Final Team USA Roster Projections for the 2026 Olympics

Basio badr

ago 16 hours

The 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics is swiftly approaching, with national teams expected to finalize their rosters for men’s hockey. Each team will consist of 20 skaters and three goaltenders. The presence of NHL players is anticipated, provided that the Milano Santagiulia Arena is completed on time. Here, we analyze and project the final roster for Team USA.

Final Team USA Roster Projections for the 2026 Olympics

Forward Selections

Two expert analysts, Matt Larkin and Anthony Trudeau, have provided their selections for the Team USA forwards. Here are their picks:

Matt Larkin’s Choices:
- Brady Tkachuk
- Jack Eichel
- Matthew Tkachuk
- Kyle Connor
- Auston Matthews
- Jack Hughes
- Jake Guentzel
- Tage Thompson
- Matt Boldy
- Brock Nelson
- Dylan Larkin
- Alex Tuch
- Clayton Keller
- Vincent Trocheck
Anthony Trudeau’s Choices:
- Brady Tkachuk
- Jack Eichel
- Matthew Tkachuk
- Kyle Connor
- Auston Matthews
- Jack Hughes
- Jason Robertson
- Dylan Larkin
- Matt Boldy
- Matthew Knies
- Brock Nelson
- Alex Tuch
- Tage Thompson

Both analysts have included a mix of established stars and emerging talents. Notable inclusions for Larkin include Brock Nelson and Vincent Trocheck, who offer versatility and experience. Trudeau highlights Jason Robertson as a key player, potentially pushing for a more prominent role.

Defenseman Projections

The defensive lineup is another area of focus. Below are the top picks from both analysts:

Matt Larkin’s Defensemen:
- Quinn Hughes
- Charlie McAvoy
- Zach Werenski
- Jake Sanderson
- Jaccob Slavin
- Brock Faber
- Jackson LaCombe
- Adam Fox
Anthony Trudeau’s Defensemen:
- Quinn Hughes
- Brock Faber
- Zach Werenski
- Charlie McAvoy
- Jake Sanderson
- Jaccob Slavin
- Adam Fox
- Seth Jones

This assortment of talent suggests a well-rounded defensive strategy. Key players like Quinn Hughes and Zach Werenski are expected to anchor the blue line. Larkin favors Jackson LaCombe, while Trudeau includes Seth Jones, emphasizing depth and versatility.

Goaltender Selections

The goalkeeping position is crucial for any Olympic team. Here are the projected goaltenders:

Matt Larkin’s Pick: Connor Hellebuyck, Jake Oettinger, Jeremy Swayman
Anthony Trudeau’s Pick: Connor Hellebuyck, Jeremy Swayman, Jake Oettinger

Both analysts agree on the standout talents of Connor Hellebuyck and Jake Oettinger. Jeremy Swayman, performing well for the Boston Bruins, enhances the goaltending depth. The competition will be fierce, ensuring that only the best make the final cut.

Conclusion

The final Team USA roster for the 2026 Winter Olympics is shaping up to be a formidable lineup. The selection of players will balance experience and youthful energy, critical for success on the Olympic stage. As the roster finalization date approaches, the performance of these athletes will be closely monitored.