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USA Hockey revealed its roster for the Olympics on Friday, and there were a few notable omissions.
New York Rangers star defenseman Adam Fox and Dallas Stars left wing Jason Robertson were left off the list. Fox played for the USA in the 4 Nations Tournament last year but struggled there.
But despite his struggles in the 4 Nations tournament, the 27-year-old is still one of the best defensemen in the NHL. The 2020-21 Norris Trophy winner – awarded to the NHL’s best defenseman – has 28 points in 24 games played this season.
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Adam Fox (23) of the New York Rangers lines up against the Detroit Red Wings in the second period at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan on Nov. 7, 2025. (Dave Reginek/NHLI via Getty Images)
Fox has four goals and 24 assists. The three-time All-Star missed 14 games with a shoulder injury, and the Rangers sorely missed their top defenseman, going 6-6-2 in his absence while the power play sputtered without him.
Fox said being left off the list is “disappointing”.
“Obviously, it’s disappointing,” Fox said, according to NHL.com. “I thought I played as well as I think I could have, and that decision comes out of your hands at a certain point. It is what it is. You just have to move on.”
“I don’t think you have any expectations (of making the Olympic team) I would say, but obviously I thought my play this year was worthy of it and my track record as well,” Fox said. “But it’s out of my hands at a certain point. The decision is the decision and I think that’s how it goes.”
Robertson was left out of the 4 Nations squad last season due to a slow start, but the 26-year-old has started well this season. In 41 games played, Robertson has scored 24 goals and registered 24 assists, leading fans to believe he could provide some top scoring for Team USA.
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New York Rangers defenseman Adam Fox (23) serves the puck against the Detroit Red Wings in the third period at Madison Square Garden in New York, New York on November 16, 2025. (John Jones/Imagn Images)
Here is Team USA’s roster:
Extenders
Matt Boldy, Minnesota Wild
Kyle Connor, Winnipeg Jets
Jack Eichel, Vegas Golden Knights
Jake Guentzel, Tampa Bay Lightning
Jack Hughes, New Jersey Devils
Clayton Keller, Utah Mammoth
Dylan Larkin, Detroit Red Wings
Auston Matthews, Toronto Maple Leafs
JT Miller, Rangers
Brock Nelson, Colorado Avalanche
Tage Thompson, Buffalo Sabres
Brady Tkachuk, Ottawa Senators
Matthew Tkachuk, Florida Panthers
Vincent Trocheck, Rangers
Defender
Brock Faber, Wild
Charlie McAvoy, Boston Bruins
Noah Hanifin, knights
Quinn Hughes, Wild
Seth Jones, Panthers
Jake Sanderson, Senators
Jacob Slavin, Carolina Hurricanes
Zach Werenski, Columbus Blue Jackets
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Dallas Stars left wing Jason Robertson (21) skates against the Toronto Maple Leafs during the game at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas on Dec. 21, 2025. (Jerome Miron/Imagn Images)
Goalkeepers
Connor Hellebuyck, Jets
Jake Oettinger, Stars
Jeremy Swayman, Bruins
The 2026 Winter Olympics competitions begin on February 4, 2026 and run through February 22, 2026.
