Tage Thompson and Clayton Keller played pivotal roles in leading the U.S. to victory in the world hockey championship, marking the first win since 1933. Seth Jones was a key player in the Florida Panthers’ back-to-back Stanley Cup campaigns. These standout performances earned them spots on the U.S. team for the upcoming Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, making them the only additions from the 4 Nations Face-Off held early last year.
The official roster for the U.S. Olympic team was revealed by USA Hockey on the “Today” show, with a significant portion of the lineup comprising players who participated in the NHL-managed international tournament in February. General manager Bill Guerin commended the team’s chemistry and cohesive play, emphasizing how it positively influenced their performance.
Clayton Keller, who serves as captain for the Utah Mammoth and is a top scorer for the team, showcased his leadership at the world championship. Tage Thompson, a standout player for the Buffalo Sabres, demonstrated his scoring prowess and versatility on the ice, earning praise from Guerin for his unique blend of size, skill, and adaptability.
Following Canada’s lead, the U.S. also opted for a roster heavily influenced by the 4 Nations tournament. While Canada made changes in their goaltending department, the U.S. retained their trio of netminders: Connor Hellebuyck, Jake Oettinger, and Jeremy Swayman. Notable omissions included Jason Robertson, Cole Caufield, and Alex DeBrincat, with Guerin emphasizing the importance of building a well-rounded team with players who excel in specific roles.
The selection process prioritized experience and familiarity, leading to decisions like retaining Vincent Trocheck and Brock Nelson over other options. Seth Jones stood out as an exception due to his defensive capabilities showcased during the previous playoffs.
Each Olympic team is permitted 25 players, an increase from the 23 allowed at the 4 Nations Face-Off, with 20 skaters typically dressing for each game. The U.S. team’s first match is scheduled for February 12 against Latvia.
In a separate announcement, Finland unveiled its Winter Olympics roster, featuring 24 NHL players and one European-based defenseman, Mikko Lehtonen. Notably absent from the lineup is Aleksander Barkov due to injury, with Oliver Kapanen stepping in to fill the void. The majority of Finland’s 4 Nations team returns for the Olympics, including all three goaltenders.
Sweden also announced its Olympic roster, with notable changes from the previous 4 Nations tournament. Among the new additions are Gabriel Landeskog and Philip Broberg, while established players like Victor Hedman are expected to make impactful returns to the team. Coach Sam Hallam introduced the 25-player roster, setting the stage for an exciting Winter Olympics in Milan.