Bryan Rust left off Team USA as full Olympic roster is unveiled

The United States has finally revealed its entire men's squad for the 2026 Winter Olympics on Friday. There are some familiar and new faces, along with some surprise exclusions.

Pittsburgh Penguins left winger Bryan Rust was also left out, which was surprising considering his record in clutch situations.

He was joined by Dallas Stars goal-scorer Jason Robertson, Montreal Canadiens stars Cole Caufield and Lane Hutson, and Toronto Maple Leafs left winger Matthew Knies, who were also left out of the last 4 Nations Face-Off last winter.

The pool of players for the ice hockey games was established by Team USA in the summer when it announced its initial six as Jack Eichel, Auston Matthews, Brady Tkachuk, Matthew Tkachuk, Quinn Hughes, and Charlie McAvoy.

Hughes did not play at the 4 Nations Tournament due to injury; McAvoy was injured at that tournament.

Winnipeg Jets stars Connor Hellebuyck and Kyle Connor were among the 19 players added to the roster.

Buffalo Sabres forward Tage Thompson, Utah Mammoth captain Clayton Keller, and Florida Panthers defenseman Seth Jones are newcomers to the group that competed in the 4 Nations tournament, while New York Rangers forward Adam Fox and Anaheim Ducks forward Chris Kreider will not return.

Jake Sanderson of the Ottawa Senators and Brock Faber of the Minnesota Wild return with Olympic experience from the 2022 Games in Beijing.

Among the goalie returnees are Jake Oettinger of the Dallas Stars, Jeremy Swayman of the Boston Bruins, and Hellebuyck.

Having fallen to Canada in the 4 Nations final, General Manager Bill Guerin heads into this tournament with expectations.

The United States will open its Olympic schedule against Latvia on February 12, then take on Denmark and Germany in Group C action.