Panthers' Olympians 'thrilled' to represent home countries

The Florida Panthers have an NHL-high 10 players participating in the 2026 Winter Olympics, the first with NHL players since 2014.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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The Florida Panthers will have 10 players representing five different countries at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, the most of any NHL team. This includes Matthew Tkachuk (USA), Sam Bennett, Brad Marchand and Sam Reinhart (Canada), Anton Lundell, Eetu Luostarinen and Niko Mikkola (Finland), Gustav Forsling (Sweden), and Uvis Balinskis and Sandis Vilmanis (Latvia). The Panthers also have five staff members representing their respective national teams. This is the first Winter Olympics with NHL players since 2014.

Why it matters

The return of NHL players to the Olympics is a highly anticipated event, as many of the league's top stars have missed out on the opportunity to represent their countries in recent years. The Panthers' strong representation showcases the team's talent and the pride their players take in donning their national jerseys.

The details

The Panthers' 10 Olympians will be playing key roles for their respective national teams. Tkachuk is an alternate captain for the United States, while Bennett, Marchand and Reinhart will be part of Canada's star-studded lineup. Lundell, Luostarinen and Mikkola will aim to help defend Finland's gold medal, while Forsling will be part of Sweden's blue line. Balinskis and Vilmanis represent the rising hockey power of Latvia.

  • The men's Olympic hockey tournament begins on Wednesday, February 11, 2026.
  • The gold medal game is scheduled for Sunday, February 22, 2026.

The players

Matthew Tkachuk

A star forward for the Florida Panthers who is an alternate captain for the United States Olympic team.

Sam Bennett

A forward for the Florida Panthers who will represent Canada at the Olympics.

Brad Marchand

A veteran forward for the Florida Panthers who will play for Canada at the Olympics.

Sam Reinhart

A forward for the Florida Panthers who will compete for Canada at the Olympics.

Anton Lundell

A forward for the Florida Panthers who will represent Finland at the Olympics.

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What they’re saying

“It's really an exciting time to be an American hockey player, just to be able to go represent our country again and hopefully do what our country hasn't done in 40-plus years.”

— Matthew Tkachuk (miamiherald.com)

“We know how much hockey means to Canadians, and we take that with a lot of pride. So you don't think about the pressure, you just think about the pride of putting on that jersey. And there's a lot of proud players on our team.”

— Sam Bennett (miamiherald.com)

“We have an opportunity to represent a whole country that's behind us, and we're prepared to carry that burden. Hopefully our performance validates why we were selected to represent our country.”

— Sam Reinhart (miamiherald.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.