USA Hockey announced its men’s Olympic hockey roster for 2026 on Friday during the Today show, with the lineup heavily influenced by the team that competed in last year’s 4 Nations Face-Off. The roster features several returning players, while notable omissions include Chris Kreider of the Anaheim Ducks and Adam Fox, the 2021 Norris Trophy-winning defenseman formerly of the New York Rangers.
Only Tage Thompson, Clayton Keller, and Seth Jones were added to the Olympic squad despite not participating in the 4 Nations tournament. Thompson and Keller helped the U.S. capture the World Hockey Championship for the first time since 1933, while Jones was a key contributor in the Florida Panthers’ second consecutive Stanley Cup run.
Team USA GM Bill Guerin emphasized the importance of chemistry in selecting the roster. “The biggest thing for me was the chemistry, and I think the chemistry allowed the guys to play the way that they did,” he said. Guerin also addressed misconceptions about Fox’s exclusion, stating, “If you think we made a decision on one play, then you must not think we’re very smart. Our decision was made, and we’re moving forward.”
Team USA Men’s Hockey 2026 Olympic Roster
Forwards:
Matt Boldy, Kyle Connor, Jack Eichel, Jake Guentzel, Jack Hughes, Clayton Keller, Dylan Larkin, Auston Matthews, J.T. Miller, Brock Nelson, Tage Thompson, Brady Tkachuk, Matthew Tkachuk, Vincent Trocheck
Defense:
Brock Faber, Noah Hanifin, Quinn Hughes, Seth Jones, Charlie McAvoy, Jake Sanderson, Jaccob Slavin, Zach Werenski
Goaltenders:
Connor Hellebuyck, Jake Oettinger, Jeremy Swayman
Keller, captain at the World Championships, leads the team in scoring, while Thompson continues to produce at a point-per-game pace for the Buffalo Sabres. The U.S. followed Canada’s approach of relying on a 4 Nations-heavy roster, keeping the same three goaltenders—Hellebuyck, Oettinger, and Swayman—while Canada made some changes in net.
Left off the roster were elite scorers Jason Robertson, who leads U.S. players in points this season, as well as Cole Caufield and Alex DeBrincat, each 5-foot-8. Guerin addressed size concerns, noting that while it can be a bonus, “It doesn’t help if you’re big and you stink.” He added, “We actually have to build a team…We have to fill roles…We need players that are elite in those categories.”
Coach Mike Sullivan praised Jones for his defensive versatility, stating, “He’s a big strong kid that skates extremely well. He has the ability to play on both sides of the puck.”
Olympic rules allow 25 players, up from 23 at the 4 Nations, with 20 skaters (13 forwards and seven defensemen) and two goalies dressing per game. The U.S. will open its Olympic campaign on Feb. 12 against Latvia.
