Jake Guentzel (Winslow Townson-Imagn Images) [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/1825c46f-a644-4a5d-a665-a313e29eb38e.jpeg] Jake Guentzel (Winslow Townson-Imagn Images) Tampa Bay Lightning winger Jake Guentzel and defenseman Ryan McDonagh have been invited to Team USA's Olympic orientation camp. On Aug. 2, Team Canada unveiled their Olympic orientation camp, which featured three Lightning forwards: Brayden Point, Brandon Hagel and Anthony Cirelli. [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/tampa-bay-lightning/latest-news/trio-of-lightning-forwards-to-attend-canada-s-2026-olympic-orientation-camp] Their biggest rivals, Team USA, could feature multiple Lightning representatives. Guentzel [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/tampa-bay-lightning/players/point-or-guentzel-who-leads-the-lightning-in-goals-during-the-2025-26-season] is more than likely a lock to make the squad. At the 4 Nations Face-Off, Guentzel netted three goals and four points in four games, tied for the team lead in goals and tied for second in points. His offensive efficiency and versatility make him a perfect fit on a roster as talented as the Americans' is. McDonagh [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/tampa-bay-lightning/latest-news/new-report-says-lightning-could-consider-trading-ryan-mcdonagh-despite-his-eagerness-to-stay] is more of a long shot to make the team, due to his age and the fact that the American blueline is stacked with talent. The Americans invited 16 defensemen to the camp, but most of the invitees fit a different profile than McDonagh does. At this stage in his career, the 36-year-old is a defensive stud with championship pedigree. He's a selfless leader with plenty of experience playing for Team USA. Ryan McDonagh wants to stay in Tampa — Will the Lightning make it work? [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/1cdfa655-645e-46fb-837c-0e27a2778f14.webp] Ryan McDonagh wants to stay in Tampa — Will the Lightning make it work? The Tampa Bay Lightning took a big step forward defensively last season, thanks in part to the stability of defenseman Ryan McDonagh. [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/tampa-bay-lightning/latest-news/ryan-mcdonagh-wants-to-stay-in-tampa-will-the-lightning-make-it-work] Jaccob Slavin, who plays a very similar style to McDonagh, is considered a guarantee on the roster. If anything were to happen to Slavin and hold him out of the tournament, it wouldn't be surprising to see McDonagh step into his place. The camp, scheduled for Aug. 26 and 27, is mainly for administrative and team-building purposes and does not feature any formal on-ice activity or public component.
