Matthews, Tkachuk brothers among first six players named to USA’s 2026 Olympic roster

The first set of names set to represent the red, white and blue next year have been announced.

On Monday, the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) announced the first six names on the roster for Team USA at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina. Forwards Auston Matthews, Jack Eichel, Brady and Matthew Tkachuk will be joined by defensemen Quinn Hughes and Charlie McAvoy.

Five of the six players recently played for the United States at the 4 Nations Face-Off in February. Vancouver Canucks captain Quinn Hughes was scheduled to play for his country in the event, but an injury forced him to be taken off the roster. He tried to join the team for the championship game in Boston, but it never materialized.

Nevertheless, Hughes leads a stacked core that is capable of making a deep run in the tournament. The Tkachuk were the emotional and physical leaders for the U.S. during the 4 Nations, despite Florida Panthers star Matthew being hindered by injury during the tournament. Brady, captain of the Ottawa Senators, really came into his own as a big-time player during the event and will be looked to provide leadership for the Americans.

Matthews was making his second appearance with the senior national team at the 4 Nations, having also played for the Americans at the 2016 IIHF Men’s World Championship. The Toronto Maple Leafs captain didn’t score at the 4 Nations, but his scoring prowess will be needed in Italy next year.

McAvoy was another played who came down with an injury during the U.S.’ run to a second-place finish in February. Regardless, his style of play helped carry the team to a hot start in the tournament, and even on European ice, the Boston Bruins star is expected to be a difference-maker next year.

Vegas Golden Knights forward Jack Eichel was a solid playmaker for the U.S. at the 4 Nations Face-Off, even though he failed to find the back of the net. Like many players on that roster, it had been a while since the Hobey Baker Award winner had represented his country on the international stage.

In the “NHL era” of the Olympic hockey tournaments, the U.S. has made it to the gold medal game twice, losing to Canada in the 2002 and 2010 finals. Next year’s team hopes to right that story in their favor, hoping to win gold for the first time since 1980. Team USA is currently ranked sixth in the latest IIHF polls, trailing the likes of Switzerland and Czechia.

Next year’s American team will be competing in Group C, where they are heavily favored to finish first, going up against the likes of Germany, Latvia and Denmark.

The men’s tournament is set to begin on Feb. 11, 2026, with the gold medal game scheduled for Feb. 22.