In spite of not being selected for the U.S. Olympic hockey team, Jason Robertson and Adam Fox, as well as Sam Bennett and Mark Scheifele for Canada, may still have a chance to compete in Milan next month. Both USA Hockey and Hockey Canada have backup players ready to step in if injuries occur. Bill Guerin, the U.S. general manager, stated that there is a contingency plan in place with a pool of identified players available for selection if needed.
Similarly, Doug Armstrong, the Canadian GM, mentioned that they have a list of players on standby who have been asked to continue Olympic drug-testing and be ready for potential call-ups in case of injuries. The selection process involves considering various playing styles to ensure suitable replacements depending on the position that needs to be filled.
In the Canadian context, notable players like Sam Bennett and Mark Scheifele did not make the final roster for Milan, while newcomers like Macklin Celebrini, Nick Suzuki, and Tom Wilson secured spots. The decision-making process was challenging, with Armstrong emphasizing that no player was completely ruled out, and the final selection was narrowed down to 25 players.
Canada’s defense lineup for the Olympics remains largely intact, although the impressive performance of rookie Matthew Schaefer added complexity to the selection process. Meanwhile, in the goaltending department, Jordan Binnington is expected to lead the team, with other strong contenders like Logan Thompson and Darcy Kuemper in the mix.
On the U.S. side, Jason Robertson stands out as a top scorer in the NHL, with players like Alex DeBrincat and Cole Caufield also making significant contributions. The team composition is not solely based on statistics, as emphasized by Bill Guerin, highlighting the importance of building a cohesive team rather than just focusing on individual performances.
While some players from the U.S. lineup for the 4 Nations Face-Off are not returning for the Olympics, there is still a chance for others to be called up if needed. The U.S. team has a balanced mix of defensemen and goaltenders, with contingencies in place to address any unforeseen circumstances before the games commence.