The 2026 Winter Olympics are officially underway in Milan, and the men’s hockey tournament is already showcasing some serious NHL firepower - with the Florida Panthers leading the charge.
No NHL team is more represented in Milan than the Panthers, who have sent a league-high 10 players to the Games. That’s not a typo - ten.
And that’s not even counting the coaches and staff wearing Florida’s colors behind the scenes. When it comes to Olympic presence, the Cats are everywhere.
Panthers on the Ice: Finland, Sweden Get Things Started
The action begins today with a pair of Panthers-heavy matchups. At 10:40 a.m.
ET, Finland takes on Slovakia in Group B play. The Finns are rolling out a trio of Panthers: forwards Anton Lundell and Eetu Luostarinen, along with defenseman Niko Mikkola.
This group brings a mix of youth, two-way responsibility, and physical edge - exactly what Finland leans on in international tournaments.
Later in the day, Sweden hits the ice against Italy at 3:10 p.m. ET.
That game features Panthers defenseman Gus Forsling, who’s quietly become one of the most reliable blue-liners in the NHL. Expect him to play big minutes on the Swedish back end, likely in all situations.
Both games will be televised on USA Network and streamed on Peacock for fans watching in the U.S.
Panthers All Over the Olympic Map
Florida’s international footprint doesn’t stop with Finland and Sweden. Canada, which opens its tournament tomorrow against Czechia, boasts three Panthers: Sam Reinhart, Brad Marchand, and Sam Bennett. That’s a versatile trio capable of playing up and down the lineup - and one that could be a difference-maker as Canada looks to reclaim gold.
Czechia counters with two Florida players of their own, while Latvia is represented by defenseman Uvis Balinskis and forward prospect Sandis Vilmanis. Even Germany is getting a bit of Panthers flavor, with assistant coach Jamie Kompon on the bench.
The United States was expected to have two Panthers, but a Winter Classic injury forced defenseman Seth Jones to withdraw. That leaves Matthew Tkachuk as the lone Florida rep for Team USA. Still, Tkachuk’s presence is no small thing - he brings grit, skill, and Olympic-sized swagger to a young American squad looking to make a deep run.
Behind the Bench and Behind the Scenes
It’s not just the players making an impact in Milan. Panthers general manager Bill Zito is serving as an assistant GM for Team USA, while video coach Myles Fee is with Team Sweden. Assistant coach Tuomo Ruutu is behind the bench for Finland, and equipment manager Teddy Richards is also lending his expertise to the U.S. squad.
That kind of organizational presence speaks to how far the Panthers have come as a franchise. They’re not just building a contender in the NHL - they’re shaping the international game, too.
Men’s Hockey Schedule Highlights
The tournament runs through February 22, culminating in the gold medal game on Sunday morning. Here are some key dates to circle:
- Today (Feb. 11): Slovakia vs.
Finland (10:40 a.m.), Sweden vs. Italy (3:10 p.m.)
- Thursday (Feb. 12): Czechia vs.
Canada (10:40 a.m.), USA vs. Latvia (3:10 p.m.)
- Friday (Feb. 13): Finland vs.
Sweden (6:10 a.m.), Canada vs. Switzerland (3:10 p.m.)
- Saturday (Feb. 14): USA vs.
Denmark (3:10 p.m.)
- **Sunday (Feb.
15):** USA vs. Germany (3:10 p.m.)
- Feb. 17: Qualification playoffs
- Feb. 18: Quarterfinals
- Feb. 20: Semifinals
- Feb. 21: Bronze medal game
- Feb. 22: Gold medal game
All games are available to stream on Peacock in the U.S. and CBC Gem in Canada.
Panthers at the 2026 Winter Olympics - Full Roster Breakdown
- United States: Matthew Tkachuk, Seth Jones (injured), Bill Zito (assistant GM), Teddy Richards (equipment manager)
- Canada: Sam Reinhart, Brad Marchand, Sam Bennett
- Finland: Sasha Barkov (injured), Eetu Luostarinen, Niko Mikkola, Anton Lundell, Tuomo Ruutu (assistant coach)
- Sweden: Gus Forsling, Myles Fee (video coach)
- Latvia: Uvis Balinskis, Sandis Vilmanis
- Germany: Jamie Kompon (assistant coach)
With this kind of representation across multiple nations and roles, the Florida Panthers aren’t just watching the Olympics - they’re helping shape them. From the opening puck drop to the gold medal celebration, expect to see Panthers making plays, delivering hits, and chasing gold on the biggest stage in the sport.