Utah Mammoth captain Clayton Keller, Buffalo Sabres forward Tage Thompson, and Florida Panthers defenseman Seth Jones have been selected for the U.S. men’s Olympic hockey team, according to sources. The announcement comes as federations finalized their 25-player rosters due Wednesday, with Team Canada already revealing its roster in a news conference.
Team USA is set to unveil its men’s, women’s, and Paralympic hockey teams during a Friday morning appearance on “The Today Show.” General Manager Bill Guerin, who also serves the Minnesota Wild, personally informed the players of their selection, as well as others who narrowly missed the cut and may be called upon as injury replacements. Teams are permitted to adjust their rosters until the Olympic tournament kicks off in Milan-Cortina on February 11.
The U.S. team has six initial members named, including Auston Matthews, Matthew Tkachuk, Brady Tkachuk, Charlie McAvoy, Quinn Hughes, and Jack Eichel. The addition of Keller, Thompson, and Jones follows their participation in the 4 Nations Face-Off, where the U.S. narrowly lost to Canada in the championship match last February.
This year’s Olympics mark the first time NHL players will compete since 2010, presenting a crucial opportunity to demonstrate hockey’s growth in the U.S. “The expectation is to go to Milan and win the gold medal,” said Jack Eichel during the U.S. Olympic orientation camp in September, emphasizing the seriousness of their goals.
Clayton Keller, originally from the St. Louis area and drafted seventh overall by the Arizona Coyotes in 2016, is coming off a standout season, achieving a career-high 90 points and currently leading his team with 33 points in 40 games. His season has also been marked by personal loss, as he tragically lost his father in November. Keller captained Team USA to its first gold at the World Championship in 92 years this past May.
Tage Thompson, a 6-foot-6 forward, has also been impressive, netting 18 goals and 34 points in 38 games for the Sabres, who are currently riding a nine-game winning streak. Jones, the fourth overall pick in the 2013 NHL Draft, boasts an extensive NHL career with 899 games played and played a pivotal role in helping the Panthers secure their second consecutive Stanley Cup.
The management group for Team USA includes notable GMs from across the league, with guidance from coach Mike Sullivan of the New York Rangers and assistance from recognized NHL coach John Tortorella.
This Olympic season is steeped in expectations and excitement, marking a significant moment in U.S. hockey history as players aim not just for participation but for a powerful chance at reclaiming the gold.