It’s the biggest international hockey tournament since 2014, the last time NHL players were at the Olympics, was 2014 in Sochi. This Olympic cycle includes a return of the NHL to the games in Milano-Cortina 2026. In this edition of Olympic Roster Projections, we’ll be taking a look at one of the frontrunners for Olympic gold in Team USA. Each team can bring three goaltenders and 22 skaters, for a full 25-man roster. As with every other nation in the competition, the first six players were announced previously. For the United States the first six are Jack Eichel (F), Quinn Hughes (D), Auston Matthews (F), Charlie McAvoy (D), Brady Tkachuk (F), and Matthew Tkachuk (F).
Team USA Hockey 2026 Winter Olympic Roster Projections
The injuries on this list are extensive. With recent injuries to Auston Matthews and Charlie McAvoy (who took a puck to the face against the Montreal Canadiens on November 15) they go alongside previous injuries to the brothers, Brady and Matthew Tkachuk. Matthew underwent surgery in the offseason to repair an adductor muscle and has not played a game this season. However, he has been recently removed from the Injured Reserve list and should be able to participate in the tournament. Furthermore, Brady has been out since October 13 and underwent surgery of his own to repair a thumb injury. He is expected to return during the Ottawa Senators seven game road trip.
An update on Charlie McAvoy was provided on November 19. McAvoy underwent facial surgery and there is no timetable for his return.
The Roster Projections and the Goaltending Situation
The goaltending situation for the Americans is something to be envied. There are several options. However, someone with a recent injury of his own, is a clear starter for the first game in Connor Hellebuyck. He was the starter in the final game against the Canadians in the 4 Nations Face-Off early in 2025. He has also been a perennial Vezina Trophy nominee. We note that Connor Hellebuyck has been ruled out for four-to-six weeks due to a minor knee surgery to repair a nagging injury. However, the timeline would indicate that the star Jets goaltender will be available for the Olympics.
Connor Hellebuyck (WPG)
Jake Oettinger (DAL)
Spencer Knight (CHI)
With all three the clear number one goaltenders on their respective teams, the Americans can bring one of the best goaltending tandems to these Olympics. Spencer Knight has found a home after a tumultuous start to his career in Florida behind Sergei Bobrovsky. The 24-year-old is backstopping a turned around team in Chicago. With an incredibly impressive (and league leading) 14 goals-saved-above-expected, as per MoneyPuck. If Hellebuyck and Oettinger struggle in Italy, don’t be surprised the U.S. turn to the young netminder.
The Defence Projections
The Americans have one of the strongest defence cores going into these Olympic games, even with the injury to Charlie McAvoy. The calibre of players available certainly means that a number of deserving players will be off the roster.
With McAvoy out for the time being, it’s unclear whether or not he will be available for the Olympics. However, during The Fan Hockey Show, Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet indicated that his availability shouldn’t be impacted. The pairing projections could be as follows.
Left Defence – Right Defence
Quinn Hughes (VAN) – Charlie McAvoy (BOS)
Zach Werenski (CBJ) – Adam Fox (NYR)
Jake Sanderson (OTT) – Brock Faber (MIN)
Lane Hutson (MTL) – Luke Hughes (NJD)
If McAvoy is unable to travel to Milan, Italy, there are a couple of names still available to bring over. Seth Jones of the Florida Panthers and Jacob Trouba of the Anaheim Ducks are most likely to be the first calls made.
Forward Projections
There is a strong group among the forwards to choose from for the American decision makers. Once again the discussion will be more so who is left off the roster as to who is on it. The forward lines the could be rolling over the boards in Milan could include the following.
Left Wing – Centre – Right Wing
Matthew Tkachuk (FLA) – Jack Eichel (VGK) – Cole Caufield (MTL)
Brady Tkachuk (OTT) – Auston Matthews (TOR) – Tage Thompson (BUF)
Jason Robertson (DAL) – Dylan Larkin (DET) – Alex DeBrincat (DET)
Kyle Connor (WPG) – Shane Pinto (OTT) – Matthew Knies (TOR)
Jack Hughes (NJD) – Alex Tuch (BUF)
We will note that Jack Hughes’ recently suffered a freak injury at a team event, which is the reason he is listed as an extra forward. Furthermore, it does mean that he may not be able to participate in the event. Any injury replacement could result in considerations for Troy Terry, and Jack Roslovic.
The United States have won a total of 38 international medals, including six gold. Among those gold medals include two at the Olympics, the most recent was in 1980 at the “Miracle on Ice” Lake Placid games. The U.S.A. begin their tournament February 12 against Latvia.
Main Photo Credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images
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