Bill Guerin Confirms: Matthew Tkachuk in Plans for U.S. Olympic Team
The Team USA general manager, Bill Guerin, has stated that he is “planning and expecting” to have Matthew Tkachuk for the Olympic team in February. This statement came amid uncertainty about Tkachuk’s recovery following surgery performed this summer. Guerin expressed his confidence in Tkachuk’s participation, stating that, unless unexpected changes arise, the player will be on the team’s roster. Tkachuk, a key figure on the team, underwent surgery 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 revealed that Tkachuk recently called him to inform him of his status.Tkachuk revealed that he suffered a torn adductor muscle 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. Despite this, he returned for the first game of the playoffs and scored 23 points in 23 games, while the Panthers won their second consecutive Stanley Cup. Brady Tkachuk, brother of Matthew, commented on his health: “He’s great. He feels good. I’ve been talking to him practically every day, especially since we’ve been here, he’s had the most FOMO I’ve ever seen him have.” Team USA coach Mike Sullivan highlighted Tkachuk’s importance to the team, mentioning his competitive spirit and dedication to his teammates. “He means a lot to this team,” Sullivan said. 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 spots, two more than in the Four Nations tournament. The return of NHL players to the Olympics, after 12 years, adds an extra layer of excitement and expectation, especially for Americans seeking their first Olympic gold medal 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 optimistic. He’s always optimistic.
Bill Guerin
