form the back end. His performance earned him an eight-year contract extension worth $72 million.

Among other Ukrainian defensemen, Colton Parayko anchored the blueline in St. Louis, posting solid numbers (16G, 20A) despite missing 18 games due to physical ailments. Tampa Bay’s Darren Raddysh (80GP-6G-31A-37PTS) was a most pleasant surprise for a second year in a row, finally proving he has what it takes to be a top-four defenseman after paying his dues in the minor leagues. Edmonton would not have reached the Stanley Cup Finals for a second consecutive season without stay-at-home defender Brett Kulak (82GP-7G-18A-25PTS).

Speaking of defensive stalwarts, Ukrainian Adam Pelech (60GP-21A-32PIM) has been a mainstay on the New York Islanders back line for many seasons and was very much missed when he was forced to sit out 22 contests because of injuries. The Seattle Kraken have zero regrets for making defenseman Jamie Oleksiak (82GP-4G-13A-17PTS) one of their first acquisitions as an expansion club several years back.

Three Ukrainian forwards skated regular shifts on their respective teams in the 2024-25 season, two of them primarily on third or fourth lines with more of a defensive presence. Veteran Jordan Martinook (79GP-15G-21A-36PTS) chipped in with an occasional goal for the disciplined Carolina Hurricanes and Taylor Raddysh (80GP-6G-31A-37PTS), Darren’s younger brother, found a role with the President Trophy winning Washington Capitals. Young Connor Zary was counted on as a first or second line center by the Calgary Flames, but unfortunately injuries limited him to only 54 games and his production (13G-14A-27PTS) was very much affected by a lack of surrounding talent.

The remaining three frontline Ukrainians were over-achieving rookies in 2024-25: Florida’s Mackie Samoskevich, Chicago’s Frank Nazar and Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Denton Mateychuk.

Nazar (53GP-12G-14A-26PTS) made a phenomenal impression on a rebuilding Blackhawks squad, turning a brief call-up from the AHL into a permanent spot as a second-line center.

Samoskevich very quietly added speed and skill to the Panthers’ third forward line, chipping in with 15 goals and 31 points in a surprisingly consistent debut campaign. Although he only dressed in four playoff games, the young Ukrainian got to hoist the coveted Stanley Cup following Florida’s 5-1 victory over Edmonton in Game 6 of the Finals.

Columbus did not expect a whole lot from Denton Mateychuk after recalling him to the big club, but in 45 games the young rearguard showed he can quarterback the Blue Jackets power play, shoot and distribute the puck as well as shut down the opposition with his defensive instincts and elite skating. His four goals and nine assists were only a mini preview of the offensive punch he will provide in the future.

Kirby Dach has the potential to be a point-producing pivot in the NHL (he was the third overall pick in the 2019 NHL Draft) and was eagerly acquired in a trade from the Chicago Blackhawks by the Montreal Canadiens a few years back. Sadly the older Dach brother has been injury prone thus far in his career, missing 25 games in 2024-25, and registering a mere 10 goals and 22 points. Defenseman Josh Mahura got into 64 games for Seattle (9points) and young Kaedan Korczak (10 assists) played in 40 contests for the Vegas Golden Knights. Jakub Lauko (56GP-5G-6A-11PTS) was reacquired by the Boston Bruins from Minnesota, Zach Ostapchuk (56GP-3PTS) went from Ottawa to San Jose, and Curtis Lazar (48GP-2G-3A-5PTS) got part-time minutes with the New Jersey Devils.

Colton Dach, Kirby’s little brother, got a taste of the NHL with the Blackhawks (25GP-7PTS) and is in their future plans as a forward. Justin Hryckowian was the American Hockey League Rookie of the Year and the Texas Stars’ top performer in the 2025 Calder Cup Playoffs. He skated in five games for the Dallas Stars and projects as a full-time NHL-er in 2025-26.

Tyson Kozak rode the Rochester-Buffalo shuttle to the tune of 21 games with the Sabres (3G-2A-5PTS). His aggressive checking game and underdog attitude earned him a two-year extension and he will compete for a permanent position in Buffalo next season.

Blackhawks defenseman Kevin Korchinski played his 2023-24 rookie season in Chicago only to be reassigned to Rockford of the AHL for additional development one year later. In 16 games back in the NHL he notched one goal and two points and will be counted on as a top-two defender with the parent Hawks in 2025-26.

Philadelphia’s Jett Luchanko made the big club out of training camp last October, but after four games was sent back to juniors where, after some early struggles, he regained the offensive prowess he displayed when he was selected in the first round of the 2024 draft.

Carter Mazur is still listed as a top prospect for the Detroit Red Wings, but a season-ending injury limited him to only a cup of coffee in the Motor City (1GP) and 20 games in Grand Rapids (AHL).

Wingers Kieffer Bellows (Nashville Predators, 19GP-2G-4PTS) and Jake Leschyshyn (New York Rangers, 1GP) find themselves way down on the depth chart and face limited opportunities for NHL playing time going forward.