Matthew Tkachuk, Team USA, and the Long-Awaited Olympic Return for NHL Stars
FORT LAUDERDALE - For Matthew Tkachuk, this moment has been a long time coming. Four years ago, he was ready to represent Team USA at the 2022 Winter Olympics - until COVID-19 concerns pulled the plug on NHL participation.
But now, in 2026, there’s no holding him back. Not even offseason surgery could keep him off the roster for Milan.
The last time NHL players hit Olympic ice was back in 2014. That’s a 12-year gap - a lifetime in hockey years.
And for Tkachuk, who grew up watching the likes of T.J. Oshie shine in Sochi, the wait has only fueled the fire.
“Even if we were going every four years, it would still feel like a long time,” Tkachuk said last week. “But 12 years?
It feels like yesterday I was watching Oshie in the shootout, and Canada beating Sweden. But it also feels like forever ago.
A lot of us have missed out on this for years, and now we’re just so excited and gearing up for it.”
Tkachuk isn’t just on the roster - he’s part of the leadership core. Named one of the first six players on Team USA last June, he was officially tapped as an alternate captain this past Sunday. He’ll wear the ‘A’ alongside Boston Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy, while Toronto Maple Leafs star Auston Matthews will captain the squad.
“Auston, Charlie and Matthew did a great job leading our team last year at the 4 Nations Face-Off,” said Bill Guerin, general manager of the 2026 U.S. Olympic men’s hockey team and GM of the Minnesota Wild. “They all bring different leadership traits, and I know they’re all fired up to represent the country again.”
For Tkachuk, the Olympics carry even more meaning this time around - because he’s sharing the experience with his younger brother, Brady. The Ottawa Senators captain is also suiting up for Team USA, and the two are rooming together in Italy.
“We’re just so jacked up,” Matthew said. “Whether or not we play on the same line, we’re just pumped to be on the same team.
It’s a really exciting time to be an American hockey player. To represent our country again - and hopefully do what hasn’t been done in over 40 years - that’s special.”
The brothers were part of the Team USA squad at last year’s NHL 4 Nations Face-Off. That tournament is where Matthew first suffered the sports hernia and torn adductor injury that required offseason surgery. But he’s healthy now - and ready.
Team USA opens Olympic play Thursday in Milan against Latvia. Puck drop is set for 3:10 p.m. ET on USA Network, with live streaming available on Peacock.
Panthers Well Represented in Milan
The Florida Panthers are sending a strong contingent to the 2026 Winter Olympics, both on and off the ice.
Team USA includes Matthew Tkachuk and injured defenseman Seth Jones, along with Panthers GM Bill Zito serving as an assistant GM and Teddy Richards handling equipment duties.
Team Canada features Sam Reinhart, Brad Marchand, and Sam Bennett.
Team Finland has a loaded group with Sasha Barkov (injured), Eetu Luostarinen, Niko Mikkola, Anton Lundell, and assistant coach Tuomo Ruutu.
Team Sweden includes defenseman Gus Forsling and video coach Myles Fee.
Team Latvia features defenseman Uvis Balinskis and forward Sandis Vilmanis.
Team Germany has assistant coach Jamie Kompon on the bench.
Olympic Men’s Hockey Schedule (All Times ET)
Wednesday
- Slovakia vs.
Finland - 10:40 a.m. (USA Network)
- Sweden vs. Italy - 3:10 p.m.
(USA Network)
Thursday
- Switzerland vs.
France - 6:10 a.m.
- Czechia vs.
Canada - 10:40 a.m. (USA Network)
- Latvia vs. United States - 3:10 p.m.
(USA Network)
- Germany vs.
Denmark - 3:10 p.m.
Friday
- Finland vs.
Sweden - 6:10 a.m. (USA Network)
- Italy vs. Slovakia - 6:10 a.m.
- France vs. Czechia - 10:40 a.m.
- Canada vs. Switzerland - 3:10 p.m.
Saturday
- Sweden vs.
Slovakia - 6:10 a.m.
- Finland vs.
Italy - 10:40 a.m. (USA Network)
- Germany vs. Latvia - 6:10 a.m.
- USA vs. Denmark - 3:10 p.m.
(USA Network)
Sunday
- Switzerland vs.
Czechia - 6:10 a.m.
- Canada vs.
France - 10:40 a.m. (USA Network)
- Denmark vs. Latvia - 1:10 p.m.
- USA vs. Germany - 3:10 p.m.
(USA Network)
Feb. 17 (Tuesday) - Qualification Playoffs
- 6:10 a.m., 10:40 a.m., 3:10 p.m.
Feb. 18 (Wednesday) - Quarterfinals
- 6:10 a.m., 10:40 a.m., 12:10 p.m., 3:10 p.m.
Feb. 20 (Friday) - Semifinals
- 10:40 a.m., 3:10 p.m.
Feb. 21 (Saturday) - Bronze Medal Game
- 2:40 p.m.
Feb. 22 (Sunday) - Gold Medal Game
- 8:10 a.m.
The stage is set. The NHL is back on Olympic ice, and Matthew Tkachuk is front and center - healthy, hungry, and ready to lead.
For Team USA, this isn’t just about medals. It’s about legacy.