Jones Joins Tkachuk on Team USA for Olympics After Bennett Snub

The Florida Panthers will be sending Seth Jones to the 2026 Winter Olympics after he was officially named to Team USA on Friday.

Team USA held off on announcing the team so NBC could do a quick hit on it during the Today Show.

On Sunday, Jones told FHN that it would be a true honor to play for Team USA.

Jones was informed he made the team earlier this week.

“It is definitely awesome,’’ Jones said. “I was kind of in the conversations in ‘14 but missed and we haven’t been back. It’s a great opportunity for anyone, just to pull that sweater on and represent your country. It’s a real honor, a real privilege.’’

Matthew Tkachuk was already on Team USA after being named one of the first six players announced.

On Wednesday, Canada announced its official roster with Sam Bennett surprisingly being left off.

Bennett being snubbed by Team Canada was a topic of conversation Thursday when the Panthers practiced at LoanDepot Park for the Winter Classic.

“It’s tough. There isn’t much you can say,” said Sam Reinhart, who will be joined on Team Canada with Brad Marchand.

“You can sit here and say that so many guys have earned their way on it. It’s out of our control at the end of the day. I will say I have played with him for years, and he’s a guy that you will go to war with any day of the week.”

Later today, a bunch of Panthers will be added to Olympics rosters with Sweden and Finland also releasing their teams.

Defenseman Uvis Balinskis is already going with Latvia.

Gus Forsling was named to Sweden’s roster.

Anton Lundell, Eetu Luostarinen, and Niko Mikkola were officially named to play for Finland.

The Panthers will also have a number of supporting staff at the games, including GM Bill Zito who is part of Team USA.

Other roles: Teddy Richards (Equipment Manager – USA); Tuomo Ruutu (Assistant Coach – Finland); Myles Fee (Video Coach – Sweden).

ON DECK: GAME No. 40

THE 2026 NHL WINTER CLASSIC

NEW YORK RANGERS at FLORIDA PANTHERS

• When: Friday; 8 p.m.
• Where: LoanDepot Park, Miami
• National TV: TNT/truTV (US); Sportsnet/TVA (Canada)
• Streaming: HBO Max
• Radio: WQAM; WBZT 1230-AM (Palm Beach); WCTH 100.3-FM (Florida Keys); SiriusXM
• Panthers Radio Streaming: SiriusXM 931 or 932, NHL App
• Last Season vs. Rangers: Panthers Won 2-1
• This Season vs. Rangers — At Panthers: Winter Classic; April 13. At Rangers: March 29.
• All-time Regular Season Series: Rangers lead 62-36-8, 6 ties
• Postseason History: Rangers won 4-1 (1997, 1st round); Panthers won 4-2 (2024 ECF)
• Up Next for the Panthers: Sunday vs. Colorado Avalanche, 5 p.m.