The United States of America is set to send a star-studded roster to an upcoming world championship, as NHL players prepare for their return to the Olympics in 2026. Led by Ottawa Senators forward Brady Tkachuk, the team includes several NHL All-Stars such as Johnny Gaudreau, Seth Jones, Dylan Larkin, and Zach Werenski. Luke Hughes, a 20-year-old defenseman for the New Jersey Devils, is the youngest player on the roster.
Despite the star power of the roster, many top NHL players do not participate in world championships due to playoff commitments or a desire for rest after a long regular season. Players such as Auston Matthews, Quinn Hughes, and Connor Hellebuyck are currently competing in the Stanley Cup playoffs. The U.S. worlds team is typically composed of 23 players, with additional players expected to be added closer to the start of the tournament in Czechia on May 10th.
The team will be coached by John Hynes, who also serves as the head coach for the Minnesota Wild. The U.S team has had recent success at world championships, finishing fourth in the last two years and making the semifinals 12 times since the introduction of a bracketed playoff round in 1992. Their best finish during this period was third place (six bronze medals). The team’s last silver medal at worlds was in 1950, with their lone gold at a standalone worlds event coming in 1933.
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