2026 Olympics: Cole Caufield and Lane Hutson are not expected to be selected by Team USA

Félix Forget
2026 Olympics: Cole Caufield and Lane Hutson are not expected to be selected by Team USA
Credit: Getty Images

In just eight days' time, national team managers should have confirmed their line-ups for the next Olympic Games. They won't all be announced on December 31 (the U.S. will unveil it two days later, for example), but that's the deadline for sending it in.

Yes, time is of the essence.

The Habs are keeping a close eye on a number of players. We know that Juraj Slafkovský will be there, as will Alexandre Texier. France has already confirmed its line-up, saying that a player cannot yet be announced due to NHL rules… and Texier is the only Frenchman in the NHL at the moment.

But what's really getting people talking is the situation in Canada and the United States. We know that Nick Suzuki still doesn't have a guaranteed position for Canada, but it was a little less clear for Caufield and Hutson with the USA.

But Michael Russo, in a piece for The Athletic, took stock of the situation… and what emerges is that Caufield and Hutson should not be part of Team USA.

According to Russo, both guys are still being considered, but are not expected to make the roster. In Caufield's case, Clayton Keller is expected to get a spot, and Vincent Trocheck would take the spot Caufield is still fighting for.

Jason Robertson, who has 20 goals in his last 21 games, would also be ruled out.

Defensively, the U.S. would prefer Adam Fox to Hutson, even though the latter is second only to Zach Werenski for offensive production by a U.S. defenseman this season.

Fox and Trocheck both play for the Rangers… and U.S. coach Mike Sullivan is also the Rangers' coach. Yes, there's probably a connection, especially since J.T. Miller should also be part of the team.

Caufield and Hutson, in fact, could be considered should any of the guys selected in the initial line-up be injured between now and the start of the Olympics. But right now, the word on the street is that they won't be on the U.S. roster come December 31.

Let's see if, like Nick Suzuki after the 4 Nations Confrontation, this will be a source of motivation for them.


Overtime

– The buzz surrounding Marc-Andre Fleury just won't die.

– Transaction at CF Montréal.

– Is it the kiss of death?

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