Analyst makes a case for Jake Oettinger to beat out Connor Hellebuyck for Team USA's Olympic starter role

Winnipeg Jets star Connor Hellebuyck is widely regarded as the best goaltender in the world, and he enters the 2026 Winter Olympics as the projected starter for Team USA, but nothing is impossible.

Indeed, with Dallas Stars goalie Jake Oettinger and Boston Bruins netminder Jeremy Swayman also in the mix, the Americans have options, and some analysts believe Oettinger could challenge Hellebuyck for the top spot.

The depth in goal has fueled optimism that the United States could be gold-medal favorites at the Milano-Cortina Games. Still, the big question remains: if Hellebuyck slips even slightly, who is most likely to step up?

Why Jake Oettinger could push Connor Hellebuyck for the starting job

Oettinger's playoff run ended on a sour note last spring, as he was pulled in Dallas's elimination game against the Edmonton Oilers.

Yet his regular season was strong again, marking the fourth straight year he reached 30 wins while posting a 2.59 goals-against average and a .909 save percentage.

What sets Oettinger apart is his rebound control. According to MoneyPuck's data, Oettinger allowed just 0.51 rebounds per save last season, the third-best mark among goaltenders with 50 or more appearances. For comparison, Hellebuyck sat at 0.58 rebounds per save. That efficiency could be critical in international play, where second-chance opportunities often decide games.

As Sports Illustrated noted, Hellebuyck remains the favorite, but the evaluation process isn't finished. If Oettinger comes out strong in the first half of the NHL season, he could put real pressure on USA Hockey's decision-makers to give him the net when the Olympics begin.

Even Hellebuyck's dominance hasn't erased doubts among fans, who have pointed out his playoff struggles in Winnipeg. Meanwhile, Oettinger has built a reputation as one of the NHL's most clutch young goaltenders, especially during his breakout series against Calgary in 2022.

As NHL.com recently highlighted, Oettinger is entering his prime years, making this the perfect time for him to prove he belongs in the same tier as Hellebuyck. Personally, I think if Oettinger takes another step this season, he could make the Olympic debate far more interesting than people expect.