Caufield and Hutson face uncertain fate as Team USA Olympic roster nears

The men's tournament at the Olympic Games begins on February 11, 2026, in Italy. The final is scheduled for February 22, and the announcement of Team USA is approaching. Olympic hockey brings back NHL players, a first since 2014.

The U.S. team already named six players on June 16, 2025. The names being mentioned are Auston Matthews, Jack Eichel, Matthew Tkachuk, Brady Tkachuk, Quinn Hughes, and Charlie McAvoy.

The deadline to submit rosters falls on Wednesday. For Team USA, the rest of the group must be announced in early January.

On Thursday, several reports suggested that Caufield and Hutson could be overlooked. Nothing is confirmed, but the timeline is tightening as early January approaches.

On Sunday, a projection reignited the debate, and their names reportedly remained among the "close calls." Jason Robertson, another big American name, is also mentioned in the same discussion. In some scenarios, it is said that Vincent Trocheck would be preferred for a final spot over Caufield.

In Montreal, this hits hard because the Canadiens expect to see their stars rewarded. On the ice, Caufield already has 18 goals and 36 points with the Canadiens. He also sports a +7 plus-minus rating, which has not gone unnoticed. Hutson has 30 assists, 5 goals and 35 points in 37 games for the Habs.

The numbers speak for themselves.

According to Michael Russo, both players are still being considered, but they are not expected to make the roster. In Caufield's case, Clayton Keller is expected to have a spot, and Vincent Trocheck would take the position Caufield is still battling for.

Lane Hutson is also in a gray area, which is fueling even more noise. If Team USA confirms its roster soon, the verdict will come down all at once.

In the meantime, Caufield and Hutson keep producing as if nothing is happening.

Let's be honest, it would look really bad if they were left out. We'll be watching this closely, because the story is far from over.