USA Hockey is gearing up to send one of its most star-laden rosters to a world championship in recent history as it prepares for NHL players to return to the Olympics in 2026. The team, announced on Wednesday, includes five players who have made at least one NHL All-Star team, led by Ottawa Senators forward Brady Tkachuk. Other players on the team include seven-time All-Star forward Johnny Gaudreau, five-time All-Star defenseman Seth Jones, three-time All-Star forward Dylan Larkin, and two-time All-Star defenseman Zach Werenski. The youngest player of the first 15 named is 20-year-old defenseman Luke Hughes from the New Jersey Devils. This roster is the most star-studded that the U.S. has seen in recent years.
Many top NHL players do not participate in world championships because their teams are still playing in the Stanley Cup playoffs or they prefer to rest after the regular season. Players like Auston Matthews, Quinn Hughes, and Connor Hellebuyck are currently in the playoffs. Worlds rosters are typically 23 players, so more players are expected to be added to the team closer to the start of the tournament in Czechia on May 10. The head coach of the team is John Hynes, who is the Minnesota Wild head coach. The U.S. has had success at the worlds, finishing fourth the last two years and making the semifinals 12 times since the bracketed playoff round was reinstated in 1992. Their best finish during that span was third, with six bronze medals. Their last silver at worlds came in 1950, with their only gold at a standalone worlds coming in 1933.
In further news, NHL players will be participating in the Olympics in 2026 for the first time since 2014, which adds to the excitement surrounding USA Hockey.