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.

Former Blue Jackets Draft Pick Named Assistant General Manager For Islanders Another former CBJ draft pick has been picked to help run an NHL franchise. 

Blue Jackets Close To Signing Dante Fabbro? Are the Blue Jackets close to signing Dante Fabbro long-term? 

Columbus Blue Jackets 2025 Draft Target: Carter Bear The 2025 NHL Draft is just 11 days away, and teams around the league are locking in on who they might pick. For the Columbus Blue Jackets, things are a little more interesting this year with two first-round picks: No. 14 and No. 20.

Elvis Merzlikins Among First Players Chosen For Latvian Olympic Team Blue Jackets Goalie was given a big honor today by the Latvian National Team.

Blue Jackets' Werenski Not Among Team USA's First 6 Named For 2026 Olympics