Who makes Team USA in men’s hockey at the 2030 Olympics?

The men’s hockey tournament at the 2026 Winter Olympics has concluded, with Team USA triumphantly donning gold medals.

Now, the focus shifts to who will represent the United States at the 2030 Olympics in the French Alps, especially since the NHL and the NHLPA have committed to sending players as per their collective bargaining agreement.

As expected, many of the players who squared off against Canada in the gold medal match are likely to return for the competition in France. but, with some players aging and the next generation of American talent emerging, we can anticipate some changes in the roster.

We’ve categorized potential candidates for the 2030 U.S. men’s Olympic hockey team into different tiers, noting their ages during the tournament. Who will be selected for the next Olympic challenge?

The locks

Jack Eichel, C, Vegas Golden Knights (33)
Jack Hughes, F, New Jersey Devils (28)
Quinn Hughes, D, Minnesota Wild (30)
Dylan Larkin, C, Detroit Red Wings (33)
Auston Matthews, C, Toronto Maple Leafs (32)
Charlie McAvoy, D, Boston Bruins (32)
Tage Thompson, F, Buffalo Sabres (32)
Brady Tkachuk, F, Ottawa Senators (30)
Matthew Tkachuk, F, Florida Panthers (32)
Zach Werenski, D, Columbus Blue Jackets (32)

If there’s a foundational group for Team USA, these athletes embody it. This group features the first six individuals listed on the 2026 roster and includes players who played pivotal roles in the Olympic event.

Eichel and the Tkachuks formed a line under coach Mike Sullivan. Matthews was appointed team captain, and it’s hard to envision Team USA without him, especially if he continues his scoring streak in the NHL. Quinn Hughes was standout as Team USA’s all-around defenseman, with Werenski also being a noteworthy presence. McAvoy consistently ranked second to Hughes in average ice time during the tournament.

Jack Hughes’ position was never in jeopardy for the 2026 team, highlighting how much Team USA cherishes his unique skills. He dealt with injuries during the NHL season but proved his worth as one of the team’s key offensive players in Milan, reminiscent of a young Patrick Kane rather than a struggling center. and, scoring the decisive goal solidified his legacy.

Hughes began on the fourth line but gradually earned a spot alongside Larkin. The Red Wings center followed his stellar 4 Nations tournament with significant moments during the Olympics. With Eichel, Matthews, and Larkin, the American team boasted remarkable center depth, paving the way for a strong trio in 2030.

Thompson’s status as a “lock” was the only one I questioned. Unlike the others here, he wasn’t part of the 4 Nations roster but used that to fuel his Olympic pursuit. His remarkable performance after the 4 Nations established his undeniable value: only Nathan MacKinnon (51) outscored him (48) from the end of 4 Nations to the Olympics. His contributions during the 2026 Games only strengthened his position.

BLINK AND YOU’LL MISS IT.

Tage Thompson extends the USA’s lead. pic.twitter.com/6CQUSRxdYA

— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) February 20, 2026

Strong candidates from 2026

Matt Boldy, F, Minnesota Wild (31)
Brock Faber, D, Minnesota Wild (27)
Jackson LaCombe, D, Anaheim Ducks (29)
Jake Oettinger, G, Dallas Stars (31)
Jake Sanderson, D, Ottawa Senators (27)

Boldy was nearly a lock thanks to his performance at 4 Nations and the 2026 Games. As one of Team USA’s leading shooters, he wasn’t shy about navigating challenging areas to create scoring opportunities. He ranks seventh among American-born players in the last two seasons (135 points in 136 games) and is poised for future contributions to Team USA.

Faber and Sanderson were regulars on the American blue line during the Olympics. Faber partnered with Jaccob Slavin, as he did in 4 Nations. Sanderson stepped in for an injured Quinn Hughes and scored in the championship game against Canada.

LaCombe joined the roster as an injury replacement for Seth Jones but did not take the ice during the tournament, highlighting the Americans’ depth on defense. LaCombe is just beginning to showcase his abilities in the NHL, and this experience in Italy seems tailored for his inclusion in 2030.

There’s little doubt Oettinger will remain among the NHL’s best goaltenders four years from now, making him a strong candidate for the 2030 roster. It was intriguing that he didn’t play during group rounds, serving instead as a backup in the medal phase.

Question marks from 2026

Kyle Connor, F, Winnipeg Jets (33)
Noah Hanifin, D, Vegas Golden Knights (32)
Clayton Keller, F, Utah Mammoth (31)
Jeremy Swayman, G, Boston Bruins (31)

Over the past three seasons, only two American-born players have netted more goals than Connor (100). His history as a healthy scratch during critical games raises questions about his potential for 2030.

Keller’s limited role during these Olympics may hinder his chances. While he possesses valuable skills, the question remains: does he outshine the competition for a 2030 spot?

Given his age in 2030 and limited ice time in Milan, Hanifin’s status is unsure. even so, Team USA management appreciates his contributions, and he didn’t detract from their expectations during his limited time on the ice.

Swayman was given a chance in group play against Denmark but conceded a long-range goal, leading to Oettinger stepping in as backup during elimination rounds. He’s still young enough to secure an Olympic position and possesses unique experience, but the American goaltending ranks are deep.

