Florida Panthers defenseman Seth Jones will not be participating in the 2026 Winter Olympics, as announced by USA Hockey on January 21. The decision comes as a result of an upper-body injury Jones sustained during the Winter Classic on January 2, when he was struck in the head by a puck in a game against the New York Rangers. Ironically, he had been named to the U.S. Olympic team just hours before the injury occurred.
Jones, 31, was selected for the Olympic team due to his impactful performance in the Panthers’ recent playoff run following a trade from the Chicago Blackhawks in 2025. His absence leaves a notable gap in the team’s defensive lineup.
Replacing Jones on the Olympic team is 25-year-old Jackson LaCombe of the Anaheim Ducks. LaCombe has a solid track record with USA Hockey, having contributed to winning gold medals at both the 2021 World Junior Championships and the 2025 World Championships. This latter victory marked a historic moment for the USA, as it was the nation’s first gold medal in that tournament since 1933. Currently, LaCombe is having a productive season, tallying 31 points in 49 games, which speaks to his skill and readiness for the international stage.
The U.S. Olympic men’s hockey team is set to kick off its campaign against Latvia on February 12, with the match scheduled for 3:10 p.m. ET, and will be broadcast on USA Network and Peacock. The team, despite the setback with Jones, will be looking to make a strong impression in the tournament.