Today is the day that each of the 12 countries participating in the 2026 Winter Olympics released the first six players on their roster.
Team USA just announced theirs, and shockingly, Zach Werenski wasn't one of the names included. After an incredible season with the Columbus Blue Jackets, scoring 23 goals and adding 59 assists for 82 points in 81 games. He absolutely deserved to be among the first six selected.
The six players named to Team USA were:
- Auston Matthews
- Brady Tkachuk
- Matthew Tkachuk
- Quinn Hughes
- Charlie McAvoy
- Jack Eichel.
Don’t panic though, Blue Jackets fans. Barring any injuries, Werenski is still very likely to be on the team when the full roster is revealed. If he’s healthy, he’ll be suiting up for Team USA in February 2026.
Werenski has already played a lot of high-level hockey for the United States this past year. He was part of the 4 Nations Face-Off back in February, where he led the tournament in scoring with six points. He also helped Team USA win their first gold medal in 92 years at the 2025 World Hockey Championship.
