All hockey rosters for the 12 teams participating in the Milan Games were unveiled on Wednesday, with Team Canada expected to release its roster shortly. Team USA will reveal its hockey line-ups on Friday, just 35 days ahead of the Winter Olympics. Fans can tune in to NBC’s “Today” show during the 8 a.m. hour to catch the details for the men’s, women’s, and para teams.
As Team USA gears up for the Olympic competition, various storylines are emerging from the men’s team selection process. One significant concern is the performance of Auston Matthews, who has struggled this season. With only 15 goals and 27 points in his first 33 games, Matthews is significantly trailing his previous season’s output, where he netted 33 goals and recorded 78 points. His earlier success, which included a record-setting 69 goals for a US-born player, is clouded by a reported back injury that has raised questions about his current form.
Another player to watch is Jack Hughes, the dynamic star from the New Jersey Devils. After recovering from a lacerated finger that sidelined him for a month, Hughes is expected to play a crucial role in Team USA’s strategy, particularly as Matthews seeks to regain his scoring touch. Hughes showcased his talent earlier this season, accumulating 10 goals and 20 points in just 17 games prior to his injury.
Rookie standout Matt Boldy, hailing from Millis and Boston College, is virtually a certainty to be included on the roster. His impressive performance in the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament and his current ranking as a top-10 scorer in the league signifies his impact on the ice. His partnership with Quinn Hughes and Kirill Kaprizov has resulted in stunning offensive statistics, further solidifying his place among the talented forwards Team USA will rely on.
According to projections, notable forwards expected to make the final cut include Matthews, Hughes, Boldy, Dylan Larkin, Jack and Matthew Tkachuk, and Jake Guentzel, accounting for 10 of the 14 forwards permitted. However, with a strong emphasis on defensive capabilities, it is anticipated that some skilled players like Cole Caufield and Alex DeBrincat might be left off the final roster in favor of more seasoned players who fit the checking-centric approach favored by management.
On defense, decisions appear to be less complicated, with Quinn Hughes and Charlie McAvoy already confirmed. Additionally, options like Brock Faber, Zach Werenski, and Jake Sanderson bolster their defensive line. Although shutdown defenseman Jaccob Slavin’s injury status raises some uncertainty, there are provisions to replace him if needed as the Games approach.
The goaltending situation for Team USA seems promising, with Connor Hellebuyck, Jeremy Swayman, and Jake Oettinger leading the trio expected to compete for the starting spot. Their rankings among American goaltenders in goals saved above expected reinforce their credentials as elite options.
On the women’s side, Team USA is likely to maintain a roster similar to the one seen during recent championships. Key players, such as goalie Aerin Frankel, who boasts an impressive .953 save percentage, and veteran forward Hilary Knight, are set to make significant contributions. The depth of the women’s team will depend on performance from both seasoned veterans and newcomers, with potential inclusion of players like Britta Curl-Salemme and Jesse Compher, who have shown strong performances in recent competitions.
The excitement surrounding the upcoming Winter Olympics is palpable as Team USA prepares to showcase its talented athletes on a global stage, promising thrilling matchups and opportunities for gold in both men’s and women’s hockey.