Noah sneakin’ one over 👀 #WinterOlympics pic.twitter.com/eoUfcgSlWD

— USA Hockey (@usahockey) February 14, 2026

If age is just a number

Connor Hellebuyck, G, Winnipeg Jets (36)
Jake Guentzel, F, Tampa Bay Lightning (35)
Seth Jones, D, Florida Panthers (35)
J.T. Miller, F, New York Rangers (36)
Brock Nelson, F, Colorado Avalanche (38)
Jaccob Slavin, D, Carolina Hurricanes (35)
Vincent Trocheck, F, New York Rangers (36)

At 32, Hellebuyck was older than the preceding three Team USA starters during Olympic tournaments: Jonathan Quick (28), Ryan Miller (29), and Rick DiPietro (24). hence, he would be considerably older than the typical U.S. starter at the 2030 Games. but, his performance at the 4 Nations and in Milan, where he boasted a tournament-leading .947 save percentage before the gold medal game, could solidify his candidacy.

Defensive players generally enjoy a lengthy career, suggesting Slavin will retain his significance for Team USA in four years. even if Jones was initially selected for the roster, injury prevented his participation. even if there may be preferable options in 2030, his absence cannot be overlooked.

Guentzel’s age places him here as an older option among the forwards returning from the 2026 team. He ranks seventh among American players over the last three seasons (217 points in 202 games) and is likely to continue contributing on the strong Tampa Bay offense. As long as he maintains his performance, Guentzel should be back in consideration.

Nelson, Miller, and Trocheck were vital veterans on the USA roster, complementing the skillful players. The Rangers forwards played essential roles in penalty kills. Nelson had a strong scoring impact in group play until Jack Hughes was reassigned from his line, but given his age, he’s closer to retirement than a spot in 2030.

Everything coming up BROCK. NELSON. #WinterOlympics pic.twitter.com/yy7xGkXiR0

— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) February 12, 2026

The 2026 snubs

Cole Caufield, F, Montreal Canadiens (29)
Alex DeBrincat, F, Ottawa Senators (32)
Adam Fox, D, New York Rangers (32)
Lane Hutson, D, Montreal Canadiens (26)
Jason Robertson, F, Dallas Stars (30)
Alex Tuch, F, Buffalo Sabres (33)

Fox was among the few players from the 4 Nations roster who was excluded from the Olympic team after being on the ice for McDavid’s OT winner. He had 28 points in 30 games during this NHL season before injuries curtailed his play. Will the former Norris Trophy winner redeem himself in the next four years?

Both Caufield and Hutson did not attend the USA Olympic orientation camp after choosing not to participate in the 2025 IIHF world championships. Caufield stands out as one of the NHL’s most dynamic scoring wingers, but his size may have hindered his selection. Hutson, last season’s NHL rookie of the year, ranked among the league’s top-scoring defensemen, but he was perceived as a redundancy given the puck-moving defensemen already selected for the Olympic roster.

Alongside Caufield, Robertson was arguably the most notable offensive snub for Team USA, ranking third among American-born scorers over the last three seasons (226 points). DeBrincat placed 11th during that same period (194 points), yet like Caufield, he lacked the size Team USA preferred for their wings.

Tuch possesses the size, scoring ability, and tenacity the Americans sought upfront but may face age-related challenges come 2030.

The orientation class

Logan Cooley, F, Utah Mammoth (25)
Luke Hughes, D, New Jersey Devils (26)
Matthew Knies, F, Toronto Maple Leafs (27)
Frank Nazar, F, Chicago Blackhawks (26)
Shane Pinto, C, Ottawa Senators (29)
Alex Vlasic, D, Chicago Blackhawks (28)

All of these players participated in the USA Hockey Olympic orientation camp but did not secure a spot for Milan Cortina.

Cooley could have been an interesting candidate for the 2026 Games, but his season ended prematurely due to injury after tallying 14 goals in 29 games. Knies, who forms a strong bond with Matthews, is poised to become the next American power forward. Pinto may need to elevate his game in the next four seasons for serious roster consideration, but he has a solid two-way skill set.

Could the 2030 Olympic team feature the Hughes trio? Luke Hughes needs to carve out a place within the competitive talent pool of Americans, but his skills are promising.

Vlasic provides strong defensive play for the Blackhawks, while Nazar brings significant offensive potential.

The next wave

Matty Beniers, C, Seattle Kraken (27)
Jackson Blake, F, Carolina Hurricanes (26)
Zeev Buium, D, Vancouver Canucks (24)
Josh Doan, F, Buffalo Sabres (27)
Cutter Gauthier, F, Anaheim Ducks (26)
James Hagens, C, Boston Bruins (23)
Spencer Knight, G, Chicago Blackhawks (28)
Ryan Leonard, F, Washington Capitals (25)
Will Smith, F, San Jose Sharks (24)
Jimmy Snuggerud, F, St. Louis Blues (25)
Dustin Wolf, G, Calgary Flames (28)

This group includes promising young talents who have either made a notable impact in the NHL or hold significant potential for the future.

Beniers is now in his fifth season with the Kraken, having won the rookie of the year title in 2022-23. It’s easy to envision him evolving into a versatile bottom-six forward for Team USA.

Smith often finds himself overshadowed by his Sharks teammate Macklin Celebrini, yet he stands as one of the NHL’s best young offensive talents. in the same way, Gauthier has impressed with 45 goals in his first 138 NHL games. Leonard has accumulated 30 points in his rookie season with the Capitals, boasting a strong Team USA track record in the world juniors.

Blake, Doan, and Snuggerud have work ahead to fortify their positions ahead of the Olympics. Hagens, a 19-year-old in his second season at Boston College following a seventh overall draft pick by the Bruins, shows immense potential.

Buium became the centerpiece in the Quinn Hughes trade for the Canucks and could evolve into an elite puck-moving defenseman.

Wolf was the runner-up in rookie of the year voting last season but is underperforming this year. Conversely, Knight is enjoying his best NHL season with the Blackhawks.