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Olympic hockey is on the horizon. The men's tournament is set for Feb. 11-22 in Italy, and final rosters are due in roughly four weeks, on Dec. 31.
Below is a projection of Team USA's 25-man Olympic roster. We picked players who we believe the United States' brain trust - led by general manager Bill Guerin - will take, not who we would personally select.
Note: Bolded players were named to the team in June.
Toughest omissions: Cole Caufield, Logan Cooley, Cutter Gauthier, Clayton Keller, Shane Pinto
Did you really think an overtime loss to Canada in the 4 Nations Face-Off final would completely change Guerin's team-building philosophy? Not a chance.
The lower half of the U.S.' forward group will be filled mostly with heavier players who can check, which is why we omitted smaller, high-skill players like Caufield, Cooley, and Keller. Robertson, who's 6-foot-3, 204 pounds but doesn't have great speed or tenacity, is one pick we don't feel super confident about. That said, we couldn't deny him a roster spot based on how well he's played for the Stars all year (36 points in 28 games) - and especially of late.
Thompson and Knies are the only other projected forwards who weren't on the 4 Nations squad. A tantalizing one-time option for the top power-play unit, the 6-foot-6 Thompson's tied for third in goals over the past two seasons.
It's easy to see why Guerin would be infatuated with Knies, the 6-foot-3, 232-pound Maple Leafs winger who's strong on the puck and crafty in tight quarters. His game should translate well to a depth role on a loaded team, though he could climb the lineup to play with longtime linemate Matthews.
The Trocheck and Miller picks may raise some eyebrows, but U.S. head coach Mike Sullivan will surely be pounding the table for a right-handed center whom he can count on to win key defensive-zone draws. Pinto received consideration, but we gave Trocheck the edge because of how dependable he's been for Sullivan and the Rangers this season, when healthy. Sullivan gave Miller the "C" in New York, and while it's been a tough year, Team USA's decision-makers value the 33-year-old's competitive fire, toughness, and versatility.
Toughest omission: Jackson LaCombe
Most spots on the American blue line are spoken for. Hughes and McAvoy are already on the team. Slavin, Faber, Werenski, and Sanderson are virtual locks.
Fox has bounced back nicely after a down 2024-25 campaign that included a concerning performance at 4 Nations. While the 2021 Norris Trophy winner is battling an injury, and the timeline for his return is a little foggy, we believe Fox's playmaking chops would be hugely beneficial to the U.S.' defense corps.
The last spot could be filled by several defensemen, including 4 Nations member Noah Hanifin, defensive stalwart Mikey Anderson, or wily vet John Carlson. (Sorry, Lane Hutson fans, you'll have to wait until next Olympics.)
Realistically, Jones and LaCombe probably have the inside track. LaCombe is undoubtedly one of the NHL's brightest young D-men, but Jones gets the nod because he has the size and championship pedigree Guerin seemingly covets. It doesn't hurt that Jones' right shot balances out the group.
Toughest omission: Spencer Knight
This trio remains unchanged from 4 Nations.
Hellebuyck is currently out with a knee injury, but he's projected to return before the Olympics. The reigning Hart Trophy winner will be Team USA's starting goalie - at least to begin the tournament. If he struggles yet again in a big-game setting, anything can happen. The Americans have enviable depth.
Knight has been lights out for the Blackhawks this season and warrants consideration. However, neither Oettinger nor Swayman have played their way off the roster. Key context: If Guerin was willing to pick Swayman for 4 Nations amid the worst season of his career, it's hard to imagine the GM would leave the Bruins netminder off the Olympic team during a resurgent campaign.
