Matthew Tkachuk, Panthers Staff Set to Represent Team USA at 2026 Winter Olympics
The Florida Panthers are sending more than just their best wishes to the Winter Olympics this year - they’re sending star power, front-office leadership, and behind-the-scenes expertise. With the NHL returning to Olympic play for the first time since 2014, Team USA will have a distinct Panthers flavor, headlined by forward Matthew Tkachuk and bolstered by key members of Florida’s hockey operations staff.
Let’s start with the big name on the ice: Matthew Tkachuk. The Panthers' high-impact winger is set to suit up for Team USA alongside his brother, Brady, bringing a dose of grit, skill, and sibling chemistry to the American roster. It’s a storyline that practically writes itself - two Tkachuks chasing Olympic gold, wearing red, white, and blue.
But it hasn’t been a smooth road to Milan for Matthew. He spent most of the NHL season recovering from offseason surgery to repair a torn adductor and sports hernia - a brutal combination for any player, let alone one who thrives on explosive movement and physicality.
Since returning, Tkachuk has played in just 10 games, tallying three goals and eight points while averaging 18:41 of ice time per night. Even in limited action, he’s made his presence felt on the power play, where six of those points - including two goals - have come.
His shooting numbers offer a glimpse into how close he is to full speed. He’s averaging 2.9 shots on 5.6 attempts per game, which is just a hair below last season’s 3.0 on 6.07. That tells us the instincts are still there, the volume is still there - and with a bit more time, the finish might be too.
Defensively, he’s still rounding into form, skating to a minus-seven rating and logging 21 penalty minutes. But that’s part of the Tkachuk package: he plays on the edge, and when he’s healthy, that edge becomes a weapon.
We saw the difference a healthy Tkachuk can make during last year’s 4 Nations Face-Off. Now, with more recovery time and a chance to find his rhythm on the international stage, the U.S. could be getting the best version of him at just the right time.
Unfortunately, not all of Florida’s Olympic hopefuls made the final trip. Defenseman Seth Jones, who had been named to Team USA’s initial roster, won’t be joining the team after suffering an injury during the 2026 Winter Classic at loanDepot park.
A deflected shot caught him in the shoulder or collarbone area, and he later underwent a procedure to address the issue. The good news for Panthers fans: he’s expected to be back in the lineup after the Olympic break.
Off the ice, Team USA will also benefit from the Panthers' brain trust. General Manager Bill Zito is part of the U.S.
Olympic delegation, bringing his roster-building acumen to the international stage. Since taking over in Florida back in 2020, Zito has helped construct one of the NHL’s most balanced and sustainable rosters - a team that’s not only competitive now but positioned to stay that way for years to come.
His inclusion on Team USA’s staff speaks volumes about the respect he’s earned across the league.
Also heading to Milan is Panthers Head Equipment Manager Teddy Richards, who’s been with the organization since 2016 after coming over from the Pittsburgh Penguins. Richards was part of the U.S. staff at last year’s 4 Nations tournament and brings valuable experience and continuity to the Olympic locker room.
Team USA opens its Olympic campaign at the Milano Santagiulia Arena on Thursday, February 12, facing off against Latvia at 3:10 p.m. ET.
They’ll return to the ice on Saturday, February 14 against Denmark, before wrapping up group play on Sunday, February 15 against Germany. All three games will be broadcast nationally on USA Network.
With Tkachuk on the ice, Zito in the front office, and Richards keeping the bench running smoothly, the Florida Panthers will have a strong presence in Milan - and a real chance to help push Team USA toward the podium.