With a roster built for scoring from forwards, the United States defenseman will have their own role to play that could surprise people. The American roster focuses on lockdown defense in addition to offensive production, two attributes the team will need if it hopes to medal in Milan.
Zach Werenski’s Offense Will Be On Display For The United States’ Defense 
Zach Werenski has transformed into a defenseman who can do it all, especially given his performance with the Columbus Blue Jackets so far this season. The blue liner is second among all defenseman in goals with 20, marking offensive success that could translate to the Olympic stage. The Michigan native skated with Jake Sanderson during practice on Sunday, a pairing that could be thinking more about offense than defense.
The ability of the United States defense to contribute offensively will be a huge asset for the team during the tournament. It’ll be a team effort to put pucks in the net, but it won’t be too shocking if the United States defense gets involved in the scoring early on.
Werenski, 28, has upped his game over the course of the last two seasons and will play a huge role in helping the team win a gold medal. The 10-year veteran was part of the USA team that took home the gold at the 2025 World Championships last summer, a success he hopes they replicate in Milan.
United States Defense Has An Assist Machine In Quinn Hughes 
Jan 29, 2026; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Wild defensemen Quinn Hughes (43) controls the puck against the Calgary Flames during the second period at Grand Casino Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Wosika-Imagn Images
The Minnesota Wild defenseman will have much to do when the USA opens up the tournament against Latvia on Wednesday, as he’s expected to run the power play. Quinn Hughes, one of the six players to make the team back in June, will be one of the more offensively-minded defenseman for the team, especially when it comes to assisting.
The 26-year-old has 52 assists in 52 games split between the Vancouver Canucks and Wild, which stands as the most among defensemen across the NHL in 2025-26. Hughes’s ability to play elite defense while contributing offensively will be a huge factor for the USA against teams like Canada, whose high-powered scoring will be their biggest asset.
Hughes skated with Wild teammate Brock Faber when the United States defense took to the ice Sunday, signaling that the two could share the ice once the Games get underway. A combination of Hughes and Faber allows for the team to build confidence defensively, an asset that will be crucial if the team hopes to bring home a gold medal.
Charlie McAvoy’s Defense Could Team USA’s X Factor 
Jan 15, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy (73) skates with the puck during the third period against the Seattle Kraken at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images
The Boston Bruins defenseman has had a tough season and has been missing time with injury, but that hasn’t stopped him from making an impact. Charlie McAvoy has 39 points (4 goals, 35 assists) through 45 games in 2025-26 to lead all Bruins’ defensemen in his ninth season with the club. The veteran was named to the USA’s preliminary roster back in June, showcasing the front office’s faith in his ability to show up during big games.
McAvoy will have his hands full when the USA takes on teams like Denmark and Germany to open the tournament. The defenseman will likely be in charge of keeping tabs on goal scorers like Nikolaj Ehlers and Leon Draisaitl, a big responsibility given how effective those two players can be.
McAvoy’s presence will also provide some physicality for the United States on the blue line, an asset that was on display during last year’s 4 Nations Face-Off against Canada. Overall, McAvoy will look to contribute by maintaining a steady rhythm on defense and preventing players from getting into the United States’ defensive zone.
End Of My United States Defense Rant
The United States is in a precarious position entering Olympic play because they are kind of playing into a David vs. Goliath situation. The team will be able to bring home a gold medal if they do it right, but they have to be on top of their game, especially defensively.
If the United States defense can find a way to be physical to prevent the opposition from getting pucks to the net, the team will be in a good spot. As always, there are learning curves to playing in a tournament like this, but it seems as though the team is really coming together. Overall, the defense will play a crucial role in the Games for the United States, and how they play will determine whether or not the team achieves Olympic glory.