Latest news with #4NationsFace-Off
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
Controversy brews as Panthers consider benching $9.5M star Matthew Tkachuk to fix salary cap woes
Florida Panthers, fresh off their Stanley Cup win, are facing salary cap challenges and Matthew Tkachuk's injury might offer a solution. (Getty Images) The Florida Panthers, stepped off another Stanley Cup win, face salary cap challenges. Star forward Matthew Tkachuk's injury could offer a solution. Placing him on long-term injured reserve would create cap relief, though he battled injuries across last season's championship run. Matthew Tkachuk injury opens door for Panthers' salary cap workaround Even as the champagne corks settle from their consecutive Stanley Cup triumph, the Florida Panthers' management faces pressing financial decisions. It's the hockey offseason, but for the front office, the work is far from over. A consequential hurdle looms: the team's current payroll surpasses the salary cap by a notable $3.75 million, a figure confirmed by Puck Pedia. This means the Panthers must strategically reduce their financial commitments to align with league regulations. — BleacherReport (@BleacherReport) One particularly impactful avenue for achieving cap consent revolves around key forward Matthew Tkachuk, whose contract carries a hefty $9.5 million impact on the team's salary structure. The possibility of his injury playing a role in this decision has been raised. Sportsnet's Nick Kypreos, in his assessment of Florida's cap situation, put forth a compelling idea: 'If Tkachuk were to miss the beginning of the season and be out for a while, the Panthers would be able to get under the cap by putting his contract on LTIR.' This maneuver, placing a player on the long-term injured reserve, offers the distinct advantage of allowing a team to briefly exceed the salary cap. Matthew Tkachuk's groin injury could become Panthers' financial lifeline Matthew Tkachuk, a true competitor, played through significant injuries during the 2024-25 season, including a torn adductor and hernia sustained at the 4 Nations Face-Off. His dedication was vital to the Panthers' second consecutive Stanley Cup. In the 2025 Final, he bestowed three goals and seven assists. Tkachuk's substantial $9.5 million cap hit is a key factor, with Aleksander Barkov ($10 million), Sam Reinhart ($8.625 million), and Sam Bennett ($8 million, recently signed extension) also having large contracts. The Panthers face a tough offseason dilemma: balancing their championship roster with salary cap constraints, potentially relying on Matthew Tkachuk's injury status to navigate their financial tightrope. Also Read: Brad Marchand's disrespectful celebration resurfaces as Panthers clinch Cup — Canucks fans furious FAQs 1. Why are the Panthers considering placing Matthew Tkachuk on LTIR? To create cap relief, as his $9.5M salary could help offset their $3.75M cap overage. 2. Is Matthew Tkachuk seriously injured? Tkachuk has been dealing with lingering groin issues since the 4 Nations Face-Off and the playoffs. 3. Could this move be seen as salary cap manipulation? Some critics believe using LTIR for Tkachuk's injury might be a strategic loophole rather than necessity. For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Time of India
11 hours ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Tom Wilson motivated by 4 Nations snub as he targets 2026 Winter Olympics with Team Canada
Tom Wilson (via Getty Images) Washington Capitals forward Tom Wilson has built a career on intensity, grit, and physicality—things that would've suited perfectly into the high-powered 4 Nations Face-Off showdown between Canada and the United States earlier this year. But when the puck was dropped at Montreal's Bell Centre on February 15, and fists began to fly seconds later, Wilson was not in attendance—left off of Canada's original roster. Being left out of the 4 Nations Face-Off is driving Tom Wilson's Olympic goalmanship Addressing the Smilezone Celebrity Golf Tournament 2025 in Brampton, Ontario, Tom Wilson owned up to feeling let down as he watched the mayhem ensue without being included. 'What would I have been feeling if I were playing there?' he said, recalling the emotionally charged battle. 