Following the U.S. roster announcement for the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympics, NHL.com senior writer Dan Rosen outlined projected forward lines, defense pairs, and goaltending. The top line features the Tkachuk brothers with Jack Eichel, backed by Connor Hellebuyck in net, leveraging chemistry from the 4 Nations Face-Off.
Building on the 25-player roster unveiled January 2, Rosen proposed line combinations to blend elite skill, proven chemistry, and defensive reliability.
Top forward line: Vegas Golden Knights center Jack Eichel between Ottawa Senators' Brady Tkachuk and Florida Panthers' Matthew Tkachuk. Rosen noted, "The U.S. went to a line with Eichel between Matthew and Brady Tkachuk in the 4 Nations Face-Off and it worked. Brady and Matthew have obvious chemistry, and Eichel was the ideal playmaker and scorer driving the middle of the ice between them."
Second line: Minnesota Wild's Matt Boldy, Toronto Maple Leafs' Auston Matthews, and Tampa Bay Lightning's Jake Guentzel—natural goal-scorers who can kill penalties.
Third line: Detroit Red Wings' Dylan Larkin, New Jersey Devils' Jack Hughes, and Buffalo Sabres' Tage Thompson, offering versatility and face-off prowess.
Fourth/checking line: St. Louis Blues' Clayton Keller, New York Rangers' Vincent Trocheck, and Rangers' J.T. Miller.
Extras: New York Islanders' Brock Nelson and Winnipeg Jets' Kyle Connor.
Defense pairs: Vancouver Canucks' Quinn Hughes with Boston Bruins' Charlie McAvoy; Columbus Blue Jackets' Zach Werenski with Florida Panthers' Seth Jones; Carolina Hurricanes' Jaccob Slavin with Minnesota Wild's Brock Faber. Flexible options: Ottawa Senators' Jake Sanderson and Calgary Flames' Noah Hanifin.
Goaltending: Jets' Connor Hellebuyck as starter, with Dallas Stars' Jake Oettinger and Bruins' Jeremy Swayman as backups. Rosen explained, "Hellebuyck was the No. 1 at the 4 Nations and provided he's playing well going into the Olympic break he deserves the chance to start in that role at the Olympics."
These projections position Team USA for strong medal contention.
