Two Former Panthers Defensemen Invited to Canada’s Olympic Orientation Camp

Team Canada has taken its first step toward assembling a roster capable of competing for hockey supremacy at the upcoming Winter Olympics, and two familiar names to Florida Panthers fans have found themselves in the spotlight. Former Panthers defensemen MacKenzie Weegar and Mike Matheson have been extended invitations to Hockey Canada’s official Olympic orientation camp, giving them a shot at representing their country on the sport’s grandest stage.

The announcement, made during a press conference by Hockey Canada officials, is part of the initial process for forming the nation’s final 25-player roster. Orientation camp serves as both an evaluation and bonding experience, allowing coaches and executives to assess players in a collaborative environment. While earning an invitation does not guarantee a spot on the Olympic team, it certainly places Weegar and Matheson on the radar as legitimate candidates to don the maple leaf in international play.

From Sunrise to the National Stage

MacKenzie Weegar, now a staple on the Calgary Flames’ blue line, carved out a reputation as a reliable, two-way defender during his tenure with the Panthers. Drafted in the seventh round of the 2013 NHL Draft, Weegar’s rise was anything but guaranteed. He developed steadily in the AHL before becoming a crucial piece of Florida’s defensive corps. His mobility, physical edge, and growing offensive instincts eventually earned him top-pairing minutes alongside star defenseman Aaron Ekblad.

Since being traded to Calgary in the blockbuster deal involving Jonathan Huberdeau and Matthew Tkachuk, Weegar has only strengthened his case as one of Canada’s most dependable NHL defensemen. Last season, he posted career highs in points while logging heavy minutes against elite competition. His blend of defensive reliability and puck-moving ability makes him an intriguing candidate for Team Canada, particularly in a tournament that rewards versatility and quick transitions.

Mike Matheson’s journey has been one of reinvention. Once considered one of the Panthers’ top young prospects, Matheson’s tenure in Florida was marked by flashes of brilliance and bouts of inconsistency. The smooth-skating defenseman often displayed offensive flair but occasionally struggled with defensive assignments. In 2020, he was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins, and later found a home with the Montreal Canadiens, where he has since thrived as a top-pairing defenseman.

Matheson’s resurgence with the Canadiens has been hard to ignore. He has evolved into a more complete defenseman, combining his elite skating with improved defensive awareness. In the 2023-24 NHL season, he emerged as Montreal’s top blueliner, leading all team defensemen in scoring and ice time. This transformation into a reliable, all-situations player is a key reason Hockey Canada has him on its shortlist.

Olympic Aspirations and National Pride

For Canadian players, suiting up for the men’s Olympic hockey team is a lifelong dream. Since the NHL’s return to Olympic participation, competition for spots has been fierce, often pitting household names against rising stars for limited roster positions.

Weegar and Matheson will now compete—at least indirectly—with a stacked pool of Canadian defensemen, including stalwarts like Cale Makar, Alex Pietrangelo, Aaron Ekblad, and Dougie Hamilton. Their invitations signal that Hockey Canada values their current form and believes they could fill specific roles in an Olympic setting.

For Weegar, his strength in shutdown situations and penalty killing could provide balance to a lineup heavy with offensive-minded defenders. Matheson, on the other hand, offers exceptional skating and breakout ability, a key trait in international play on the larger ice surface.

Both players expressed gratitude for the opportunity. While official quotes have yet to be released, it is widely understood that Olympic invitations are milestones in any player’s career. Even attending the camp provides a chance to network, learn, and showcase their abilities in front of Canada’s top coaching staff.

A Reflection of the Panthers’ Development Pipeline

Interestingly, the inclusion of two former Panthers blue-liners also highlights Florida’s ability to develop NHL-caliber defensemen, even if those players eventually found success elsewhere. The Panthers’ front office has often been credited for identifying and nurturing talent like Weegar and Matheson, both of whom entered the league with potential but required significant development time.

Panthers fans may feel a twinge of nostalgia watching their former players chase Olympic glory. Both defensemen played key roles in Florida’s rise to playoff contention during the late 2010s and early 2020s. Their progression serves as a reminder of the ever-changing nature of NHL rosters and how players’ careers can flourish in new environments.

Hockey Canada will continue its evaluation process through the early months of the NHL season, monitoring performance, health, and chemistry. The final Olympic roster is expected to be announced closer to the start of the Games, with camp attendees having the inside track if they can sustain their high level of play.

For Weegar and Matheson, the journey is far from over. Their Olympic dreams will hinge not only on their ability to maintain strong performances but also on how they fit within Canada’s broader team structure. Still, the invitation alone is a testament to their growth as players and the respect they have earned around the league.

As the Winter Olympics approach, Canadian fans will be keeping an eye on these former Panthers, hoping their efforts can contribute to the country’s pursuit of another gold medal. Whether they ultimately make the team or not, their inclusion in the Olympic conversation reflects both personal achievement and the enduring impact of their time in Florida.