The unveiling of the Team USA Olympic roster for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan has sparked considerable debate, as expected with any best-on-best tournament. While the roster boasts impressive talent, several notable omissions have left fans and analysts scratching their heads. Here are three of the most significant snubs from the Team USA's Olympic lineup:

Jason Robertson: The exclusion of Dallas Stars forward Jason Robertson is arguably the most glaring. As of January 2026, Robertson is among the leading American scorers in the NHL, making his omission particularly puzzling. With his proven scoring ability, Robertson could have been a valuable asset to the team's offensive arsenal. Robertson himself acknowledged his disappointment, stating he felt he had a stronger case this year compared to the previous 4 Nations Face-Off. Despite the setback, he remains committed to maintaining his high level of play.

Adam Fox: New York Rangers defenseman Adam Fox is another surprising absence from the Team USA roster. While he may not be having his most productive season, Fox's offensive capabilities from the blue line are undeniable. His skill as a power-play quarterback and puck distributor could have provided a unique dimension to the team's offense. Although no specific reason has been publicly disclosed, it's speculated that his performance at the 4 Nations Face-Off may have factored into the decision.

Matthew Knies: Toronto Maple Leafs forward Matthew Knies is a player with a unique blend of size and skill, making his omission a curious one. Knies' physicality and ability to create scoring chances in front of the net could have added a valuable element to Team USA's forward group. His strong play this season suggests he could have been a difficult matchup for opposing defenses. The team already has Brady and Matthew Tkachuk to provide physicality, but Knies could have made the team even tougher to play against.

While these players may not be included on the initial roster, there's always a possibility of them being called upon as injury replacements. The Winter Olympics are known for their unpredictable nature, and the composition of teams can change quickly. Ultimately, the success of Team USA will depend on the performance of those selected, but the debate surrounding these snubs highlights the depth of talent within American hockey.