The 2026 Olympic Games in Milano-Cortina come with justifiable hype. It’s been over a decade since NHLers hit the ice in a best-on-best tourney. Yes, the 4 Nations Face-Off was a great event last season, but plenty of players did not get a chance to represent their countries.
For instance, Leon Draisaitl did not get a chance to play for Germany. David Pastrnak did not have the opportunity to represent Czechia. Then, there are all the Russian players.
That’s something that will change at the Olympics. Just about every NHL player will get a chance to play for their home countries. Of course, each country will select its final rosters. But that doesn’t mean that every NHLer won’t get some sort of consideration at some point.
That thought goes for one Red Wings forward: Alex DeBrincat. The 27-year-old is off to a fantastic start this season. He’s got nine goals and 12 assists for 21 points in 19 games this season. While he wasn’t invited to the Team USA orientation camp late last summer, he’s making a case to be on the American roster.
It’s worth pointing out that Team USA management, as well as Canada for that matter, were clear that no roster spots were guaranteed. Players had the first three months of the season or so to audition for roles.
So far, DeBrincat has made a strong case.
He’s a strong presence 5-on-5 and on the power play. Despite being undersized, his skill and playmaking abilities could give the American side plenty of firepower. Then, there’s another key element to consider. Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin is pretty much a lock for Team USA. So, why not have DeBrincat and Larkin run on the same line? Even Patrick Kane could make an all-Red Wings line for Team USA.
It's a fascinating thought and one certainly worth entertaining.
Jack Hughes injury could open spot for Red Wings’ star on Team USA
Now, some might argue right away, “Hughes is a center, DeBrincat is a winger.” Yes, that’s true. But Hughes’ absence could have a ripple effect on the entire Team USA roster.
At this point, Hughes is believed to be ready for the Olympics in February. But what if he can’t make it following hand surgery earlier this month? That’s a contingency Bill Guerin and Mike Sullivan must be thinking about.
If Hughes can’t make it, that could open up a roster spot. So, why not use that roster spot on someone like DeBrincat? The American squad loses nothing by bringing in a player who’s essentially a nightmare to play against.
Thoughts of seeing DeBrincat weave through opposing defenses are something Bill Guerin must be thinking about. Plus, DeBrincat’s shot and net front presence can also provide value to complement some of the feistier players like the Tkachuk brothers.
Overall, it’s tough to craft an argument against Alex DeBrincat’s inclusion in Team USA’s roster. With about four weeks or so before Olympic teams make their final decisions, it’s a good bet that DeBrincat will get a long look, even if he doesn’t ultimately make the team.