While Jason Robertson and Adam Fox were not selected for the U.S. Olympic hockey team, and Sam Bennett and Mark Scheifele did not make the cut for Canada, there is still a chance that these players could join the roster for the upcoming games in Milan. Both USA Hockey and Hockey Canada have standby players ready to step in if needed due to injuries.
Bill Guerin, the U.S. general manager, mentioned that they have identified a number of players who could fill in if necessary, emphasizing that there is a contingency plan in place. Similarly, Canada’s GM Doug Armstrong did not disclose the exact number of players on the standby list but confirmed that they have informed all potential replacements to continue Olympic drug-testing.
Regarding Team Canada, notable players like Bennett and Scheifele were left off the roster, while newcomers such as Macklin Celebrini, Nick Suzuki, and Tom Wilson secured spots. Armstrong highlighted the tough decisions in finalizing the team, stating that no player played their way out and that the selection process was challenging.
In terms of Canada’s defense, Matthew Schaefer’s impressive rookie season with the New York Islanders made him a strong contender, showcasing his talent and versatility. The goaltending situation for Canada remains uncertain, with Jordan Binnington likely to start, supported by Logan Thompson and Darcy Kuemper, while Mackenzie Blackwood and Scott Wedgewood present strong alternatives.
In the U.S. camp, players like Robertson, DeBrincat, and Caufield have been standouts in the NHL, but Fox and Kreider will not be joining the team in Milan. The U.S. roster features a balanced mix of defensemen, with options available in case of any changes before the games begin.
Overall, both the U.S. and Canada have prepared standby lists to address potential injuries and ensure they have suitable replacements available for the upcoming Olympic hockey tournament.
