Will relationship between Adam Fox, Rangers be hurt by Olympic snub?

The United States men's Olympic hockey roster will be announced on Friday, but we already have some idea as to who is going to be on it. We also know at least one player that will not be on it. New York Rangers defenseman Adam Fox told reporters on Thursday that he was informed by USA Hockey management that he is not going to be on the roster for the 2026 games in Italy. 

It is a polarizing choice because Fox is one of the best defensemen in hockey (regardless of country) and represented the United States at last year's 4 Nations Face-Off tournament. 

It is also an eye-opening choice because several of the key decision-makers in putting together this roster, as well as the coaching staff, are a part of the Rangers organization. 

There have been instances in the past where Olympic roster decisions have created some tension between team and player, so it will be worth watching to see how this plays out for Fox and the Rangers.

Fox should have had several people in his corner for U.S. Olympic hockey roster

The thing that stands out the most about Fox's omission is that Team USA is going to be coached by Mike Sullivan (Fox's NHL head coach with the Rangers) with David Quinn (a Rangers assistant coach) also on the staff.

Rangers general manager Chris Drury is also part of the management team that helped choose the roster.

While the final decision ultimately came down to Minnesota Wild general manager Bill Guerin (Team USA's general manager), Fox should have had three prominent people on that staff fighting for him. 

If they were, it was not enough.

If they did not, they have to now explain to their best defenseman and one of their best players why they did not want him for a best-on-best tournament.

Especially when they reportedly took two of his teammates (forwards J.T. Miller and Vincent Trocheck) in equally polarizing moves. 

Sullivan said on Thursday he has had several discussions with Fox about the decision, but it is probably going to be a hard sell when two of his teammates are going to Italy.