Every Player on the 2026 U.S. Men’s Olympic Hockey Roster

The United States men’s Olympic hockey team is heading to the 2026 Winter Games in Milano Cortina, Italy with a roster stacked with NHL talent. For the first time since the 2014 Sochi Olympics, NHL players are suiting up for their countries on the Olympic stage, and Team USA has assembled a 25-man squad that aims to bring home the nation’s first men’s hockey gold medal since the legendary “Miracle on Ice” at Lake Placid in 1980. For another storied chapter in U.S. Olympic sports history, see the 1992 Dream Team basketball roster.

The roster was officially unveiled on January 21, 2026, with general manager Bill Guerin and head coach Mike Sullivan selecting a group that builds on the foundation laid at the 2025 Four Nations Face-Off. Auston Matthews wears the captain’s “C,” while Charlie McAvoy and Matthew Tkachuk serve as alternate captains. With a blend of veteran leadership and young stars, this Team USA squad enters the tournament as one of the favorites in what promises to be a fiercely competitive Olympic hockey tournament.

Here is every player on the 2026 U.S. Men’s Olympic Hockey Roster.

Auston Matthews

Auston Matthews captains Team USA at the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympics, carrying the same “C” he wore during the 2025 Four Nations Face-Off. Born on September 17, 1997, in San Ramon, California, Matthews grew up in Scottsdale, Arizona, where he developed his game in the desert before spending a season with ZSC Lions in Switzerland’s National League. The Toronto Maple Leafs selected him first overall in the 2016 NHL Draft, and he immediately made an impact by scoring four goals in his NHL debut – the first player in the modern era to accomplish the feat.

Matthews has been one of the most prolific goal scorers in the NHL since entering the league. He won the Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy as the league’s top goal scorer in 2021 (41 goals in 52 games), 2022 (60 goals), and 2024 (69 goals). His 69-goal campaign in 2023-24 was the most by any NHL player since Alexander Mogilny and Teemu Selanne each scored 76 in 1992-93. Matthews also won the Hart Trophy as the NHL’s most valuable player in 2024.

This marks Matthews’ eighth appearance representing the United States in international competition, including the 2015 and 2016 World Junior Championships, the 2016 World Championship, and the 2025 Four Nations Face-Off. He also played for Team North America at the 2016 World Cup of Hockey. At 28 years old, Matthews brings elite scoring ability and leadership to a Team USA squad hungry for its first Olympic gold since 1980.

Jack Eichel

Jack Eichel arrives at the 2026 Olympics as one of the most dynamic offensive centers in the NHL. Born on October 28, 1996, in North Chelmsford, Massachusetts, Eichel played one standout season at Boston University, winning the Hobey Baker Award as college hockey’s top player in 2015 before the Buffalo Sabres selected him second overall in the 2015 NHL Draft.

After six seasons in Buffalo, Eichel was traded to the Vegas Golden Knights in November 2021, following a well-publicized dispute over treatment for a herniated disc in his neck. The move revitalized his career. In Vegas, Eichel helped the Golden Knights win the Stanley Cup in 2023, their first championship in franchise history. He recorded 26 points in 22 playoff games during that title run.

Eichel has been a consistent presence in USA Hockey programs throughout his career. He competed in the World Junior Championships in 2014 and 2015, the World Championship in 2015, 2017, and 2019, and the 2025 Four Nations Face-Off. He also won gold with Team USA at the 2014 World U18 Championship and played for Team North America at the 2016 World Cup of Hockey. At 29, Eichel brings playoff-tested experience and elite playmaking to the Team USA forward group in Milano Cortina.

Quinn Hughes

Quinn Hughes is the crown jewel of Team USA’s blue line at the 2026 Olympics. Born on October 14, 1999, in Orlando, Florida, Hughes played at the University of Michigan before the Vancouver Canucks selected him seventh overall in the 2018 NHL Draft. He was later traded to the Minnesota Wild, where he has continued to establish himself as one of the premier defensemen in the NHL.

Hughes won the James Norris Memorial Trophy as the NHL’s best defenseman in 2024, cementing his status among the league’s elite blueliners. Known for his exceptional skating ability, puck-handling, and offensive instincts, Hughes consistently ranks among the top-scoring defensemen in the NHL.

