Matthew Tkachuk isn’t holding back.

The American hockey star made headlines after delivering a confident — and controversial — statement about Team USA’s standing on the global stage ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics. Declaring that “America is ranked No. 1 in freedom and hockey as well,” Tkachuk doubled down with a clear message for their longtime rivals to the north: Canada, he said, “will be at our feet in February.”

The remarks quickly ignited debate among hockey fans, adding fuel to one of the sport’s fiercest rivalries. With the 2026 Olympics on the horizon, Tkachuk’s comments reflect a growing confidence within the U.S. program, which has seen a surge of elite talent and international success in recent years.

While Canada has long been considered the gold standard in international hockey, Team USA is entering the upcoming Olympic cycle with high expectations and a roster packed with NHL stars. Tkachuk’s statement appears to signal not just belief, but a willingness to embrace the pressure — and the trash talk — that comes with challenging a hockey powerhouse.

Whether the bold prediction proves accurate will be decided on the ice in 2026. Until then, Tkachuk’s words ensure one thing: when the United States and Canada face off at the Olympics, the spotlight — and the stakes — will be higher than ever.

Panthers’ Matthew Tkachuck ‘grateful to be an American’ as team celebrates Stanley Cup title with Trump

Tkachuk and the Panthers celebrated the Stanley Cup win at the White House

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Florida Panthers star Matthew Tkachuk had a proud American moment at the White House on Monday as he and his team celebrated their Stanley Cup victory with President Donald Trump.

Tkachuk, who was one of six Americans on the championship-winning roster last season, was able to address the president during the celebration.

President Donald Trump, left, shakes hands with Matthew Tkachuk during a ceremony with the Florida Panthers NHL hockey team to celebrate their 2024 Stanley Cup victory in the East Room of the White House on Monday, Feb. 3, 2025 in Washington, D.C. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

“Thank you, Mr. President, for having us today. We greatly appreciate it. Being one of the few Americans, who loves this country so much, it’s such an incredible day for myself. You wake up every day really grateful to be an American. So, thank you,” he said.

Tkachuk then told the president about how special the group of men behind him are. Florida appeared in the Stanley Cup Final for the second consecutive time last season and were able to finally get over the hump and win the trophy for the first time in franchise history.

President Donald Trump, center, poses for a photo with Aleksander Barkov, left, and Matthew Tkachuk with a jersey and a hockey stick during a ceremony with the Florida Panthers NHL hockey team to celebrate their 2024 Stanley Cup win, in the East Room of the White House on Monday, Feb. 3, 2025 in Washington, D.C. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

“This team and this group of guys is special,” he added. “Everybody sees what we do on the ice, but I’ve built bonds with these guys that I’ll have for the rest of my life. I’m forever grateful for these guys. We’re forever champs, and I’ll always remember these guys.”

Tkachuk and Aleksander Barkov presented the president with a golden hockey stick and a Panthers sweater that read Trump and No. 47 on the back of it. Trump carried the stick out of the room as he and the team moved to the next event.

The Panthers acquired Tkachuk in a trade with the Calgary Flames before the 2022-23 season, and he has helped elevate Florida ever since.

President Donald Trump, center, holds a hockey stick before he poses for a photo with Aleksander Barkov, left, and Matthew Tkachuk during a ceremony with the Florida Panthers NHL hockey team to celebrate their 2024 Stanley Cup win, in the East Room of the White House on Monday, Feb. 3, 2025 in Washington, D.C. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

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Tkachuk has 18 goals and 32 assists this season. Florida is back on top of the Atlantic Division with a 32-19-2 record.