Guerin: USA Hockey expects Matthew Tkachuk to be back for 2026 Winter Olympics
USA Hockey’s brass seems confident it will have one of its star players ready for the 2026 Winter Olympics.
While speaking to the media at the U.S. Men’s Olympics Orientation Camp in Plymouth, Mich., on Wednesday, Team USA general manager Bill Guerin gave an optimistic update on forward Matthew Tkachuk, citing that the team is “planning and expecting” the Florida Panthers star to be with the team in Milan and Cortina in February.
“If something changes, then we’ll do what we have to do,” Guerin said. “But he’s on [the roster] and he’s going to be on until he can’t.”
Tkachuk, who isn’t attending the camp, underwent surgery, supposedly to correct a torn adductor and a sports hernia that he suffered during the 4 Nations Face-Off. Guerin stated he recently spoke with the two-time Stanley Cup champion.
“He told me what was going on, and it wouldn’t be great for him to get on a plane and fly right now. So, he didn’t need to be here. But he was upbeat. He’s always upbeat.”
U.S. head coach Mike Sullivan says Tkachuk’s value to the group is immense.
“I think he represents in a lot of ways the identity of the team and what we’re trying to become as a group,” Sullivan said. “He’s a fierce competitor. He has incredible care for his teammates. We certainly missed him in that final game of the Four Nations. I know we dressed him on the bench, but I think he played four shifts. He has an impact on the game in so many ways.”
With Tkachuk’s condition, it hasn’t been publicly stated by the Panthers or the player regarding a timetable for his return. In a recent report from David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, the 27-year-old could be out of action until January.
Tkachuk’s injuries led to him playing very little for the remainder of the 4 Nations Face-Off, missing the remainder of the regular season. He returned in time for the playoffs, posting an impressive 23 points in 23 games as Florida went on to defeat the Edmonton Oilers for a second year in a row in the Stanley Cup Final.
The Americans will be hoping they can take home the team’s first medal at the Olympics since their run to the Silver in Vancouver in 2010, and potentially their first gold medal since 1980. The opening round in Milano-Cortina begins on Feb. 11, with the gold medal being handed out on Feb. 22.