Notably, Hughes missed the 2025 Four Nations Face-Off due to injury, making his Olympic debut all the more anticipated. He has represented the United States four times previously – at the 2018 and 2019 World Junior Championships and the 2018 and 2019 World Championships. At the Olympics, Hughes joins his brother Jack, a forward for the New Jersey Devils, marking a special family milestone. At 26, Hughes is expected to anchor Team USA’s top defensive pairing alongside Charlie McAvoy, providing the kind of elite puck-moving ability that can be the difference in a short international tournament.

Charlie McAvoy

Charlie McAvoy wears an alternate captain’s “A” for Team USA in Milano Cortina, reflecting his standing as one of the most complete defensemen in the NHL. Born on December 21, 1997, in Long Beach, New York, McAvoy played at Boston University before the Bruins selected him 14th overall in the 2016 NHL Draft. He made an immediate impact, jumping straight into Boston’s playoff lineup in his first professional season.

McAvoy has developed into a two-way force for the Bruins, logging heavy minutes in all situations. He is relied upon to shut down the opposition’s top lines while also contributing offensively. His combination of size, skating, and hockey sense makes him one of the most difficult defensemen to play against in the NHL.

This marks McAvoy’s sixth appearance with USA Hockey on the international stage. He competed in the 2016 and 2017 World Junior Championships, the 2017 and 2018 World Championships, and the 2025 Four Nations Face-Off. During the Four Nations event, McAvoy was injured and missed the final two games, but he returns healthy for the Olympics. Paired with Quinn Hughes, McAvoy gives Team USA a top defensive duo that can match up against any forward line in the tournament. He is 28 years old.

Matthew Tkachuk

Matthew Tkachuk serves as an alternate captain for Team USA at the 2026 Olympics, bringing a blend of skill and physicality that few players in the NHL can match. Born on December 11, 1997, in Scottsdale, Arizona, and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, Tkachuk comes from hockey royalty – his father Keith Tkachuk is a four-time U.S. Olympian who scored 538 NHL goals over his career.

The Calgary Flames selected Matthew sixth overall in the 2016 NHL Draft. After six seasons in Calgary, he was traded to the Florida Panthers in 2022 in a blockbuster deal. With the Panthers, Tkachuk helped the team reach the Stanley Cup Final in 2023 and then win the Stanley Cup in 2024, recording 22 points in 24 playoff games during the championship run.

This is Tkachuk’s fifth appearance with USA Hockey. He previously competed in the 2014 World U17 Hockey Challenge, the 2015 U18 World Championship, the 2016 World Junior Championship, and the 2025 Four Nations Face-Off. In Milano Cortina, he is joined on the roster by his younger brother Brady, a forward for the Ottawa Senators. At 28, Matthew Tkachuk provides Team USA with a power forward presence capable of scoring, creating space, and elevating his game in big moments.

Brady Tkachuk

Brady Tkachuk joins his older brother Matthew on Team USA’s roster, making the Tkachuk family’s Olympic legacy a central storyline of the 2026 Games. Born on September 16, 1999, in Scottsdale, Arizona, and raised in St. Louis, Brady played one season at Boston University before the Ottawa Senators selected him fourth overall in the 2018 NHL Draft.

Since arriving in Ottawa, Brady Tkachuk has become the face of the franchise and its captain. He is known for his relentless compete level, willingness to go to the net, and ability to score in high-traffic areas. Tkachuk has been a consistent 25-plus goal scorer in the NHL, combining offensive production with a physical edge that makes him difficult to play against.

This is Brady’s sixth time wearing the red, white, and blue. He competed in the 2018 World Junior Championship, the 2024 World Championship, and the 2025 Four Nations Face-Off. With father Keith having represented the U.S. in four Olympics (1992, 1998, 2002, 2006) and brother Matthew also on the roster, the Tkachuk family’s American hockey legacy spans generations. At 26, Brady brings energy, physicality, and scoring touch to Team USA’s forward group in Milano Cortina.

Dylan Larkin

Dylan Larkin brings veteran leadership and two-way reliability to Team USA at the 2026 Olympics. Born on July 30, 1996, in Waterford, Michigan, Larkin played at the University of Michigan before the Detroit Red Wings selected him 15th overall in the 2013 NHL Draft. He has served as the Red Wings’ captain since the 2020-21 season.

