At a Glance
- Team USA will field NHL stars in its 2026 Olympic roster.
- 25-player lineup includes Auston Matthews, Jack Eichel and Jack Hughes.
- Group C opponents are Latvia, Denmark and Germany.
Why it matters: NHL talent boosts U.S. chances for Olympic gold.
Team USA has announced its 25-player roster for the 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympics, marking the first time NHL stars will represent the country since 2010. The lineup includes top names like Auston Matthews, Jack Eichel, and Jack Hughes, all of whom will compete against Latvia, Denmark and Germany in Group C.
Roster Highlights
The roster blends top NHL talent with seasoned veterans, featuring 22 skaters and 3 goaltenders. Key forwards include Auston Matthews, Jack Eichel, Jack Hughes, Matthew Tkachuk, Brady Tkachuk, and others. Defensemen such as Charlie McAvoy, Quinn Hughes, and Noah Hanifin lead the blue line, while goaltenders Connor Hellebuyck, Jake Oettinger and Jeremy Swayman guard the net.
Group C Schedule
Team USA will compete in Group C, playing Latvia on Feb. 12, Denmark on Feb. 14, and Germany on Feb. 15. The group matchups set the stage for the U.S. to advance to the medal round.
Historical Context
Team USA has earned 11 men’s hockey medals in Olympic history, including golds at Squaw Valley 1960 and Lake Placid 1980. The last medal came in 2010, and the U.S. finished fourth in 2014, seventh in 2018, and fifth in 2022 without NHL players.
Key Takeaways
- NHL stars return to Team USA roster.
- 25-player lineup faces Group C opponents.
- U.S. seeks gold after a 16-year medal drought.
With NHL talent on its side, Team USA aims to reclaim Olympic glory in Milan-Cortina.
