### A Shocking Omission: Jason Robertson Left Off Team USA’s Olympic Roster
The NHL community was rocked on Friday when Dallas Stars forward Jason Robertson was notably absent from Team USA’s roster for the upcoming 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics. This surprising decision became a topic of heated discussion among fans and analysts alike, as Robertson currently leads all American-born players with an impressive 48 points this season, comprised of 24 goals and 24 assists over 41 games.
### The Reaction From NHL Observers
Bill Guerin, Team USA’s general manager, and head coach Mike Sullivan faced immediate backlash for prioritizing two-way play and veteran experience over Robertson’s undeniable scoring ability. Many believed that Robertson’s performance warranted a spot on the roster, especially following his earlier omission from the 4 Nations Face-Off, which hinted at a trend of undervaluing his contribution.
In response, The Athletic’s Mark Lazerus captured the widespread disbelief on social media, tweeting, “Jason Robertson is gonna spend the next four years scoring a hat trick every time he plays Bill Guerin’s Minnesota Wild. Just a baffling decision by Team USA.” Fans quickly took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to express their disappointment, with many noting that this decision could haunt the team if they struggle offensively.
### Fan Frustration
Reactions on social media reflected a shared sentiment of outrage among Stars supporters and many hockey enthusiasts. “USA had a chance and they blew it. How JT Miller keeps getting on these teams is beyond me,” lamented one fan, encapsulating the frustration over veteran selections that overshadowed Robertson’s talents. Others echoed similar sentiments, pointing to players like Vincent Trocheck and Brock Nelson making the cut instead of Robertson. Comments calling for media scrutiny of the decision-makers highlighted a growing concern over what many viewed as a significant oversight.
### The Case for Jason Robertson
Robertson’s accolades are well-documented; he has emerged as one of the NHL’s most consistent and dangerous scorers, not just in this season, but since the 2022-23 season. His performance and unique skill set label him as a game-changing offensive talent. The decision to omit such a prolific scorer in favor of players with less offensive output has left many perplexed.
In particular, the choices made by Team USA, which included players like Clayton Keller, contrasted sharply with the omission of Robertson. The leadership emphasized the need for versatility and defined roles, indicating that they believe the roster already possesses sufficient offensive depth based on the results of recent international tournaments.
### Insights from NHL Insiders
Prior to the roster announcement, NHL insider Michael Russo noted that Robertson was “on the bubble,” with the selection committee prioritizing grit and adaptability within an already crowded pool of American talent. This philosophy led to the exclusion of other offensive powerhouses, including Cole Caufield and Alex DeBrincat, favoring instead those with experience from the 4 Nations event. The strategy aims to build a balanced team ready to face the challenges of international competition.
Notably, while Team USA seeks to win its first Olympic gold medal since 1980, their decision-making process will undoubtedly face scrutiny. League sources suggest that Robertson, now viewed as first in line for an alternate position in case of injury, may still have a path to participate in the Olympics, albeit indirectly.
### Looking Ahead
For Robertson, the slight could serve as fuel for his ambition as he leads the Stars on a quest for playoff success. While the decision-makers envision a balanced roster, the exclusion of one of the United States’ top scorers will likely be a point of contention for the foreseeable future. The NHL world will be watching closely to see how this decision plays out not just in February 2026, but also throughout the ongoing NHL season.