USA Hockey announced its initial six players for the 2026 Winter Olympics and the most important name was the player who was sorely missed during the 4 Nations Face-Off. Vancouver Canucksdefenseman Quinn Hughes had been named to last February's tournament after winning the Norris Trophy in the 2023-24 season. Buthe couldn't make itbecause he suffered an injury beforehand and he wasn't healthy enough to be apotential injury replacementfor the championship game. Canada beat the United Statesin overtime in the championship game. The USA also announced forwards Jack Eichel (Vegas), Auston Matthews (Toronto), Brady Tkachuk (Ottawa) and Matthew Tkachuk (Florida), plus defenseman Charlie McAvoy (Boston) to its preliminary men's hockey roster. Breaking down the team: Rosters announcements12 nations name first six players to Olympic men's hockey teams The first six players named by USA Hockey for the 2026 Winter Olympics: Forward Jack Eichel, Vegas Golden Knights:He scored a league-best 26 points in the 2023 playoffs as the Golden Knights won the Stanley Cup title. He set a career best this season with 94 points. He had four assists in four games at the 4 Nations. Forward Auston Matthews, Toronto Maple Leafs:He has a league-best 401 goals since entering the NHL in 2016-17. He has led the league in goals three times, including 60 goals in 2021-22 and 69 in 2023-24. He was dealing with injuries this season but still scored 33 goals. He also receives notice for his defensive play. He had three assists in three games at the 4 Nations. Forward Brady Tkachuk, Ottawa Senators:The Senators captain is known for his scoring ability and his grittiness. He has totaled 131 goals and 500 penalty minutes the past four seasons. He played a crucial role in returning the Senators to the playoffs this season. He had three goals in four games in the 4 Nations. Forward Matthew Tkachuk, Florida Panthers:Also known for his offense and feistiness, he and brother Bradyorchestrated the fight festat the start of the USA-Canada preliminary round game at the 4 Nations. That won't be allowed under Olympic rules, but Matthew Tkachuk is also a world-class yapper who tries to get opponents off their game. He has had two 100-point seasons and is in his third consecutive Stanley Cup Final. He had two goals and an assist in three games at the 4 Nations,sitting out much of the finalwith an injury. Defenseman Quinn Hughes, Vancouver Canucks:He brings a lot of offense from the blue line, totaling 33 goals the past two seasons. He had 92 points when he won the Norris Trophy. He missed the 4 Nations with injury. Defenseman Charlie McAvoy, Boston Bruins: He blocks shots, throws hits and had two seasons with double digits in goals. Hesuffered an injuryat the 4 Nations that cost him the rest of the tournament and the season. He had no points in two games at the 4 Nations. All four forwards can rack up a lot of points and Matthews is an elite goal scorer. The Tkachuk brothers can score and disrupt the opposition. The defensemen are solid. No goaltenders were named on June 16, but the USA should have an advantage there withleague MVP Connor Hellebuyck, Jake Oettinger, Jeremy Swayman and others available for selection. Hughes, Matthew Tkachuk (mostly) and McAvoy didn't play in the 4 Nations Face-Off final. Still, the USA pushed Canada to overtime. It will be interesting to see what happens with a healthy roster. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:USA men's hockey names first six players for 2026 Olympics