'Leading up to (4 Nations), obviously, I was a little bummed not to be part of it. And then, leading up to it, I was like, You know what? I'll enjoy the break and not think too much about it. The way that started, I mean, it just added to how much I wanted to be in that game, to be part of the team.' As the players lined up for the puck drop, the action kicked off with various players' gloves coming off. Tom Wilson's Olympic Dreams: Capitals Star Aims for Team Canada 2026 | NHL News 2026 Winter Olympics now front of mind for Tom Wilson Though missing the 4 Nations showdown hurt, Tom Wilson isn't bitter about it. 'Obviously, it's a dream your whole life to be mentioned in that type of realm of the guys with that type of pedigree.' He also added, 'There's a lot of really good superstar names, and just to be even in the mix is a huge privilege. I'm just going to try and play as well as I can until the final team is announced and put my name in the hat.' Tom Wilson recognized the intense competition ahead. With a pool of talent comprised of some of the best NHL superstars, making the final Olympic team won't come easily. But that's not discouraging him. "I'm just going to try and play as good as I can until they announce the final team and throw my name in the hat," he said. Also read: Kaapo Kakko, Seattle Kraken's $12.75m gamble: Who is the NHL's Finnish enigma? Tom Wilson might have missed the Montreal fireworks, but if he keeps playing and practicing at the level he demands of himself, he could soon exchange disappointment for Olympic pride. In the meantime, all attention is focused on Calgary's training camp—and whether Wilson's name will be included in the lineup he has always hoped to join. FAQs How old is Tom Wilson? 31 years Where was Tom Wilson born? Toronto Since when has Tom Wilson been playing hockey? Since the age of two. For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Canada News.Net
3 days ago
- Sport
- Canada News.Net
Canada names assistant coaches for 2026 Olympics
(Photo credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images) The Team Canada coaching staff for the 2026 Winter Olympics will have a very familiar appearance. The same NHL head coaches that helped bench boss Jon Cooper guide the Canadians to gold in the 4 Nations Face-Off in February will don jackets and ties for the Milano Cortina competition in Italy. Vegas Golden Knights head coach Bruce Cassidy, former Dallas Stars coach Pete DeBoer and new Philadelphia Flyers coach Rick Tocchet will work with NHL players in the Olympics for the first time in a dozen years. The NHL has not allowed players to participate since the 2014 Sochi Olympics. 'This group of coaches will provide consistency and a winning pedigree to our team, and I know our players will greatly benefit from this world-class coaching staff,' Cooper, head coach of the Tampa Bay Lightning, said in a statement. 'I look forward to working alongside all seven as we look to replicate our 4 Nations success on the Olympic stage in February.' Cassidy, 60, guided Vegas to a Stanley Cup title in his first season at the helm in 2023. He previously served as bench boss in Washington (2002-04) and Boston (2016-22), leading the Bruins to a berth in the finals in the 2018-19 season. DeBoer, 57, has served as a head coach for 17 NHL seasons, leading Florida (2008-11), New Jersey (2011-15), San Jose (2015-19), Vegas (2019-22) and Dallas (2022-25). He piloted the Stars to three consecutive Western Conference finals, but could not get to the Stanley Cup Finals, as he did with the Devils (2012) and Sharks (2016). Tocchet, 61, was hired to lead the Flyers in May after three campaigns with the Vancouver Canucks. He won the Jack Adams Award, given to the league's top head coach, in 2024. Tocchet, who enjoyed 18 seasons a rugged forward in the NHL (1984-2002), also had coaching stints in Tampa Bay (2008-10) and Arizona (2017-21). Team Canada general manager Doug Armstrong (St. Louis Blues GM) headed up the group that made the selections, along with assistant GMs Julien BriseBois (Tampa Bay), Jim Nill (Dallas) and Don Sweeney (Boston), director of player personnel Kyle Dubas (Pittsburgh) and Cooper. 'It was important to bring back our elite coaches and support staff from the 4 Nations Face-Off, as this is a group that provides familiarity to our team and brings a desire to help our athletes perform at their best,' Armstrong said. 'Each individual brings unique NHL and international experience to our team, and all staff members will play a key role in Team Canada's preparation and performance. We know everyone is excited for the opportunity to represent Canada at the Olympic Winter Games and wear the Maple Leaf with pride in Italy.' The men's hockey competition in Milan will take place Feb. 11-22, 2026.
