PDub final Olympic roster projection for Team USA

The United States enters the 2026 Winter Olympics as the favourite to reclaim gold after sweeping Canada in the recent Rivalry Series.

With six consecutive victories over their northern rivals, including a dominant 24–7 scoring margin across four Rivalry Series contests, Team USA’s roster decisions might actually have gone from “who makes it” to “who sits.”

The evaluation window has effectively closed, and USA Hockey faces the enviable challenge of choosing between elite options rather than filling roster gaps. PDub Hockey has projected the 23-player roster that will represent the United States in Milano Cortina.

Forwards

Team USA’s forward depth is extraordinary. The veteran leadership group of Hilary Knight, Kendall Coyne Schofield, Kelly Pannek and Hayley Scamurra remains intact and will anchor the top-nine. This group provides a championship pedigree and situational reliability.

The younger wave has established itself as well. Abbey Murphy, Tessa Janecke, Taylor Heise, and Hannah Bilka have transitioned from prospects to core pieces, bringing speed and offensive upside without sacrificing defensive structure.

Alex Carpenter and Kirsten Simms round out the projected top-nine group with consistent production and chemistry.

The depth conversation centres on the bottom-six composition. Britta Curl-Salemme, Joy Dunne and Grace Zumwinkle formed a reliable fourth line during the Rivalry Series and are projected to retain those spots. Their deployment patterns and cohesion will give them the edge over Jesse Compher and Lacey Eden though both remain in consideration as the final roster spot comes down to experience versus form.

Defence

USA’s top-six defenders are essentially locked. Megan Keller, Lee Stecklein, Caroline Harvey, Cayla Barnes, Laila Edwards and Haley Winn handle power play responsibilities and matchup assignments. This group has top-tier offensive activation and defensive reliability across all situations.

For the seventh defender spot, Rory Guilday (who appeared in three of four Rivalry Series games) might be the coaching staff’s pick. Her size and developing game give her the projected edge over Savannah Harmon’s experience, Anna Wilgren’s defensive dependability and even Emma Peschel’s long-term upside.

Goaltending

Aerin Frankel and Gwyneth Philips are set as the top two goaltenders, of course. Both have performed at elite levels domestically and internationally, giving USA depth that few nations can match.

The third goaltender decision presents an interesting philosophical choice. Ava McNaughton has been groomed as the succession option and remains the projected selection. However, bringing a veteran third in Maddie Rooney or Nicole Hensley would provide championship experience and readiness if called upon in an emergency. McNaughton’s development timeline suggests she gets the nod, though the veteran insurance policy argument has merit.

PDub Hockey projected Team USA Olympic roster

Forwards:

Alex Carpenter, Kendall Coyne Schofield, Britta Curl-Salemme, Joy Dunne, Taylor Heise, Tessa Janecke, Hilary Knight, Abbey Murphy, Kelly Pannek, Hayley Scamurra, Kirsten Simms, Hannah Bilka, Grace Zumwinkle.

Defenders:

Cayla Barnes, Laila Edwards, Rory Guilday, Caroline Harvey, Megan Keller, Lee Stecklein, Haley Winn.

Goaltenders:

Aerin Frankel, Gwyneth Philips, Ava McNaughton.

Team USA’s roster construction has a nice balance between established stars and emerging talent that has already proven effective against Canada, and the depth throughout the lineup allows for tactical flexibility without roster compromise.

Whether this group can convert favourite status into gold will be determined in February, but the pieces are undeniably in place.