The United States’ hockey roster for the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics is set.
The Olympic roster, which will feature NHL players for the first time in 12 years, was revealed on Friday.
While the roster is loaded with talent, there are a handful of players who could be considered snubs. One of the notable omissions includes Anaheim Ducks winger Chris Kreider, who was on the United States’ 4 Nations roster but was left off the Olympic roster. Montreal Canadiens right wing Cole Caufield’s absence is also a bit of a surprise.
Arguably the most notable absence, however, is Jason Robertson, since he’s been one of the top goal-scorers in the NHL this season, especially among American-born players.
On the defensive side, Adam Fox was one player who made the 4 Nations roster but was left off the Olympic roster. As good as Fox has been, there were only so many spots to go around for what is a talented position group.
U.S. hockey general manager Bill Guerin, also the GM of the Minnesota Wild, expects push back about his decisions on social media, but he’s also confident in the roster he put together.
“Listen, I make my decisions and I move ahead,” Guerin told The Athletic’s Michael Russo. “I don’t care what people say on social media. I don’t care what the experts say. All I care about is the team. I have a job to do, I’m doing it to the best of my ability. If I’m right, I’m right. If I’m wrong, I’m wrong, and we think we have put together the best team we can to help bring us a gold medal.”
The Winter Olympics in Milano-Cortina begin on Feb. 6, with the men’s ice hockey tournament beginning on Feb. 11.
Team USA has not medaled at the Olympics since taking home silver in 2010. The United States’ last gold medal at the Winter Games was the “Miracle on Ice” team in 1980.