Matthew Tkachuk delivers a brutally honest response to possibly playing for Canada instead of USA

The Florida Panthers’ forward Matthew Tkachuk gave a brutally honest take when asked if he would consider suiting up for Canada in the upcoming 4 Nations Face-Off tournament starting in February.

Before the Panthers' 4-3 overtime loss against the Boston Bruins on Saturday, Tkachuk was interviewed by TNT analyst P.K. Subban.

Although Tkachuk has always represented the United States internationally, Subban pointed out that because Tkachuk's mother, Chantal Oster, is Canadian, he theoretically could play for Canada if he chose to.

Tkachuk quickly shot down that notion, stating:

"No, never in my life. I'm American. I would never play for them, that's been, I'm as American as it gets."

He added that he thinks his brother, Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk, and his father. Keith Tkachuk, who represented USA Hockey multiple times during his NHL career, would feel the same way.

Fans react to Matthew Tkachuk's response to possibly playing for Canada instead of USA

Matthew Tkachuk's unambiguous rejection of representing Team Canada has garnered plenty of reaction on social media. After the Florida Panthers forward stated he would "never in my life" play for Canada over the U.S., fans chimed in with their take.

One X user wrote:

"Tkachuk has been an influential player for Team USA, so switching sides would definitely be a bold move."

Another simply stated:

"The guy knows where he wants to represent!."

Here are some fan reactions:

"I’m hating him just a little bit less now. USA USA USA…..!" one fan wrote.

"Kind of a BS ambush by PK. It is all in fun but Tkachuks are not turncoats and not something that should be joked about. Fly High Free Bird" another fan wrote.

"That would have been a fun twist! Tkachuk's loyalty to Team USA is pretty strong though. Should be a great game on ABC/ESPN+!" a user commented.

"That's hilarious! PK Subban trying to recruit Matthew Tkachuk to Team Canada for the 4 Nations Face-Off must have been quite Enjoy watching the Bruins-Panthers game" another user wrote.

The 4 Nations Face-Off will feature teams from Canada, the USA, Finland and Sweden playing a three game round-robin tournament in February. The matches are scheduled to occur in Montreal and Boston.