Matthew Tkachuk’s International Career
Has Matthew Tkachuk played in the Olympics before?
No, Matthew Tkachuk has not played in the Olympics before. The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina will be Tkachuk's first Games.
What medals has Matthew Tkachuk won with Team USA internationally?
Tkachuk won gold at the IIHF World U18 Championship and earned bronze at the IIHF World U20 Championship. He also took home silver with Team USA at the 4 Nations Face-Off in 2025.
Did Matthew Tkachuk play in the World Juniors?
Yes, Tkachuk won gold at the IIHF World U18 Championship and earned bronze at the IIHF World U20 Championship.
How did Matthew Tkachuk perform at the World Cup of Hockey in 2016?
Tkachuk did not play in the 2016 World Cup of Hockey.
How has Matthew Tkachuk performed at the IIHF World Championship?
Tkachuk won gold at the IIHF World U18 Championship and scored 12 points for Team USA. He also earned bronze at the IIHF World U20 Championship and scored 11 points for Team USA.
How does Matthew Tkachuk rank among all-time American hockey players?
While Tkachuk has had success internationally at the junior level, his national team career still is quite young. The 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics will be Tkachuk's first Games, and it will be a chance to compete on the highest level of global competition. He was an alternate captain for Team USA at the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off and helped lead the team to a silver medal. He's expected to be a key member of the U.S. squad alongside his brother Brady Tkachuk.
How does Matthew Tkachuk compare to Patrick Kane as a Team USA leader?
Tkachuk and Patrick Kane represent two different types of leaders for Team USA. Tkachuk is a physical, emotional and motivational type of leader whereas Kane leads with knowledge, experience and poise.
Matthew Tkachuk’s Road to Milan Cortina 2026
Will Matthew Tkachuk play for Team USA at the 2026 Winter Olympics?
Yes, Tkachuk was selected as one of the first-six players to the U.S. men's Olympic hockey roster for the 2026 Winter Games.
Could Matthew Tkachuk win his first Olympic medal at Milan Cortina 2026?
Yes, Tkachuk has a good shot at taking home an Olympic medal during his first Games in 2026. In Milan, the U.S. and Canada are the expected gold-medal contenders in the men's tournament, with Canada currently the slight favorite.
How is Matthew Tkachuk performing in the 2025–26 NHL season?
The NHL season begins Oct. 7, 2025.
Who could Matthew Tkachuk’s linemates be at the 2026 Olympics?
So far only six players have been named to each country's Olympic roster. Team USA named Tkachuk, Auston Matthews, Jack Eichel, Brady Tkachuk, Quinn Hughes and Charlie McAvoy to the team in June. Tkachuk played alongside Matthews and his brother Brady and Eichel during the 4 Nations Face-Off in February 2025.
How does Matthew Tkachuk train and prepare for international play?
Tkachuk trains and prepares for international play by training and playing for the Florida Panthers during the challenging NHL season. He also participates in training camps and competition with Team USA as they prepare for the Games.
What milestones has Matthew Tkachuk reached leading up to Milan Cortina 2026?
Tkachuk won back-to-back Stanley Cup titles with the Florida Panthers in 2024 and 2025.
What challenges could Matthew Tkachuk face at the 2026 Olympics?
The 2026 Olympics will be Tkachuk's first Games, which could present some challenges for the NHL star. The 2026 Games will be the first including NHL players since the 2014 Sochi Olympics, which means competition will be at a heightened level. Tkachuk, along with all of the competitors, will need to rise to the occasion to meet the intensity and absorb the spotlight of the global stage.
Could Matthew and Brady Tkachuk both represent Team USA at Milan Cortina?
Yes, Matthew and Brady Tkachuk will both represent Team USA at Milan Cortina. The brothers both were named to the initial Team USA Olympic roster in June.
How does Matthew Tkachuk compare to other American stars like Jack Eichel?
Tkachuk compares to Eichel in that they are both Stanley Cup champions, NHL All-Stars and they both command attention when they step onto the ice. While they have different styles of play, they nearly are equal in their career goals and assists totals.