Auston Matthews and Brady Tkachuk have voiced strong belief in Team USA's ability to win gold at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina. The Toronto Maple Leafs captain highlighted the team's chemistry from the recent 4 Nations Face-Off, while the Ottawa Senators forward expressed no doubts about his brother Matthew's readiness. Both players emphasized the motivation from past near-misses against Canada.
As the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 approach, NHL stars Auston Matthews and Brady Tkachuk shared optimistic outlooks for Team USA's men's hockey team during separate interviews on Monday.
Matthews, captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs, echoed Team USA general manager Bill Guerin's August statement at the Olympic Orientation Camp that only gold will suffice. "I think it’s just about the belief and the confidence that he has in you and the group of Americans that we have going and representing the country," Matthews said. "And I think all of us feel the same way."
The United States last competed with NHL players at the 2014 Sochi Olympics and seeks its first men's hockey gold since the 1980 "Miracle on Ice." Matthews noted the team's progress, stating, "I think we feel like we're up there and we should be competing for gold." He referenced losses to Canada in the 2002 and 2010 gold medal games, as well as a 3-2 overtime defeat in the February 4 Nations Face-Off championship, where Matthews had two chances stopped by Jordan Binnington before Connor McDavid scored the winner.
As U.S. captain in the 4 Nations, Matthews recorded three assists in three games and believes that tournament's chemistry will carry over. Most players from that event return for the Olympics, with the U.S. facing Latvia on February 12 at 3:10 p.m. ET. The last NHL games end February 5, followed by practices starting February 8.
Brady Tkachuk, Ottawa Senators captain, focused on his brother Matthew, a Florida Panthers forward who returned from August 22 surgery for a torn adductor and sports hernia. Matthew has three assists in four games since his January 19 debut and missed 25 regular-season games last year due to a 4 Nations injury but tallied 23 playoff points to help Florida win the Stanley Cup.
"I have no doubt about him... Those big moments, he always shows up," Brady said. Their father, Keith Tkachuk, was a four-time U.S. Olympian with a 2002 silver medal. Brady called playing with Matthew a childhood dream realized, adding excitement for the gold pursuit after the 4 Nations loss.
Matthews also praised U.S. forward Brock Nelson's recent hat trick against the Maple Leafs, calling him "really underrated" and eager to team up. Both players anticipate the Olympic village experience as a unique opportunity to connect with global athletes.
