As the hockey world gears up for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy, discussions surrounding Team USA's roster are intensifying. While some players seem like shoo-ins, others are making compelling cases for their inclusion. Among those deserving serious consideration is Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere.
Gostisbehere, born in Pembroke Pines, Florida, has been having a terrific season, showcasing his offensive abilities and contributing significantly to his team's success. Despite missing nine games due to separate injuries, his performance speaks volumes. In 24 games, he leads the Hurricanes in assists with 21 and ranks third in points with 24. His plus-10 rating is second on the team, and he's tied for second in power-play goals with two, quarterbacking the first unit with seven power-play points.
When compared to other American defensemen with at least 20 games played, Gostisbehere's stats are impressive. He ranks fifth in assists, seventh in points, and is tied for seventh in plus/minus. Notably, he holds the second-highest points-per-game average at 1.00. He is also tied for eighth in power-play points and fourth in power-play goals. These numbers are made even more remarkable considering he has played fewer games than most of the players on the list being considered for Team USA, including names like Zach Werenski, Lane Hutson, Adam Fox, Quinn Hughes, and Jake Sanderson.
Beyond the offensive stats, Gostisbehere's defensive game has also seen improvement. In his second full season with Carolina, under the guidance of defense coach Tim Gleason, he has reached a career-high ice time of 20:16. He is playing top-four minutes and has been reliable in a large role for the Hurricanes this season.
The competition for spots on the Team USA roster will be fierce. The team has already named Auston Matthews, Brady Tkachuk, and others to the preliminary roster. With the final roster announcement drawing near on January 2nd, the selection committee has tough decisions ahead.
Including NHL players in the Winter Olympics boosts excitement, and Team USA unveiled jerseys in November. Each nation must reduce its pool to 22 players and three goalies by December 31.
Shayne Gostisbehere's current form, coupled with his experience and offensive capabilities, makes him a strong candidate for the team. While the final decision rests with the selectors, Gostisbehere has undoubtedly made a compelling case for his inclusion in the discussions.
