The announcement of Team USA’s preliminary roster for the 2026 Winter Olympics brought a notable omission that quickly became a major talking point across the hockey world. Dallas Stars forward Jason Robertson, one of the most productive American players in the NHL this season, was not selected for the Olympic lineup. The decision became official on Friday morning when USA Hockey revealed the roster during a nationally televised segment on the Today Show, confirming that Robertson will not be heading to Milan-Cortina in 2026.
Jason Robertson Left Off Team USA Olympic Roster Despite Standout NHL Season
In the weeks leading up to the official announcement, multiple well-sourced reports indicated that Robertson’s Olympic chances were uncertain. Earlier this month, NHL insider Michael Russo published a detailed breakdown explaining USA Hockey general manager Bill Guerin’s likely roster philosophy, which suggested that some high-profile scorers could be squeezed out due to positional balance and competition. Around the same time, individuals close to the Dallas Stars organization quietly acknowledged that Robertson’s inclusion was far from guaranteed. While attending the World Junior Championships in Minnesota, several informed figures confirmed that the forward had been alerted to the situation before the public reveal, with Robertson receiving official confirmation on New Year’s Eve.
From a performance standpoint, Robertson’s 2025 calendar year made a compelling case. He finished second in the NHL with 45 goals during that span and led all American players in scoring. His offensive output placed him among the league’s elite, underscoring how competitive the selection process proved to be. Interestingly, the only player with more goals than Robertson in 2025 was Morgan Geekie, another American forward who was also left off the Olympic roster, highlighting the depth and difficult choices facing Team USA’s selection committee.
