Dallas Stars forward Jason Robertson, who currently leads all American players in points this NHL season, was not selected to represent Team USA in the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina. The decision has sparked considerable debate among fans and analysts, particularly given Robertson’s exceptional performance, which includes 24 goals and 25 assists in just 41 games.
Robertson’s exclusion marks a continuation of a frustrating trend for the young player, who also missed out on last year’s United States roster for the 4 Nations Face-Off. Many observers believed that his strong start to the current NHL season warranted a place on the Olympic team, a sentiment echoed by Robertson himself. “Yeah, I thought that this year was different than last year,” he stated. “Obviously, last year, I didn’t think I was good enough. Now, I think I did. It’s their choice, their decision. That’s it.”
The decision-making process for Team USA appears to be guided by specific criteria that extend beyond mere scoring ability. While Robertson’s talent is widely acknowledged, Team USA General Manager Bill Guerin and the coaching staff may prioritize players who fit particular roles or exhibit a certain level of defensive play. This has left many fans perplexed, particularly given Robertson’s status as one of the nation’s top goal scorers.
In response to the decision, Stars head coach Glen Gulutzan expressed his disappointment. “Obviously, he’s our player and our guy and you’re hoping for him, and there’s not one coach of the 32 of us that doesn’t think their guy should be on the team,” he remarked. “I would have loved to see him on it. He’s been so good for us. But I’d hate to be making those decisions.”
As the Olympic men’s hockey tournament approaches, scheduled to begin in February 2026, there remains a possibility that injuries to selected players could open a door for Robertson. The NHL season provides ample time for changes, and Robertson, who attended Team USA’s orientation camp over the summer, would likely be a top candidate for a replacement. Nonetheless, he indicated uncertainty regarding whether he is on a reserve list for the national team, citing minimal communication from Team USA.
If the call does not come, there may be a silver lining for the Stars. Robertson’s teammates and coaches are hopeful for his inclusion, yet the additional rest could enhance his performance for the remainder of the NHL season. “Obviously, it hurts your ego, but I’m not going to change the way I play, and I’m happy to keep doing it here,” he noted. “I think I just strive to be the best whenever I can be. It just so happened this year was an Olympic year. That’s not gonna stop me from doing that the rest of the season.”
As the Olympic roster continues to generate discussion among hockey enthusiasts, the focus now shifts to how Robertson will channel this disappointment into motivation for his ongoing NHL campaign. With the postseason ahead, fans may yet see the best of Jason Robertson as he aims to lead the Dallas Stars to success.