Brady Tkachuk has found himself in a rather awkward position.

Days after crushing the hearts of Canadians by helping the United States win a gold medal over its northern neighbor, Tkachuk is back with his Senators, who play in Canada’s capital of Ottawa, for a playoff push.

A TikTok posted by the White House probably didn’t help matters because it featured footage of Tkachuk’s conference at a 4 Nations game last year that was doctored by artificial intelligence to make it appear as if he spoke disparagingly of Canada and its citizens.

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Brady Tkachuk of the United States celebrates after winning the gold medal during the men’s gold medal game against Canada at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena during the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games Feb. 22, 2026, in Milan, Italy.  (Catherine Steenkeste/Getty Images)

“They booed our national anthem, so I had to come out and teach those maple syrup-eating f—- a lesson,” Tkachuk allegedly says in the video. Tkachuk and his brother, Matthew, were part of three fights in nine seconds against Canada last year.

Tkachuk celebrated his gold medal in Washington, D.C., but was not pleased with the video.

“Well, it’s clearly fake, because it’s not my voice, not my lips moving. I’m not in control of any of those accounts. I know that those words would never come out of my mouth. So, I can’t do anything about it,” Tkachuk told reporters Thursday ahead of his NHL return, via ESPN.

When asked if he enjoyed the video, he repeated his sentiments.

Brady Tkachuk (top) of the U.S. fights Canada’s Sam Bennett (9) during first-period 4 Nations Face-Off hockey action in Montreal Feb. 15, 2025.  (Christinne Muschi/The Canadian Press via AP)

“It’s not my voice. It’s not what I was saying,” he added. “I would never say that. That’s not who I am. So, I guess I don’t like that video because that would never come out of my mouth and never had that thought.”

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment. 

Some have also accused Tkachuk of saying, “Close the northern border” while on the phone with President Donald Trump after the team won gold.

“I’ve been seeing stuff that people think it’s me. But if you watch the video, it’s not my voice or something that I never say,” Tkachuk said. “I don’t know how that took a storm on its own when I give everything I have here.

“It’s crazy when things go on social media, how fast they go. I would never say anything like that.”

Brady Tkachuk (7) and Matthew Tkachuk (19) of the United States celebrate after their game against Canada during the Milan Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena Feb. 22, 2026. (Geoff Burke/Imagn Images)

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Tkachuk will play as a member of the home team in Canada Thursday at 7 p.m. against the Detroit Red Wings.

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We are at the NFL Combine stage of the pre-draft process, where the Vikings brain trust will watch this year’s potential draftees perform physical and mental tests in front of coaches, general managers, and scouts. The chance for players to give their draft stock a boost by showing elite traits or proving fitness if there have been injury issues.

Seven Names That Match Minnesota’s Biggest 2026 Draft Priorities

I have picked out seven prospects who should be high on the Vikings’ agenda and worth extra attention this weekend. Mainly focusing on defense, the area of the team that I think is a priority in this draft, but also a couple of players on offense, too.

Caleb Banks (DT), Florida

Many are focusing on the Vikings’ secondary in this draft, but my early draft crush has been Florida defensive tackle Caleb Banks. The Gators DT can be a long-term partner for Jalen Redmond in the center of the Vikings’ defensive line.

At 6’6″, 325 pounds, with arms over 35″, Caleb Banks has overwhelming size, length, and forklift power, to pair with inhuman burst and quickness at that size. An impressive display at The Combine can confirm his round one status. Given the history of injuries, the medical side will be closely monitored.

Dillon Thieneman (S), Oregon

Dillon Thieneman has been earmarked as the Harrison Smith replacement should Minnesota choose to do that through the draft rather than free agency. Brian Flores’ defense demands safeties who can blitz, drop into coverage, and diagnose plays pre-snap — Thieneman does all of this while reading the field like a veteran at 21 years old.

Thieneman’s draft projection is hovering around the early Day 2 and late first-round range. His Combine performance may dictate where the Vikings have to go to get him, should they want to.

Jermod McCoy (CB), Tennessee 

The search for an outside CB ready to shut down WR1s has been a long one for Minnesota. Jermod McCoy can provide that while also being a ball hawk. He’d likely be well out of reach for the Vikings at 18 if it weren’t for the fact that McCoy tore his ACL in a preseason workout and missed the entire 2025 season.

