The United States of America’s Hockey team is set to make a return to the world championships in 2026. The team, which will be led by Ottawa Senators forward Brady Tkachuk, includes several NHL All-Stars such as seven-time All-Star Johnny Gaudreau, five-time All-Star Seth Jones, three-time All-Star Dylan Larkin and two-time All-Star Zach Werenski. Luke Hughes, a 20-year-old defenseman for the New Jersey Devils, is the youngest player on the roster.
Despite the star power of the roster, many top NHL players do not participate in world championships due to playoff commitments or a desire for rest after a long regular season. Players such as Auston Matthews, Quinn Hughes and Connor Hellebuyck are currently competing in the Stanley Cup playoffs. The U.S. worlds team is typically composed of 23 players with additional players expected to be added closer to the start of the tournament in Czechia on May 10th.
The U.S. team has had recent success at world championships, finishing fourth in the last two years and making the semifinals twelve times since its introduction of bracketed playoff round in 1992. Their best finish during this period was third place (six bronze medals). The team’s last silver medal at worlds was in 1950 with their lone gold at standalone worlds event coming in 1933. It was recently announced that NHL players will be participating in the 2026 Olympics in Italy marking their return to Winter Games for