The first members of the United States men`s Olympic hockey team for the 2026 Winter Games have been revealed.
Team USA announced the initial six players selected for their roster on Monday, as part of a phased unveiling schedule for all qualified nations.
The first six 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
The team will be led by general manager Bill Guerin and head coach Mike Sullivan, who previously served in the same roles during the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament in February, where the U.S. team finished second to Canada.
Auston Matthews captained the U.S. squad at the 4 Nations tournament, where he recorded three assists in three games with an average ice time of 20:26 per game.
This marks the return of NHL players to the Olympics since 2014, making the 2026 Games the first Olympic appearance for all six players named so far. The U.S. team in Sochi included veterans like Patrick Kane, Zach Parise, and Joe Pavelski.
Quinn Hughes was unable to participate in the 4 Nations tournament due to a regular season injury. However, he has represented the U.S. previously at the World Championship, accumulating five points in 18 games.
Matthew Tkachuk is a vital player for the Florida Panthers as they contend for their second consecutive Stanley Cup, with seven goals and 22 points in 22 playoff games. Serving as an alternate captain for the U.S. at the 4 Nations, he contributed two goals and three assists in three games.
Brady Tkachuk registered 29 goals and 55 points in 72 games for the Ottawa Senators. He was also productive for the U.S. at the 4 Nations tournament, scoring three goals in four games.
Jack Eichel, playing alongside the Tkachuk siblings, provided four assists in four games during the 4 Nations tournament. He also has significant international experience, with 20 points (four goals, 16 assists) in 26 games at the World Championship.
Charlie McAvoy`s participation in the 4 Nations Face-Off was limited to just two games due to a significant shoulder injury sustained before the final against Canada. The Boston Bruins defenseman has represented the U.S. at the World Championship twice (2017 and 2018).
