Team USA general manager Bill Guerin has opened up about Adam Fox’s Olympics snub, saying it did not boil down to one play involving Connor McDavid.
Fox was on the ice when McDavid scored the winning goal for Team Canada in overtime against Team USA in the 4 Nations Face-off in February. Fox failed to secure the puck in the corner and allowed a pass to reach McDavid in a high-danger area, leading to Canada’s winner.
“That’s for you guys to wrestle with and talk about. If you think we made a decision on one play, then you must not be very smart,” Guerin said.
Fox, who did not record a point in four games at the 4 Nations tournament, said he received a call from Guerin explaining the omission.
“I don’t think you have any expectation (for Olympics spot) I would say, but I obviously thought my play this year was worthy of it and my track record as well,” Fox said. “But it’s out of my hands at a certain point. The decision is the decision and I guess that’s how it goes.”
Fox has been playing well this season despite missing time with an injury. He has four goals and 24 assists in 28 games with a plus-3 rating. His ice time remains among the highest on the team, and he helps the New York Rangers with his two-way play. The Rangers are 19-18-5 and have lost four of their last five games.
Adam Fox was backed by NY Rangers staff members
The U.S. player pool is deep at every position, and defensemen like Brock Faberm, Noah Hanifin, Quinn Hughes, Seth Jones, and Charlie McAvoy were picked over Adam Fox.
ESPN’s Emily Kaplan reported that the New York Rangers staff, including general manager Chris Drury, coach Mike Sullivan, and assistant David Quinn, pushed for Fox’s inclusion but to no avail.
“Adam Fox did not make the U.S. Olympic team,” Kaplan wrote. “Heard New York Rangers personnel involved with Team USA – GM Chris Drury, coach Mike Sullivan, assistant David Quinn – all pushed very hard for Fox, but they understood the decision especially given depth USA has on D.”
For now, Fox’s focus remains on the Rangers. However, if an opportunity presents itself later, he will likely be ready to take the spot.
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Edited by Ankit Kumar