The Olympics are drawing near. Team USA named their first six: Matthew Tkachuk, Brady Tkachuk, Auston Matthews, Jack Eichel, Quinn Hughes, and Charlie McAvoy. No goaltending was named, and GM Bill Guerin talked about it.  

“It was just kind of the thing that we talked about, you know, before we did it for the Four Nations. Do we add a goalie? Do we not add a goalie? And, you know, I just felt it was best that we just stay consistent and just let the goalies play it out during the season.” 

Rangers’ defenseman Adam Fox didn’t have a great Four Nations, and Guerin called him out on it.  

“Yeah, I think it was more just, you know, I think the impact that Brady had on the team, you know, his role and kind of how we play. I think that was a big part of it. You know, Adam, his tournament was fine. It wasn’t as well as he could have played; his season wasn’t up to his standards. But you know what? He’s very much in the mix. This is just a list that we had to come out with, and I just felt more comfortable with Brady on it this time around.” 

What struck me as weird is the commentary on the current play. I get the Four Nations part for all players, but what I’m driving at here is I don’t remember recent play having this much impact on the Olympic roster. I go back to Brian Burke saying, “Chris Drury is Chris Drury”. 

I’m not saying this is represented, but most Olympians on U.S. teams over the years made it on their body of work, not ‘what have you done for me lately’? Will this field the best team? I don’t know. I think you have to rely on what a player has been in international play as much as what you see in the NHL today.  

Time will tell on this one.