While the 2025-26 NHL season is still months away from beginning, the spotlight is fixed upon the 2026 Olympics in Milano. On that note, Team USA announced the players who will be attending the Orientation Camp in late August. A notable absence is Matthew Tkachuk, which could mean bad news for the Florida Panthers.
Tkachuk put his body on the line all season long in the NHL and during the 4 Nations Face-Off. It came at a price, and he is now paying it in full. The Panthers know their star winger might miss some time to begin the 2025-26 campaign, yet Team USA’s roster has now all but confirmed Tkachuk’s injury might be severe.
Matthew Tkachuk is unable to attend the Americans’ Orientation Camp, as reported by the team. His name didn’t appear on the full 44-player list competing for a spot on the roster.
While Tkachuk might lose some ground, he’s expected to be fully available by February, having already been named among the six initial players on the final roster. His place on the team shouldn’t be at stake despite his undisclosed absence from the ice.
Matthew Tkachuk #19 of the Florida Panthers arrives to play against the Carolina Hurricanes in Game Two of the Eastern Conference Final of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Lenovo Center on May 22, 2025 in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Surgical decision
The Panthers are well aware Tkachuk won’t be available for the NHL‘s season opener against the Chicago Blackhawks on October 7. However, the uncertainty around the winger lies on how much time he will miss. That depends mostly on which path the 27-year-old takes. As it stands, the star forward is still studying his options.
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“If I do get the surgery, it’ll definitely be the first two or maybe three months if that’s the case. But it’s still undecided at this point,” Tkachuk admitted in dialogue with ESPN. “I’m still hoping to hit the ice as soon as possible.”
Brady is waiting
Sharing the ice with his brother Brady Tkachuk during the 4 Nations was a once-in-a-lifetime dream come true for the siblings. Ever since attending their father Keith’s games in their youth, the two brothers had dreamt of playing together.
Their chance finally arrived in one of the biggest events in NHL history. Now, as the 2026 Olympics loom closer, the stage is even bigger—and so are the Tkachuks’ hopes of representing their home country side by side.
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Brady has been named to the Orientation Camp roster, to no one’s surprise, and—barring any injury—is expected to make the final cut. It’s now on Matthew to heal his wounds and be back in full capacity by February when the Americans will vie to redeem themselves. In the World’s Fashion Capital, nothing looks as good as a gold medal around one’s neck.
