France Announces Olympic Roster With Surprising Omissions

France has made history by becoming the first nation to announce their roster for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina. The roster features Alexandre Texier as the only current NHL player while surprisingly omitting several names with North American experience.

The Montreal Canadiens forward will be the headliner for France when the Olympics begin. Texier brings valuable NHL experience to a roster that will be heavily reliant on players from European leagues.

His presence gives France a legitimate scoring threat and someone who has competed at the highest level of professional hockey. At 25 years old, Texier can be a difference maker for the French national team on the Olympic stage.

Notable Absences

The biggest surprise is the omission of Pierrick Dube, who played in the NHL during the 2023-24 season. Dube's exclusion raises questions about the direction France is taking with their roster construction. He has proven he can compete at the NHL level, which makes his absence all the more puzzling.

Tim Bozon is another name missing from the roster. The son of former NHL player Philippe Bozon, Tim had an extended run in the AHL earlier in his career and brings North American experience. His omission suggests France is prioritizing players currently competing in European leagues over those with previous North American professional experience.