Larkin made headlines early in his NHL career when he set the fastest lap record at the 2016 NHL All-Star Skills Competition with a time of 13.172 seconds, a record that stood for several years. He has been a steady producer for Detroit, consistently contributing on both ends of the ice as the team’s top center.

Larkin is one of the most experienced USA Hockey veterans on the roster, with this marking his eighth appearance in international competition dating back to 2013. He competed in the World U-17 Hockey Challenge in 2013, the World Junior Championship in 2015, the World Championship five times (2015 through 2019), and the 2025 Four Nations Face-Off. He also played for Team North America at the 2016 World Cup of Hockey. At 29, Larkin provides Team USA with a dependable, hard-working center who can play in any situation.

Brock Nelson

Brock Nelson carries a unique piece of American hockey history into the 2026 Olympics. Born on October 15, 1991, in Minneapolis and raised in Warroad, Minnesota – a town known as “Hockeytown USA” – Nelson’s family ties to Olympic hockey run deep. His grandfather Bill Christian and uncle Roger Christian won gold with Team USA at the 1960 Olympics in Squaw Valley, and his uncle Dave Christian was a member of the legendary 1980 “Miracle on Ice” team.

The New York Islanders selected Nelson 30th overall in the 2010 NHL Draft. After spending his entire career with the Islanders through the 2023-24 season, Nelson signed with the Colorado Avalanche. He has been a consistently productive center throughout his career, surpassing the 30-goal mark multiple times.

Nelson has extensive international experience, having represented the United States eight times previously. He competed in the World Championship five times (2014 through 2017 and 2024) and the 2025 Four Nations Face-Off. At 34, he is the oldest player on Team USA’s roster, bringing veteran savvy and a wealth of experience to the forward group. Nelson’s family connection to American Olympic hockey gold adds a special layer of significance to his presence in Milano Cortina.

J.T. Miller

J.T. Miller brings big-game experience and versatility to Team USA’s forward corps at the 2026 Olympics. Born on March 14, 1993, in East Palestine, Ohio, Miller was selected 15th overall by the New York Rangers in the 2011 NHL Draft. After stints with the Rangers and Tampa Bay Lightning – where he won the Stanley Cup in 2020 and 2021 – Miller spent several highly productive seasons with the Vancouver Canucks before returning to the Rangers.

Miller is known for his ability to play both center and wing, his strong two-way game, and his clutch scoring ability. He has consistently been a point-per-game caliber player in recent seasons, combining playmaking vision with a willingness to compete hard in all three zones.

This is Miller’s fourth appearance with USA Hockey in international competition. He won gold at the 2013 World Junior Championship, also competing in the 2012 World Juniors and the 2025 Four Nations Face-Off. Miller was also part of Team North America at the 2016 World Cup of Hockey. At 32, he provides Team USA with a veteran presence capable of playing up and down the lineup. His two Stanley Cup rings and extensive playoff experience make him one of the most battle-tested forwards on the roster.

Jack Hughes

Jack Hughes represents the next generation of American hockey excellence at the 2026 Olympics. Born on May 14, 2001, in Orlando, Florida, Hughes was selected first overall by the New Jersey Devils in the 2019 NHL Draft – the same draft where his brother Quinn went seventh to the Vancouver Canucks. Their father Jim played professional hockey, and their mother Ellen played for the U.S. Women’s National Team at Boston College.

Hughes developed through the U.S. National Team Development Program, where he put up historic numbers. Since entering the NHL, he has blossomed into one of the league’s most dynamic young centers, with elite speed, creativity, and playmaking ability. Hughes hit the 40-goal mark and eclipsed 90 points in a breakout campaign, establishing himself as a franchise cornerstone.

This is Hughes’ seventh time representing the United States. He competed in the 2019 World Junior Championship, the 2019 World Championship, and the 2025 Four Nations Face-Off. In Milano Cortina, Hughes joins his brother Quinn on Team USA, making them the most prominent brother duo on the roster alongside the Tkachuk brothers. At just 24, Hughes is one of the youngest players on the team, bringing electrifying speed and offensive creativity to a stacked forward group.

