USA Hockey and Hockey Canada confirmed they have replacement players ready for the Milan Olympics. These players can step in if injuries happen before the tournament starts next month. Team officials mentioned that they have plans in place for such situations.
Several well-known players did not make the initial rosters. For the United States, Jason Robertson and Adam Fox were left off the team. For Canada, Sam Bennett and Mark Scheifele were not named. Their exclusions do not rule out the chance of participating in the Olympics.
U.S. general manager Bill Guerin stated that the team identified several players who meet different needs. He explained that replacements will depend on position and playing style, not a single ranking list. Guerin did not reveal the names of the players on standby.
Robertson currently leads American NHL players in scoring. He has helped Dallas reach three consecutive Western Conference finals. Other high-scoring Americans who were not selected include Alex DeBrincat and Cole Caufield. Guerin said building the roster focused on balance rather than individual stats.
Adam Fox was not chosen because the U.S. selected five left-shot defensemen and three right-shot defenders. Fox could be considered if roster changes become necessary. Other defensemen mentioned as options include Lane Hutson and Luke Hughes.
For goal, the U.S. roster features Connor Hellebuyck, Jake Oettinger, and Jeremy Swayman. Additional goaltenders identified as possible replacements include Spencer Knight, Thatcher Demko, and Joey Daccord.
Canada’s general manager Doug Armstrong confirmed a similar approach. He said all standby players agreed to continue with Olympic drug testing. Armstrong also mentioned that any roster changes would depend on specific positional needs.
Sam Bennett, Travis Konecny, and Seth Jarvis were not selected even though they were part of Canada’s previous tournament roster. Mark Scheifele was also left out. Armstrong noted that several players were considered until the final selection stages.
Canada kept its entire defensive group from the previous international tournament. Rookie defenseman Matthew Schaefer came into consideration after strong play with the New York Islanders this season.
Canada’s goaltending group consists of Jordan Binnington, Logan Thompson, and Darcy Kuemper. Mackenzie Blackwood and Scott Wedgewood were noted as possible injury replacements.
USA Luge and Hockey Canada will finalize Olympic rosters closer to the start of the Milan Games.
