Bill Guerin Hopes for Matthew Tkachuk for the Olympics
The Team USA general manager, Bill Guerin, has expressed his confidence that Matthew Tkachuk will be available for the Olympic team in February. Guerin stated that he is “planning and expecting” the player’s participation. Guerin commented that, unless some unexpected change arises, Tkachuk is part of the team and will remain on it. The Panthers’ star forward underwent surgery this summer to treat a persistent injury, and is expected to miss the start of the NHL season. Tkachuk was the only member of the Four Nations team from Team USA who did not attend this week’s Olympic orientation camp in Plymouth, Michigan. Guerin explained that Tkachuk recently called him to give him an update on his status.Tkachuk revealed that he suffered an adductor muscle injury and a sports hernia during the Four Nations tournament, which forced him to miss most of the last game against Canada and the last 25 games of the NHL regular season. However, he returned for Game 1 of the playoffs and scored 23 points in 23 games, helping the Panthers win their second consecutive Stanley Cup. Matthew’s brother, Brady Tkachuk, also spoke about his condition. “I’ve been talking to him basically every day, especially since we’ve been here, he’s had the most FOMO I’ve ever seen him have,” he said. Bill Zito, general manager of the Panthers, is part of Guerin’s management team for Team USA. Guerin highlighted Matthew’s importance to the team, noting that he is a key piece in their goals. Matthew Tkachuk was one of the first six players named to the U.S. team, along with his brother Brady Tkachuk, Auston Matthews, Jack Eichel, Quinn Hughes, and Charlie McAvoy. Final rosters must be submitted in early January. Each team is entitled to 25 roster spots, two more than in the Four Nations tournament. Team USA coach Mike Sullivan emphasized Tkachuk’s importance to the team, highlighting his role in the group’s identity and competitiveness. Brady Tkachuk expressed his confidence in his brother’s preparation and work ethic, suggesting that he will be in the best possible physical shape after the surgery. The Tkachuk brothers stood out in the tournament, organizing three fights in the first nine seconds of the United States’ first game against Canada. Matthew Tkachuk stated that the fights were intended to send a message that the United States would not be intimidated by their biggest rival. Canada won the Four Nations tournament by defeating the United States in overtime in the final. It should be noted that fighting is prohibited in Olympic hockey. NHL players return to the Olympic Games for the first time in 12 years. For the Americans, an Olympic gold medal is at stake, the first since the “Miracle on Ice” of 1980.He told me what was going on, and it wouldn’t be good 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.
Bill Guerin