Jake Guentzel

Jake Guentzel is one of the most proven playoff performers on Team USA’s roster at the 2026 Olympics. Born on October 6, 1994, in Omaha, Nebraska, Guentzel played at the University of Nebraska-Omaha before the Pittsburgh Penguins selected him 77th overall in the 2013 NHL Draft. He quickly became one of the premier playoff scorers in the NHL.

Guentzel’s postseason pedigree is remarkable. He scored 21 goals in 25 playoff games during the Penguins’ 2017 Stanley Cup championship run, tied for the most in that postseason. He recorded 13 goals in Pittsburgh’s 2018 playoff run as well, establishing himself as one of the most dangerous goal scorers when the stakes are highest. After spending his prime years in Pittsburgh, Guentzel signed with the Tampa Bay Lightning.

This is Guentzel’s second appearance in international competition for the United States, having made his Team USA debut at the 2025 Four Nations Face-Off, where he tied for the team lead with three goals. At 31, Guentzel brings a championship pedigree and a knack for scoring clutch goals to Team USA’s forward group. His ability to finish in tight spaces and elevate his game in elimination scenarios makes him a valuable asset in the short Olympic tournament format.

Matt Boldy

Matt Boldy is one of the younger forwards on Team USA’s 2026 Olympic roster, representing the rising wave of American hockey talent. Born on April 5, 2001, in Milford, Massachusetts, Boldy played at Boston College before the Minnesota Wild selected him 12th overall in the 2019 NHL Draft.

Boldy made an immediate impression in the NHL with his combination of size, skill, and hockey sense. Standing 6-foot-2 and possessing a heavy shot, he has developed into a consistent offensive contributor for the Wild, capable of playing on the power play and in all situations. His ability to drive play and create scoring chances has made him one of the more complete young forwards in the league.

This is Boldy’s seventh appearance with USA Hockey, dating back to the 2017 World U-17 Hockey Challenge. He won gold at the 2021 World Junior Championship and competed in the World Championship in 2022 and 2024. At the 2025 Four Nations Face-Off, Boldy recorded three points (one goal, two assists). At 24, Boldy brings a blend of youth and international experience to Team USA. His familiarity with Minnesota Wild teammates Quinn Hughes and Brock Faber could also benefit team chemistry on the Olympic stage.

Kyle Connor

Kyle Connor brings elite goal-scoring ability to Team USA at the 2026 Olympics. Born on December 9, 1996, in Shelby Township, Michigan, Connor played at the University of Michigan before the Winnipeg Jets selected him 17th overall in the 2015 NHL Draft. He has developed into one of the most dangerous goal scorers in the NHL, consistently surpassing the 30-goal mark and combining speed with a lethal shot.

Connor is known for his exceptional skating and his ability to score from anywhere in the offensive zone. He has been one of the Jets’ most important offensive weapons, recording multiple 40-plus goal seasons. His release is among the quickest in the NHL, and his ability to create separation with his speed makes him a constant threat.

This is Connor’s fifth time representing the United States in international competition. He played in the Hlinka Gretzky Cup in 2013, the U18 World Championship in 2014, the 2016 World Championship, and the 2025 Four Nations Face-Off. Notably, Connor was a healthy scratch in the Four Nations final against Canada, making his selection to the Olympic roster a testament to the management group’s belief in his talent. At 29, Connor provides Team USA with another high-end scoring option in a forward group filled with offensive firepower.

Clayton Keller

Clayton Keller earned his spot on Team USA’s 2026 Olympic roster with a standout performance at the 2025 World Championship. Born on July 29, 1998, in Chesterfield, Missouri, Keller played at Boston University before the Arizona Coyotes (now Utah Mammoth) selected him seventh overall in the 2017 NHL Draft.

Keller burst onto the NHL scene with a Calder Trophy-caliber rookie season and has been a consistent offensive producer for his franchise through its relocation from Arizona to Utah. He possesses excellent playmaking ability, quick hands, and the vision to create scoring chances for his linemates.

