The selection of players for Team USA’s 2026 Winter Olympics roster is heating up, and the one name on the bubble is Winnipeg Jets star winger Kyle Connor.
Despite a standout NHL season, Connor’s role with the national team is now under question after a lackluster showing in the 4 Nations Face-Off. The 28-year-old was scratched in the final game after posting only one assists in three previous contests.
Uncertainty Looms Over Kyle Connor’s Place on U.S. Olympic Roster
Though Connor started the tournament on the top line, the star winger recorded just one assist in three games before getting moved to the fourth line. Eventually, he was scratched in the 4 Nations Face-Off Final on Feb. 20. Chris Kreider took his spot as Canada beat the United States 3-2 in overtime.
The decision to bench Connor raised eyebrows, especially considering his NHL performance. He led all American players with 97 points during the 2024-25 season, outperforming high-profile names like Jack Eichel and Auston Matthews. Connor has racked up 284 goals and 298 assists in 613 career games, all for the Winnipeg Jets.
Team USA general manager Bill Guerin has made it clear: participation in international events could sway Olympic roster decisions. That message appeared loud and clear when Connor was scratched in the 4 Nations Face-Off Final, leading to speculation that a player like Buffalo Sabres center Tage Thompson would move up the depth chart.
“Our player pool is second to none,” Guerin told ESPN on Feb. 20. “Over the last 20 years, USA Hockey has done a terrific job, with the overall focus on development of players at a young age. But we’re going to have to play the game and find out on the ice.”
“There’s no excuses, we have to be ready to play whether it’s short or long.”
Kyle Connor reflects on the Jets’ Game 3 loss in Dallas. pic.twitter.com/YwmxGmqUm4
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) May 11, 2025
And Connor didn’t hide his frustration after the benching.
“It was frustrating. I felt I could have made an impact,” Connor told the Winnipeg Sun on Feb. 24. “You take everything you can out of it, whether it is little things like how to prepare, how to approach certain games or small details like the power play. I was just trying to soak it all up.”
How Connor Fits into Team USA’s Olympic Puzzle
Guerin’s commitment to fielding the best-performing players has created stiff competition. Connor, despite being one of the most productive American forwards in the NHL, may be edged out by others who impressed on the international stage.
Some saw his demotion at 4 Nations as a warning; past performance in the NHL doesn’t guarantee Olympic selection. Rising stars like Logan Cooley and Frank Nazar have also entered the mix with standout performances at the World Championship.
The Athletic’s Michael Russo expressed concern over whether Connor would made the final cut. He took a crack at naming the “First Six” players in for Team USA, leaving Connor’s name off that list … for now.
U.S. Olympic hockey: Projecting the men’s First 6, stock watch on the rest of the roster
My piece https://t.co/frmTfdjIPY
— Michael Russo (@RussoHockey) June 12, 2025
Meanwhile, Connor remains a crucial piece of the Jets. He’s fresh off a season where he notched 41 goals and a career-high 56 assists. His playoff performance was just as strong, leading the Jets with 17 points in 13 games, despite losing in the second round.
Winnipeg Jets Looking to Lock Up Star Winger
The Jets have made re-signing Connor a top priority this offseason. With one year left on his $50 million deal, the winger could command around $11 million annually in an extension, reflecting his elite offensive output.
The team’s top line, featuring Connor, Mark Scheifele, and Gabriel Vilardi, has been dominant. Their chemistry helped power one of the NHL’s best power-play units this past season, with Connor serving as the Jets’ offensive heartbeat.
As the Olympic selection process continues, all eyes will be on how Connor performs early next season. A strong start might be enough to reassert his claim to Team USA, especially if injuries or dips in form affect others ahead of him.