USA Hockey has invited 44 players to its Olympic orientation [https://teamusa.usahockey.com/news_article/show/1344220] camp next week, a two-day team-building session ahead of the NHL season. Among those named are Lightning forward Jake Guentzel [https://www.nhl.com/lightning/player/jake-guentzel-8477404] and veteran defenseman Ryan McDonagh. [https://www.nhl.com/lightning/player/ryan-mcdonagh-8474151] In his first season with the Lightning, Guentzel had 41 goals and 39 assists for 80 points in 80 games played. He carried that momentum into the 4 Nations Face-Off, where he recorded three goals and four points in four games, tying for the team lead in goals and ranking second in points. McDonagh, a former U.S. Olympian helped his country earn a fourth-place finish at the 2014 Winter Games in Sochi. [https://www.teamusa.com/profiles/ryan-mcdonagh] He played a pivotal role in Tampa Bay’s defensive resurgence during the 2024-25 season, finishing with a league-best plus-43 rating. The Lightning are expected to be well-represented at the 2026 Olympics. On Aug. 2, Team Canada announced its orientation camp roster, which featured three Tampa Bay forwards [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/tampa-bay-lightning/latest-news/milan-in-sight-lightning-players-represent-at-team-canada-orientation-camp]: Brayden Point, Brandon Hagel and Anthony Cirelli. Lightning captain Victor Hedman is set to anchor Team Sweden. Final Olympic rosters will feature 25 players and may include names not present at orientation camp, with selections due by Jan. 11. The 2026 Games mark the first time NHL players are set to participate since 2014.