Keller is a three-time gold medalist with USA Hockey, winning at three different levels: the 2015 U18 World Championship, the 2017 World Junior Championship, and the 2025 World Championship. At the 2025 Worlds, Keller served as Team USA’s captain and recorded 10 points in 10 games as the United States won its first World Championship since 1933. He also competed in the World Championship in 2017 and 2019. At 27, Keller’s recent international success and leadership experience make him a valuable addition to a Team USA squad that did not include him at the Four Nations Face-Off. His familiarity with winning in an international format is an asset in the Olympic tournament.

Tage Thompson

Tage Thompson adds size and scoring punch to Team USA’s forward group at the 2026 Olympics. Born on October 30, 1997, in Phoenix, Arizona, Thompson played at the University of Connecticut before being selected 26th overall by the St. Louis Blues in the 2016 NHL Draft. He was traded to the Buffalo Sabres in 2018 as part of the Ryan O’Reilly deal and has since transformed into one of the most dangerous goal scorers in the NHL.

Standing 6-foot-7, Thompson is one of the tallest forwards in the league, and he combines that size with a devastating shot and surprising skill. He broke out with a 47-goal season in 2022-23, establishing himself as a legitimate star. His ability to score from distance and overpower opponents with his reach makes him a unique offensive weapon.

Thompson is a three-time gold medalist with USA Hockey, winning at the 2015 U18 World Championship, the 2017 World Junior Championship, and the 2025 World Championship, where he scored six goals in 10 games. He also won bronze at the World Championship in 2018 and 2021. At 28, Thompson was not on the Four Nations Face-Off roster but earned his Olympic spot through his strong play, particularly his performance at the 2025 Worlds. His combination of size and skill gives Team USA a forward unlike anyone else in the tournament.

Vincent Trocheck

Vincent Trocheck brings grit, two-way play, and championship experience to Team USA at the 2026 Olympics. Born on July 11, 1993, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Trocheck was selected 64th overall by the Florida Panthers in the 2011 NHL Draft. He developed into a reliable top-six center before being traded to the Carolina Hurricanes and later signing with the New York Rangers.

Trocheck is valued for his competitiveness, faceoff ability, and willingness to play a physical game. He has consistently been one of the better two-way centers in the NHL, capable of contributing offensively while being trusted in defensive situations. His versatility allows coaches to deploy him in multiple roles throughout the lineup.

This is Trocheck’s fourth appearance with USA Hockey. He won gold at the 2013 World Junior Championship and competed in the 2014 World Championship and the 2025 Four Nations Face-Off. He also played for Team North America at the 2016 World Cup of Hockey. At 32, Trocheck is one of the more experienced forwards on the roster, providing Team USA with a dependable center who can win faceoffs, kill penalties, and contribute in clutch moments. His hard-nosed style of play is well-suited to the intensity of Olympic competition.

Zach Werenski

Zach Werenski is one of the most offensively gifted defensemen on Team USA’s roster at the 2026 Olympics. Born on July 19, 1997, in Grosse Pointe, Michigan, Werenski played at the University of Michigan before the Columbus Blue Jackets selected him eighth overall in the 2015 NHL Draft.

Werenski has established himself as one of the premier offensive defensemen in the NHL. He was the runner-up for the Norris Trophy as the league’s best defenseman in the 2024-25 season, putting up elite point totals from the blue line. His skating ability, heavy shot, and offensive instincts make him a dangerous weapon on the power play and in transition.

Werenski’s international resume includes the 2015 and 2016 World Junior Championships, the 2025 Four Nations Face-Off, and the 2025 World Championship, where the United States won its first world title since 1933. At that tournament, Werenski recorded six points (one goal, five assists) in seven games and was named the tournament’s best defenseman by the IIHF. At 28, Werenski provides Team USA with a dynamic offensive presence from the back end. His ability to quarterback the power play and jump into the rush adds another dimension to an already potent American attack.

Noah Hanifin

Noah Hanifin brings steadiness and experience to Team USA’s defensive corps at the 2026 Olympics. Born on January 25, 1997, in Boston, Massachusetts, Hanifin played at Boston College and was selected fifth overall by the Carolina Hurricanes in the 2015 NHL Draft – making him the youngest American-born player drafted that high since 2007.

Hanifin spent three seasons with the Hurricanes before being traded to the Calgary Flames in 2018. He played six seasons in Calgary, establishing himself as a reliable two-way defenseman who logs heavy minutes. He then signed with the Vegas Golden Knights, where he has continued to be a top-four fixture. Hanifin’s smooth skating, positioning, and ability to move the puck efficiently make him a valuable presence in all situations.

