USA Hockey will now have to start planning for its next major international tournament. After its success at the 2026 Winter Olympics, it will have to look to the future for roster building. For that, it needs an expert general manager, and several experienced executives are now part of early discussions.
That includes one NHL general manager with prior Team USA experience.
Why Oilers GM Stan Bowman Is Linked to the Team USA World Cup Job
Stan Bowman has emerged as a candidate as USA Hockey evaluates its options for the 2028 World Cup. The Edmonton Oilers general manager brings experience from both the NHL and international levels. He has previously worked with the U.S. Olympic men’s team, which supports his candidacy.
This topic emerged following a shift on the Canadian side, with Doug Armstrong stepping down from his role with Team Canada. He made that decision after the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan. He will also leave his position as general manager of the St. Louis Blues at the end of the 2025–26 season, but will continue as president of hockey operations.
Armstrong’s recent run with Canada included the championship at the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off and a silver medal at the 2026 Olympics. The final ended in a 2-1 overtime loss to the United States on Feb. 22. That result gave the U.S. its first Olympic gold in men’s hockey since 1980 and underscored the importance of the current planning phase.
NHL insiders Michael Russo and Pierre LeBrun reported that USA Hockey has not set a timeline for naming its next general manager. Executive director Pat Kelleher confirmed that there is no fixed schedule.
The report stated, “Now that Doug Armstrong has stepped down from Hockey Canada, Team USA will have to decide, with respect to managing the upcoming World Cup and 2030 Olympics, whether to run it back with Olympic gold medal-winning GM Bill Guerin or choose new leadership.”
Bill Guerin is expected to be the first option for the role after his Olympic success. The same report added, “It would seem likely that USA Hockey first offers the job to Guerin, and then it’ll be up to him whether to accept.”
Another option could see Guerin oversee the program while another executive manages the World Cup roster.
In that scenario, Bowman is listed among possible candidates along with Bill Zito, Tom Fitzgerald, and Chris Drury. His background across NHL management and international events fits a structure that could involve shared responsibilities.
USA Hockey now has time to carefully review its options. The final decision will shape how the team prepares for both the 2028 World Cup and the 2030 Olympics.
