The first look at some of the players who will represent the United States in men`s hockey at the 2026 Winter Olympics has arrived.
On Monday, as part of the scheduled announcements for the 12 Olympic qualifying nations, the U.S. revealed the first six players selected for their roster for the upcoming Games.
The initial group of players named are:
- Auston Matthews, Toronto Maple Leafs
- Charlie McAvoy, Boston Bruins
- Quinn Hughes, Vancouver Canucks
- Matthew Tkachuk, Florida Panthers
- Jack Eichel, Vegas Golden Knights
- Brady Tkachuk, Ottawa Senators
General Manager Bill Guerin and Head Coach Mike Sullivan, who held the same roles for Team USA at the 4 Nations Face-Off in February where the Americans finished runners-up to Canada, will lead the team.
Auston Matthews served as captain for the U.S. at the 4 Nations tournament. He played three games, recording three assists with an average ice time of 20:26 per game.
With NHL players returning to the Olympics for the first time since 2014, the 2026 Games will mark the Olympic debut for all six of these initial American selections. At the Sochi 2014 Games, Team USA`s roster included veterans like Patrick Kane, Zach Parise, and Joe Pavelski.
Quinn Hughes was unable to participate in the 4 Nations Face-Off due to a regular season injury. However, he has prior international experience representing the U.S. at the World Championship, where he registered five points over 18 games.
Matthew Tkachuk is a key contributor for the Florida Panthers in their pursuit of a second consecutive Stanley Cup, having tallied seven goals and 22 points in 22 playoff games. Serving as an alternate captain for the U.S. at the 4 Nations, Tkachuk recorded two goals and three assists in three appearances.
Brady Tkachuk scored 29 goals and 55 points in 72 games for the Ottawa Senators this past season. In the 4 Nations Face-Off, he contributed three goals in four games for Team USA.
Jack Eichel, who played alongside the Tkachuk brothers at the 4 Nations tournament, notched four assists in four games. He also boasts significant international experience, having recorded four goals and 20 points in 26 World Championship games for the U.S.
Charlie McAvoy`s participation in the 4 Nations Face-Off was limited to just two games due to a significant shoulder injury sustained prior to the final match against Canada. The Boston Bruins defenseman has also represented the U.S. twice at the IIHF World Championship, in 2017 and 2018.
Tristan Blackwood