This is Hanifin’s sixth time representing the United States in international competition. He played in the 2015 World Junior Championship, the World Championship in 2016, 2017, and 2019, and the 2025 Four Nations Face-Off. At 29, Hanifin provides Team USA with a veteran defensive presence who has played at the highest levels of NHL competition, including deep playoff runs. His familiarity with Golden Knights teammate Jack Eichel and his steady defensive play make him a dependable option for head coach Mike Sullivan.

Brock Faber

Brock Faber is the youngest defenseman on Team USA’s 2026 Olympic roster, but he arrives with more Olympic experience than almost anyone on the team. Born on August 22, 2002, in Maple Grove, Minnesota, Faber played at the University of Minnesota before the Minnesota Wild acquired his rights and he joined the team during the 2022-23 season.

What makes Faber unique on this roster is that he is one of only two players – along with Jake Sanderson – who has previously competed in the Olympics. Both played for the United States at the 2022 Beijing Games, when NHL players did not participate and USA Hockey assembled a roster of college players and minor leaguers. That experience, though brief, gives Faber a rare perspective among his teammates.

Faber has represented the United States five times in international competition, including the 2021 and 2022 World Junior Championships, the 2022 Beijing Olympics, and the 2025 Four Nations Face-Off. He has quickly developed into one of the Wild’s most important defensemen, logging big minutes and earning praise for his defensive reliability and skating ability. At just 23, Faber represents the future of American hockey defense and brings a fearless, physical style to the Team USA blue line.

Jake Sanderson

Jake Sanderson is the other Olympic veteran on Team USA’s 2026 roster, having represented the United States at the 2022 Beijing Games alongside Brock Faber. Born on July 8, 2002, in Whitefish, Montana, Sanderson played at the University of North Dakota before the Ottawa Senators selected him fifth overall in the 2021 NHL Draft.

Sanderson has quickly established himself as one of the best young defensemen in the NHL. His skating, defensive awareness, and ability to suppress scoring chances make him a shutdown presence on the back end. He has drawn comparisons to some of the league’s elite defensive defensemen for his ability to neutralize top opposing forwards.

This is Sanderson’s fifth appearance with USA Hockey. In addition to the 2022 Olympics, he competed in the 2021 World Junior Championship, the 2024 World Championship, and the 2025 Four Nations Face-Off. At 23, Sanderson is one of the youngest players on the roster but has already accumulated significant international experience across multiple levels. His defensive steadiness and composure complement the more offensively oriented defensemen on Team USA’s blue line, giving head coach Mike Sullivan flexibility in how he deploys his defensive pairings.

Jaccob Slavin

Jaccob Slavin is widely regarded as one of the best defensive defensemen in the NHL, and he brings that elite shutdown ability to Team USA at the 2026 Olympics. Born on May 1, 1994, in Erie, Colorado, Slavin was selected 120th overall by the Carolina Hurricanes in the 2012 NHL Draft – a fourth-round steal who has become the backbone of Carolina’s defense.

Slavin is known for his exceptional positioning, stick work, and ability to break up plays without taking penalties. He consistently ranks among the NHL leaders in takeaways while maintaining one of the lowest penalty minute totals among top-pairing defensemen. His quiet effectiveness has earned him a reputation as one of the most underrated players in the league.

This is Slavin’s third appearance with USA Hockey, having previously competed in the 2014 World Junior Championship and the 2025 Four Nations Face-Off. At 31, he is one of the more experienced defensemen on the roster and provides Team USA with a true defensive specialist. In a tournament where a single mistake can end a team’s gold medal hopes, Slavin’s ability to shut down elite forwards and play mistake-free hockey in his own zone is an invaluable asset.

Jackson LaCombe

Jackson LaCombe is the surprise addition to Team USA’s 2026 Olympic roster, earning his spot as an injury replacement after Seth Jones of the Florida Panthers was forced to withdraw. Born on March 12, 2001, in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, LaCombe played at the University of Minnesota before the Anaheim Ducks selected him 34th overall in the 2019 NHL Draft.