New York Post
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Matthew Tkachuk gets married in lavish wedding to cap off Panthers' Stanley Cup victory lap
Matthew Tkachuk's Stanley Cup victory lap featured two very special words this year: 'I do.' The star Panthers forward married fiancée Ellie Connell over the weekend, according to videos shared on social media, roughly one month after winning the Stanley Cup for the second consecutive season. The couple swapped vows at a church where Tkachuk, looking dapper in a dark tux, dipped his bride for a kiss as they walked down the aisle. 5 Florida Panthers star Matthew Tkachuk wed Ellie Connell over the weekend. @FloridaPanthersDen/X Connell, who reportedly got engaged to the two-time NHL All-Star in 2024, stunned in a strapless gown with a sweetheart neckline. Once the party got underway at the reception, it was the groom's father, Hockey Hall of Famer Keith Tkachuk, who stole the spotlight as he was hoisted onto a chair as Chappell Roan's 'Pink Pony Club' blared in the background. The song was famously part of the Oilers' latest Stanley Cup run, which was thwarted in back-to-back years by the Panthers. 5 The groom's father, Keith Tkachuk, stole the spotlight at the reception. @evansannie/Instagram 5 The groom dipped his bride as they kissed. @SashaBarky/X Florida defeated Edmonton in six games this year after going to seven in 2024. 'We've got to be a dynasty now,' Tkachuk said in June. 'Three years in a row finals, two championships. This is a special group.' The Panthers have reached the Stanley Cup Final since 2023, losing in five that year to the Golden Knights. 5 Matthew Tkachuck in action for the Panthers during the Stanley Cup Final. NHLI via Getty Images Tkachuk was traded to the Panthers before the start of the 2022-23 season after spending the first six years of his NHL career with the Flames. Though Tkachuk was a factor in this year's Cup run — he scored eight goals across 23 playoff appearances — his postseason availability seemed murky after he sustained a lower-body injury during the 4 Nations Face-Off competition. 5 The Panthers hoisted the Stanley Cup in back to back years. AP He had not played since February. 'I've had some ups and downs throughout the playoffs, (but) now I'm feeling the best I've felt,' Tkachuck said. 'Personally, I'm very happy with where the health is and everything.' And now, he'll have a championship ring to pair with his wedding band.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Jon Cooper, Bruce Cassidy, Rick Tocchet, and Peter DeBoer reunite to coach Team Canada at 2026 Olympic Games
Jon Cooper will return behind the bench for Team Canada at the 2026 Olympic Winter Games in Milan-Cortina, and he won't be going alone. Hockey Canada announced on Monday that Cooper's support staff from the recent 4 Nations Face-Off triumph, Bruce Cassidy, Rick Tocchet, and Peter DeBoer will once again join him as assistant coaches, forming a familiar and experienced group aiming for Olympic gold. Jon Cooper brings back 4 Nations Face-Off staff for Milan Olympic run After guiding Team Canada to victory at this year's 4 Nations Face-Off, Jon Cooper has opted for continuity as he leads the national men's team into the 2026 Winter Olympics. Cooper, who also serves as head coach of the Tampa Bay Lightning, will reunite with Cassidy (Vegas Golden Knights), Tocchet (Philadelphia Flyers), and DeBoer (former Dallas Stars head coach). The coaching unit was instrumental in Canada's 3–2 overtime win over the United States in the 4 Nations final, with Connor McDavid scoring the game-winner. Hockey Canada is betting on familiarity and chemistry by keeping the same group intact for the Olympic campaign. Cooper expressed confidence in the returning staff, stating, 'This group of coaches will provide consistency and a winning pedigree to our team, and I know our players will greatly benefit from this world-class coaching staff.' Hockey Canada finalizes full Olympic coaching and support staff Alongside Cooper and the three NHL bench bosses, Hockey Canada has also confirmed that Misha Donskov will return as an assistant coach. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Donskov previously served as a Stars assistant and is currently Hockey Canada's vice-president of hockey operations. The support staff includes goaltending consultant David Alexander, director of performance analysis James Emery, and video coordinator Elliott Mondou, all of whom were part of the 4 Nations Face-Off win. The men's Olympic hockey tournament is scheduled for February 11–22, 2026, in Milan, Italy. This will mark the first Olympic appearance for NHL players since the 2014 Games in Sochi, where Canada captured gold. With a familiar coaching staff in place and a roster likely to include elite stars like McDavid and Sidney Crosby, Canada enters the tournament with high expectations. By maintaining the core of its successful 4 Nations coaching team, Team Canada is signaling its intent to build on recent international success. With Cooper at the helm and a strong foundation of leadership, the path to Olympic gold begins with continuity and confidence. FAQs 1. When will the men's Olympic hockey tournament take place? The tournament will run from February 11 to 22, 2026, in Milan, Italy. 2. When was the last time NHL players participated in the Olympics? NHL players last competed in the Olympics in 2014, when Canada won gold in Sochi. Also Read: Florida Panthers celebrate National Ice Cream Day with Brad Marchand artwork Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
