The NHL is returning to the Winter Olympics for the first time since 2014. The NHL had told their players they couldn't play on the national stage in 2018 and 2022, which prevented some of the top young stars to compete for Olympic gold. Now, those who run the national teams have to compile their roster of players before the Olympic Games from Feb. 4-22.
For Team USA, they are hoping they can win a gold medal in ice hockey for the first time since 1980, the very roster that won the "Miracle on Ice." The USA team could very well be the toughest opponent for Canada, the favorites entering the tournament. There is plenty of great talent across the NHL. Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin feels like a lock to make the roster. But it's possible another Detroit player makes it also.
NHL.com's Dan Rosen and Nicholas J. Costonika projected Team USA's roster for the 2026 Winter Olympics. The duo projected that veteran player Patrick Kane will make the roster.
NHL.com projects Patrick Kane to make Team USA for 2026 Winter Olympics
"Kane is the most interesting choice; he's perhaps the greatest American player ever and a veteran of two Olympic Games," writes Costonika. "When he got off to a bad start last season and didn’t make the 4 Nations roster, general manager Bill Guerin flew to Detroit to tell him in person. But he had a strong second half last season and has looked sharp when healthy this season. The 37-year-old could add leadership and playmaking ability, especially on the power play. Maybe he can help the United States find that extra goal it needs."
It would only be fitting that Kane makes it onto the roster in the NHL's return to the Olympic Games. In his prime, Kane has shown to be one of the country's top players. In 2010, Kane played a huge role in Team USA making the Gold Medal game, where they fell in overtime to Canada to earn the Silver Medal. Kane scored three goals and notched two assists that year. In 2024, Kane notched four assists in six game, where Team USA finished in fourth.
As Costonika mentioned, Kane missed out on the opportunity to compete for Team USA in the 4 Nations Face-Off, due in part to a slow start to the 2024-25 season. But Kane did turn things around after the 4 Nations Face-Off, as he recorded nine goals and 19 assists for 28 points in 27 games played. Kane continued to play well to start this season, scoring two goals and recording three assists for five points in five games.
Kane making it onto Team USA would be such a feel good story. He has shown to be one of the more dominant United States-born hockey players in recent memory. If he can help the team win their first gold medal in 46 years, his legend will grow.
The decision is all up to Bill Guerin as he compiles the roster. Red wings fans will find out if Kane officially made the roster on Jan. 1.