The recent announcement of the Team USA Olympic roster for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan has sparked considerable debate, with the most glaring omission being Dallas Stars forward Jason Robertson. The decision to leave Robertson off the team has left fans and analysts alike scratching their heads, questioning the logic behind overlooking a player who, by many metrics, is one of the top American talents in the NHL.
As of January 3, 2026, Robertson is tied for eighth in the NHL scoring race. This season, in 41 games, he has scored 24 goals and 24 assists and has a plus-15 rating. Throughout his NHL career, Robertson has consistently demonstrated his offensive prowess. He has played 7 seasons for the Stars, amassing 192 goals, 250 assists, and a plus-minus of +110 in 415 games. In the previous season, Robertson led the Stars in goals (41), power-play goals (13), shots on goal (220) and shooting percentage (18.6 percent), and was second with 79 points.
Robertson himself expressed his disappointment, stating, "I thought that this year was different from last year. Obviously last year, I didn't think I was good enough. Now, I think I did... It's their choice and their decision". He added, "It hurts your ego, but I'm not going to change the way I play".
Several possible explanations have been offered for Robertson's exclusion. Some speculate that Team USA is prioritizing grit and experience over pure offensive skill. For example, veterans Vincent Trocheck and Brock Nelson were chosen instead of Robertson. Another theory suggests that Robertson's defensive game is not up to the standards desired by the team's management. However, some argue that Robertson is a decent defensive player and more than good enough to be on the team.
It's also worth noting that Robertson was not included in the 4 Nations Face-Off roster, which may have foreshadowed his Olympic omission. Despite this, Robertson has continued to improve his play.
Ultimately, the decision to exclude Jason Robertson from Team USA remains a controversial one. While the team's management may have their reasons, it's hard to ignore the fact that they are leaving behind a highly skilled and productive player who could potentially make a significant impact on the ice. Whether this decision will prove to be a mistake remains to be seen, but for now, it's a move that has left many questioning the direction of Team USA's selection process.
