Auston Matthews, Tkachuk brothers among first six Americans picked for Team USA’s 2026 Olympic Roster.
USA Hockey has officially revealed the first six names tapped to lead its men’s national team into the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, and it’s a group stacked with high-end NHL talent: brothers Matthew and Brady Tkachuk, Auston Matthews, Quinn Hughes, Charlie McAvoy, and Jack Eichel.
IIHF (@IIHFHockey) on X Locked in for the first wave. USA has named 6 players to its Olympic Winter Games preliminary roster.🇺🇸💥 #IIHF #Olympics #NHL #NHLPA @usahockey @olympics @nhl @nhlpa
The early selections signal a powerhouse American roster with a blend of firepower, physicality, and elite two-way skill but the announcement also reignites the conversation around one notable omission: Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin.
Larkin, 28, has been a consistent presence for Team USA on the international stage for nearly a decade and most recently suited up for the United States at the 2024 Four Nations Face-Off. In that best-on-best tournament, Larkin tallied five points (one goal, four assists) in just four games.
He centered the second line behind Auston Matthews and remained one of Team USA’s most dependable penalty killers and transition threats throughout the tournament.
His recent international pedigree is even more compelling. At the 2023 IIHF World Championship, Larkin posted three goals and six assists for nine points in as many games, tying for second among all American skaters.
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During the 2019 Worlds, he registered another eight points in as many games while being regularly deployed in all situations, including the power play alongside his prolific shorthanded game. Over his last three major international appearances, Larkin has averaged nearly a point per game, all while taking on heavy minutes as an elite two-way centre.
Though not among the initial Olympic selections, Larkin’s name will most certainly be in the mix for a roster spot. His strong leadership, speed-driven style, and commitment to both ends of the ice make him a natural fit in any best-on-best environment.
The Michigan native continues to prove he can thrive against elite NHL competition, closing out the 2024-25 season with 72 points in 76 games, his fourth consecutive campaign with at least 69 points.
With more roster spots to be revealed in the coming months, Larkin’s resume and recent performances make him a shoe in to get picked. Team USA may have opened with a star-studded six, but when the time comes to round out the roster, Dylan Larkin’s name will be on the list as he will once again play a pivotal role in the American’s success.
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