Interestingly, McCoy won’t work out at The Combine, which leaves more mystery around his recovery. Teams will look closely at his medical reports, which will be one of the big stories of the weekend.

Avieon Terrell (CB), Clemson

A CB in a different mold to McCoy, Avieon Terrell is an undersized but feisty corner who also has a knack for taking the ball away. Terrell – younger brother of Falcons All-Pro A.J. Terrell – has inside/outside versatility but would probably find more success playing in the slot in the NFL.

He will hope to impress with his elite quickness and short-area burst, convincing a team like Minnesota he is worth a mid-first-round pick.

Kenyon Sadiq (TE), Oregon

Kenyon Sadiq provided Oregon with a big play whenever it needed one last season. A dependable threat on third down or in the red zone, Sadiq is the top-rated TE in this year’s draft. He caught a team-high 51 passes for 560 yards and eight touchdowns, showing a penchant for getting open at various levels.

Sadiq is big and strong and moves as well as any tight end in this class. A good 40 time will put Sadiq’s draft over the top and start a serious conversation over whether he’s an option to replace the highly paid TJ Hockenson.

Colton Hood (CB), Tennessee

Another option to be the lockdown CB the Vikings need is McCoy’s teammate at Tennessee, Colton Hood. At 6’0, and 195 lbs, Hood has an enticing blend of explosiveness, corrective twitch, proportional length, and physicality.

He had the opportunity to step up in McCoy’s absence and did just that. An impressive outing at The Combine can secure him first-round status and put him firmly on the Vikings’ radar.

Nick Singleton (RB), Penn State 

The Vikings need a young, exciting prospect at RB, but with Jeremiyah Love likely to go in the top 10. The next group of RBs is, at best, Day 2 prospects. One player who can boost his draft stock at The Combine is Penn State’s Nick Singleton.

Penn State has a history of producing freak athletes, and Singleton is the latest at 220 lbs while expected to run in the low 4.4s on top of a massive broad jump. With three Day 2 picks to play with, that sort of performance will put Singleton in the Vikings’ eyeline.

Proud UK Viking. Family Man. Enjoy writing about my team. Away from football an advocate for autism acceptance.

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No. 1-ranked Duke Blue Devils will host No. 11-ranked Virginia Cavaliers on Saturday, Feb. 28. The Blue Devils are looking to extend their winning streak to six, while the Cavaliers are aiming to reach 10.

With the game occurring at Noon, let’s look at the prediction, venue, odds and tips for today’s game.

Duke vs. Virginia Prediction

Here’s a look at the odds and forecasts for the showdown:

• KenPom: Duke 75-65
• BartTorvik: Duke 74-65
• ESPN BPI: Duke +12.5

KenPom and BartTorvik have the Blue Devils winning by ten and nine points, respectively. They’re currently the No. 1-ranked team in the nation and will be a tough team to beat in March Madness.

Duke vs. Virginia Preview

The Duke Blue Devils are having arguably their best season since Coach K announced his retirement. Cameron Boozer and Co. have lost just two games this season, with both coming against Top 20-ranked opponents. They lost by three points or less.

The Blue Devils are led by freshman phenom Cameron Boozer, the son of former Duke great Carlos Boozer. The younger Boozer is widely projected as a Top 3 pick in the 2026 NBA draft, and he’s been on a tear lately. The Cavaliers will have to contain him in the post and pay attention to a supporting cast stacked with future NBA talent.

The Virginia Cavaliers enter today’s game as one of the in-form teams in college basketball. They’re on a nine-game winning streak with a vast majority of those wins coming by comfortable margins.

The Cavaliers are filled with experienced collegiate players out for one last national championship hurrah. Their 86-83 win over Miami last weekend featured three freshmen, one junior and four seniors. That’s in contrast to a Duke team that’s become a hub for high-profile freshmen in recent years.

Today’s game has all the markings of a late-season classic with both teams looking to close out February with a statement win. Ultimately, it could come down to the better-coached team and the set of players that want it more.

Where to watch Duke vs. Virginia

• Date: Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026
• Time: Noon ET
• TV Channel: ESPN
• Venue: Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, North Carolina