Team USA Announces 2026 Winter Olympics Roster

The United States announced their 2026 Winter Olympics roster.

Feb 20, 2025; Boston, MA, USA; [Imagn Images direct customers only] United States forward Jack Eichel (9) during the 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey championship game against Canada at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images | Winslow Townson-Imagn Images

The United States announced its roster for the 2026 Winter Olympic Games. Speculation was long and drawn out regarding which players the United States would choose from, given the vast and talented pool of players to draw from

In the end, it was a largely familiar group selected to represent the United States in Italy in February. After finishing with the silver medal at the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off and a gold medal at the 2025 IIHF World Championships, the United States believes it has the group and the mindset needed to win the gold medal this time around.

With just a few weeks until the tournament kicks off, the United States became the next country to officially unveil the roster that they will bring to the games. 

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

Forward Group Remains Largely the Same

The United States' top players are one of the most potent and imposing groups entering the Olympics. Headlined by superstars like Vegas Golden Knights center Jack Eichel, Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews, and New Jersey Devils center Jack Hughes, the group's talent is unmatched in international competition.

There was one significant change to the forward group compared to the one that finished second at the 4 Nations Face-Off. Anaheim Ducks winger Chris Kreider was a key veteran for the United States just a few months ago. Still, he has since been replaced by the likes of Utah Mammoth captain Clayton Keller and Buffalo Sabres power forward Tage Thompson. Both Keller and Thompson were key pieces for the United States' gold medal run at the most recent world championships, so it’s no surprise that the duo is rewarded with a trip to Italy to represent the United States once again.

Dec 23, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Utah Mammoth right wing Clayton Keller (9) in the third period against the Colorado Avalanche at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images | Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

Defense Wins Championships

The blue line for the Red, White, and Blue is also facing huge expectations. Quinn Hughes, who is still adjusting to his new organization, the Minnesota Wild, will once again be the focal point of the United States defense.

Surrounding him is a crew of some of the best two-way defenders in the world. Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Jaccob Slavin, who remains the most underrated and overlooked defenseman in the NHL, will play a considerable role and be tasked with shutting down the dynamic offensive efforts of countries like Canada, Sweden, and Finland. Then there are players like Charlie McAvoy of the Boston Bruins, Brock Faber of the Minnesota Wild and Columbus Blue Jackets star Zach Werenski.

One newcomer to the group is Florida Panthers defender Seth Jones. The veteran Stanley Cup winner provides another right-handed option for Team USA.

Goaltending Supreme

The trio heading to Italy in goal are the same three puck-stoppers who were on the 4 Nations Face-Off roster. All three are superstar goalies, and it will be a challenge for any opposing country to beat these tremendous players.