LaCombe has developed steadily with the Ducks, emerging as a reliable two-way defenseman on a young Anaheim team. His skating ability, poise with the puck, and willingness to jump into the offensive rush have made him an increasingly important part of the Ducks’ lineup.

Despite being a late addition to the Olympic roster, LaCombe has proven himself on the international stage. He won gold at the 2021 World Junior Championship and gold at the 2025 World Championship, giving him two gold medals with USA Hockey across different levels of competition. At 25, LaCombe may not have the name recognition of some of his teammates on the blue line, but his recent international success – particularly his contributions to the historic 2025 World Championship win – demonstrates that he can perform when it matters most. He gives Team USA additional depth on the back end.

Connor Hellebuyck

Connor Hellebuyck enters the 2026 Olympics as arguably the best goaltender in the world and the expected starter for Team USA. Born on May 19, 1993, in Commerce, Michigan, Hellebuyck played at UMass Lowell before the Winnipeg Jets selected him 130th overall in the 2012 NHL Draft – a fifth-round pick who has become one of the greatest goaltenders of his generation.

Hellebuyck has won the Vezina Trophy as the NHL’s best goaltender three times (2020, 2024, and 2025), placing him among an elite group in league history. He also won the Hart Trophy as the NHL’s most valuable player in the 2024-25 season, becoming just the 10th goaltender in NHL history to win the award. His consistency, athleticism, and ability to steal games single-handedly have made him the cornerstone of the Jets’ franchise for nearly a decade.

Hellebuyck served as the No. 1 goaltender for Team USA at the 2025 Four Nations Face-Off and has represented the United States at the World Championship in 2015 and 2017. At 32, Hellebuyck is in his prime and gives Team USA a legitimate Vezina-caliber netminder who can be the difference between silver and gold. His track record of performing in high-pressure situations makes him one of the most important players on the entire roster.

Jake Oettinger

Jake Oettinger provides Team USA with a strong goaltending option behind Connor Hellebuyck at the 2026 Olympics. Born on December 18, 1998, in Lakeville, Minnesota, Oettinger played at Boston University before the Dallas Stars selected him 26th overall in the 2017 NHL Draft.

Oettinger has developed into one of the top young goaltenders in the NHL, establishing himself as the Stars’ undisputed starter. He is known for his size (6-foot-5), excellent positional play, and ability to make highlight-reel saves. Oettinger has been a key factor in the Stars’ playoff success in recent seasons, consistently posting strong numbers in the postseason and earning a reputation as a big-game goaltender.

This is Oettinger’s second appearance with USA Hockey, having previously competed in the 2018 World Junior Championship and the 2025 Four Nations Face-Off. At 27, Oettinger is in the prime of his career and could push Hellebuyck for starts depending on performance and matchups during the Olympic tournament. NHL.com’s roster analysis noted that there “could be competition this time around with Oettinger vying for the starter’s net.” His presence gives Team USA the luxury of two starting-caliber goaltenders, a significant advantage in a short tournament.

Jeremy Swayman

Jeremy Swayman rounds out Team USA’s goaltending trio at the 2026 Olympics, bringing playoff heroics and a gold medal pedigree to Milano Cortina. Born on November 24, 1998, in Anchorage, Alaska, Swayman played at the University of Maine before the Boston Bruins selected him 111th overall in the 2018 NHL Draft.

Swayman’s defining moment on the international stage came at the 2025 World Championship, where he backstopped the United States to its first world title since 1933. He made 25 saves to shut out Switzerland in the gold medal game and posted a dominant 7-0 record with a 1.69 goals-against average and .921 save percentage throughout the tournament. That performance cemented his status as one of the top American goaltenders.

In the NHL, Swayman has established himself as the Bruins’ starting goaltender, particularly shining in the 2024 playoffs where he was instrumental in Boston’s deep postseason run. This is his third appearance with USA Hockey, having also competed in the 2018 World Junior Championship and the 2022 World Championship. At 27, Swayman provides Team USA with a proven winner who has shown he can deliver on the biggest stages. His gold medal experience from the 2025 Worlds makes him a valuable asset, whether he starts or serves as a reliable backup.

Sources: NHL.com official roster announcement (January 21, 2026); USA Hockey official roster (teamusa.usahockey.com); individual NHL team official records; IIHF official records