The United States of America have announced their selections for the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympic Games. This will be the first time that NHL players will be allowed in the tournament since 2014 in Sochi, Russia. The USA had already announced the first six to the roster prior to the beginning of the season. The superstars included in that list are, Quinn Hughes, Jack Eichel, Auston Matthews, Charlie McAvoy, Brady Tkachuk and Matthew Tkachuk.
Introducing the 2026 U.S. Olympic Men’s Ice Hockey Team 🇺🇸 #MilanoCortina2026
U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Rosters: https://t.co/hUC1A7aZ7R pic.twitter.com/V1DV63Jyie
— USA Hockey (@usahockey) January 2, 2026
USA Olympic Roster
Goaltenders
- Connor Hellebuyck (WPG)
- Jake Oettinger (DAL)
- Jeremy Swayman (BOS)
As expected, Connor Hellebuyck will lead the American’s in net, so far this season he has proven to be the Jets best player. They have sported a 9-9-3 record with him in net, and a 6-9-1 without him. The third goaltender spot has been a bit of a debate among us here at Last Word On Hockey, and it could’ve gone a number of ways with Dustin Wolf, Spencer Knight and Jeremy Swayman all in consideration until the end.
Defense
- Quinn Hughes (MIN)
- Charlie McAvoy (BOS)
- Zach Werenski (CBJ)
- Seth Jones (FLA)
- Brock Faber (MIN)
- Jake Sanderson (OTT)
- Noah Hanifin (VGK)
- Jaccob Slavin (CAR)
The top pair for the USA was decided long ago with Quinn Hughes and Charlie McAvoy being named to the first six. Meanwhile, Zach Werenski continues to prove that he should be in consideration for the Norris Trophy every year. Despite his recent injury scare, he should be ready in time for Milan.
Forwards
- Jack Eichel (VGK)
- Auston Matthews (TOR)
- Brady Tkachuk (OTT)
- Matthew Tkachuk (FLA)
- Dylan Larkin (DET)
- Tage Thompson (BUF)
- Brock Nelson (COL)
- J.T. Miller (NYR)
- Jack Hughes (NJD)
- Matt Boldy (MIN)
- Kyle Connor (WPG)
- Jake Guentzel (TBL)
- Clayton Keller (UTH)
- Vincent Trocheck (NYR)
The U.S. has a deep forward group they could’ve chosen from, only surpassed by the Canadian’s. The names left off the roster might be more glaring than the ones that are on the team. There was little doubt that Jack Hughes would be on the team, even after the incident that cut his hand at a team function a number of weeks ago.
The USA is considered to have second best odds to win the gold medal at these Olympics and with the roster that general manager Bill Guerin and head coach Mike Sullivan have created, they could be well on their way to their first gold in 46 years.
Main Photo Credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images
