Time is running out for hockey players around the world to secure their spot on a country’s roster ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy next year.
While some names are easy to guess for Team Canada or the United States, NHL.com recently polled a panel of writers to discover a few sleeper candidates to fill out rosters before the final deadline hits.
And NHL.com senior draft writer Mike G. Morreale has his eyes on Dallas Stars forward Jason Robertson.
“The Stars forward is motivated to make this roster after missing the cut for the 4 Nations Face-Off last year following a slow start due to offseason foot surgery,” Morreale said. “The 26-year-old is the leading U.S.-born scorer in the NHL this season with 45 points (23 goals, 22 assists), The left wing has size (6-3, 204), strength in the corners, can play big minutes and is effective at each end of the ice.
Sports Roundup
“He’s represented his country before, scoring nine points (four goals, five assists) in 10 games at the 2021 World Championship (bronze medal) and seven points (one goal, six assists) in seven games at the 2019 World Junior Championship (silver medal).”
Additionally, Team USA could also sneak in a little local flavor in Florida defenseman Seth Jones.
Jones, the son of former Dallas Maverick Popeye Jones and a native of Arlington, was traded to the Panthers last season and went on to play in 23 playoff games for the eventual Stanley Cup champions.
“The 31-year-old is playing perhaps his best hockey this season and could fill a need for the American defense,” NHL.com columnist Nicholas J. Cotsonika said.
“Team USA is heavy on power-play quarterbacks and left-handed shots, but light on shut-down types and right-handed shots. Jones, a righty, could fit in a defensive role.”
The deadline for the 12 Olympic teams to submit a final roster of 25 players is Dec. 31, with official roster announcements coming shortly afterward.
Related
Find more Stars coverage from The Dallas Morning News here.