[FanIn80]

United States 'planning and expecting' to have Tkachuk in 2026 Olympics

“I think he represents, in a lot of ways, the identity of the team and what we are trying to become as a group,” U.S. coach Mike Sullivan said. “He's a fierce competitor. He has incredible care for his teammates.

“We certainly missed him in the 4 Nations final.”

Florida Panthers GM Bill Zito is part of the U.S. management group and is at the camp here in Michigan, but (USA GM) Guerin said he has not pressed him regarding Tkachuk’s status.

“I don't push Billy, it's his player,” Guerin said. “But Matthew is a huge part of what we're trying to do here and he's on (the roster) until he's not.”

...

“(Thachuk) called me and just kind of told me what was going on,” Guerin said. “It wouldn't be great for him get on a plane and fly right now. He didn't have to be here.

“He was upbeat. He's always upbeat.”

https://www.nhl.com/news/u-s-plannin...milano-cortina