Bill Guerin Hopes for Matthew Tkachuk on the U.S. Olympic Team
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” to have the player. Guerin mentioned that, unless unforeseen changes arise, Tkachuk will be part of the team. Tkachuk, who underwent surgery this summer to treat a persistent injury, is expected to miss the start of the NHL season. Tkachuk was the only player on the U.S. Four Nations team who did not attend this week’s Olympic orientation camp in Plymouth, Michigan. Guerin reported that Tkachuk recently called him to update him on his status.Tkachuk revealed that he suffered a groin 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 the first playoff game and scored 23 points in 23 games, as the Panthers won their second consecutive Stanley Cup. Matthew’s brother, Brady Tkachuk, also commented on his condition, indicating that he feels good and that they have been in constant contact. Bill Zito, Panthers general manager, is also part of Guerin’s management staff for Team USA. Guerin stated that Matthew is a fundamental part of what they are trying to achieve. 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. Teams must submit their final rosters in early January, with a maximum of 25 players, two more than in the Four Nations tournament. Team USA coach Mike Sullivan highlighted Tkachuk’s importance to the team, noting that he represents the team’s identity and competitive spirit. Brady Tkachuk hopes his brother will be in top form after surgery. The Tkachuk brothers stood out in the tournament, including organizing several face-offs in the first game against Canada. Canada won the Four Nations tournament, defeating the U.S. in overtime in the final game. It should be noted that Olympic hockey prohibits fighting. NHL players return to the Olympics for the first time in 12 years, with their sights set on the gold medal, an achievement that the U.S. hasn’t achieved 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
