EDITORIAL: The Biggest Snubs of USA Hockey’s Olympic Roster

The moment that hockey fans have fought for over such a long period of time is finally almost here. NHL players will finally be making a return to the Olympic Games.

And after a heartbreaking loss in the championship over the Four Nations tournament, Team USA and its fans were poised to put together a strong lineup. But after the official roster was announced, it was discovered that big names were left off.

5. Patrick Kane: Forward, Detroit Red Wings

This is more of a nostalgia pick than anything. While Patrick Kane is one of the greatest American players of all time, eight goals and 20 assists in 32 games just will not cut it.

In the past, Kane has noted how he would love to wear the USA sweater and try to win the gold medal. But now, at age 37, that dream looks to be all but over as he would be 41 years old by the next Winter Games.

4. Lane Hutson: Defenseman, Montreal Canadiens

Lane Hutson is one of the most prominent young, American defensemen in the NHL. Through 46 games played, Hutson has eight goals and 37 assists. Despite these numbers, Team USA decided to go with an aging Seth Jones, who is currently on IR for the Florida Panthers and has 21 fewer points in six fewer games.

3. Trevor Zegras: Forward, Philadelphia Flyers

After lighting up the 2021 World Junior Championship, one would think that then Anaheim Ducks prospect Trevor Zegras would be a recurring name for Team USA. However, after Zegras had struggled with the Ducks, many believed that Zegras was just another over-hyped bust. But all it took was a change of scenery and an Olympic year.

After being traded to the Philadelphia Flyers, Zegras has amassed 17 goals and 24 assists in 44 games. Still, despite being a much younger talent with much more potential, Zegras was left off the Team USA Olympic roster.

2. Cole Caufield: Forward, Montreal Canadiens

Cole Caufield has had a similar path to Zegras. During Zegras’ success in the 2021 World Juniors, Caufield played a pivotal role as he handed out assists and was even able to get some goals of his own.

Then, after a fast start in the NHL for Montreal, Caufield was sent down to the AHL after having major struggles playing in the show. Despite this setback, Caufield was able to battle back and this season is lighting the lamp with 21 goals along with 22 assists in 46 games.

But, just like his former Team USA teammate, Caufield was left off of the Olympic roster for older, more experienced talent.

1. Jason Robertson: Forward, Dallas Stars

Probably the most perplexing snub of this Team USA Olympic team was that of Dallas Stars forward Jason Robertson. Starting with his best statistical season in 2022-2023, Robertson has been a key piece of the Stars’ offense.

This season alone, Robertson has 27 goals and 28 assists. With these numbers, Robertson has 55 points, which is tied for eighth place in the entire league.

Over Robertson, the Team USA staff chose a 33-year-old Brock Nelson who has just under 20 fewer points than Robertson despite having played one less game. They also picked 32-year-old J.T. Miller over Robertson. Miller has only played 38 games and has 11 goals and 13 assists.

I would love to know the reason for picking two aging under-performers who will likely have minimal impact in hockey’s biggest tournament while Robertson, who, at 26 years old and at the peak of his career, has to stay home and watch. I just do not understand the logic.

Max Malec is a first-year student majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, please email mvm7264@psu.edu.