The Athletic Hockey Show – Olympic Roster Breakdowns: Should Jason Robertson Be on Team USA?

Date: January 5, 2026
Hosts: Max Bultman, Mark Lazarus, Jesse Granger

Episode Overview

This episode dives deep into the newly-announced 2026 Olympic men’s hockey rosters, with a particular focus on Team USA's controversial omission of Jason Robertson. The panel debates the merits and logic of the selection decisions, both for the American and Canadian squads, dissects notable snubs, analyzes goaltending choices, and closes with broader predictions for the NHL in 2026 and beyond. The tone is passionate, occasionally heated, but deeply informed and thoughtful.

Main Theme

Debate and analysis of the 2026 Olympic men's hockey rosters, with specific focus on contentious selection decisions — should Jason Robertson have made Team USA? What about other high-profile snubs for the U.S., Canada, and Sweden? Plus, the implications and predictions for NHL trends in 2026.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Jason Robertson Snub: Team USA's Most Controversial Decision

(01:42–13:11)

Mark Lazarus launches with strong criticism:
- “Leaving Jason Robertson off this team is one of the dumbest, most cut-off-my-nose-to-spite-my-face things I’ve ever seen… He’s a better defensive player than he gets credit for... Never mind that he scores goals. What did the United States not do enough of in Four Nations? They didn’t score enough goals.” (02:00)
- Questions the inclusion of Vincent Trocheck, Brock Nelson, and J.T. Miller over Robertson.
Max Bultman is more sympathetic to management’s rationale:
- Points out the low-scoring, tight style of high-level international play, and argues that Robertson’s offensive ability may not translate as much in a bottom-six, limited-minutes role. Suggests his exclusion is more about team construction than a head-to-head snub versus Miller or Trocheck. (03:19)
Jesse Granger pushes back:
- Notes that leaving Robertson off is “setting [Guerin] up to not have this job anymore if America doesn’t win the gold medal.” (05:15)
- Says the only reason to make such a risky call is if management truly believes in their “correct construction” theory.
Panel highlights the Four Nations tournament obfuscating the selection criteria:
- Mark: “We are putting way too much stock in what Four Nations was. That was a ridiculously short tournament.” (13:11)
- Max: “Best-on-best hockey is tight, hard, and fast — you don’t have the space to operate.”
Role of personal bias and “hockey men” reputations in selection:
- Once a player has a reputation, “these hockey men… just do not change their minds.” (Mark, 22:34)

2. U.S. Defensive Selections: The Adam Fox Dilemma

(14:20–18:51)

Panel is torn between Adam Fox and Seth Jones/Noah Hanifin:
- Mark: “I probably would have put Adam Fox on [the roster] just on sheer talent and ability. I want my very best players out there.” (14:44)
- Max: Fox’s smaller stature and less effective play in Four Nations were mitigating factors; Jones’ resurgence in the Stanley Cup playoffs tipped the scale.
- Jesse: Surprised Noah Hanifin made the team given his struggles in Vegas.
Laz proposes:
- Larger Olympic taxi squads for flexibility, due to the distance and risk of injury.

3. Team Canada: Bedard, Snubs, and Goalie Debate

(22:05–34:19)

Connor Bedard left off Team Canada:
- Max is “much more sympathetic to the egregious snub takes for Canada”; thinks Bedard’s evolved game warranted selection. (22:05)
- Mark: “He is fully engaged defensively… Everything about [Bedard] now says, ‘I’m more than a one-way player.’” (22:34)
Brad Marchand, Mitch Marner, Tom Wilson discussion:
- Jesse notes the forward group is so stacked you can’t easily choose who to remove for Bedard or Sam Bennett.
Defense: Matthew Schaefer should have been included:
- Mark: “He is so game-breaking… If I’m Team Canada, I want that kid on my back end, just pushing the play… He has that big game mentality.” (26:30)
- Jesse: “There is no hesitation. He feels like he belongs here—and not just belongs, but is the best player on the ice most of the time.” (27:12)
Goaltending controversy — Jordan Binnington:
- Mark: “He’s been atrocious this year. And not only is he on this team, he probably gets first crack. Are they nuts?” (27:54)
- Jesse perfectly sums up the optimal deployment: “I have no problem bringing Binnington as the third goalie. But not as the starter.” (28:32)
- Max: Defends the “gambler’s logic” of picking a goalie who has been unbeatable in past big moments (30:21)
- Jesse: “He’s not the starter in St. Louis. Joel Hofer has been without a doubt the better goalie for the last month.” (32:05)

4. Sweden and Other National Teams: Bubble Roster Decisions

(34:39–38:42)

Sweden’s Forward/Defense choices:
- Respect for Sweden’s depth; debate whether Sweden is closer to Canada/USA than Finland/Czechia (panel consensus is yes).
- Max makes the case for Simon Edvinsson over OEL, and notes that several big Swedish names were left off.
- Jesse and Mark: Emil Heineman and Michael Backlund as “quiet snubs” for Sweden.
Dark horses & goaltending:
- Switzerland and Germany discussed as medal longshots, but lack the star goaltending to plausibly upset a favorite.
- Jesse: “If Grubauer can [get hot], Germany’s live.” (39:01)
- Czechia’s goalie pedigree lauded, with nods to past legend Dominik Hašek and present depth.

5. Tournament Predictions & NHL Storylines for 2026

(44:06–54:25)

Western Conference Playoff Preview:
- Mark predicts the Central’s grueling playoff path could leave the favored Avs too battered to win the Cup. (44:06)
- Max: “Maybe the freshness [of the Pacific challenger] is enough to tilt it.”
- Nathan MacKinnon for +100 plus/minus season (45:41)
- Jesse: Avs’ explosive, quick-strike ability is what makes them special — “The Avs need about five [good] minutes out of 60. If they play five good minutes, they beat you.” (46:41)
Goaltending in 2026:
- Jesse: 2026 is the year Logan Thompson finally gets his due as elite — predicts Canada wins gold with Thompson as their starter and that he wins the Vezina. (48:45)
- Longer discussion of what it takes for a goalie to rise to “elite” status — consistency above all. (51:00)
Breakout Candidates:
- Max predicts Matt Boldy hits 50 goals, cements himself as a top-tier winger (52:54)
- Mark: Sidney Crosby scores 45+ for the second time in his career, and if the Penguins make the playoffs, it’ll be because Crosby “dragged them in.” (54:27)

6. The Winter Classic and the Future of Outdoor Games

(55:36–60:51)

Hosts reflect on the fading novelty of the Winter Classic:
- Mark: “It’s terrible television… I want to see more like Lake Tahoe-style games in really cool environments. The NHL only cares about the short payday.” (56:07)
- Max and Jesse suggest more creative, visually striking locations would rejuvenate interest, even if it costs some in-person ticket revenue.
- Jesse: “Maybe we just have to wait for the next pandemic [for a forced change to the format].” (59:33)
Who is the outdoor game really for?
- “Maybe the answer is the NHL should tell all of us who want to watch it on TV to screw off… if you’re making the experience for the people who are showing up…maybe that’s the answer.” (Max, 59:41)

Notable Quotes & Timestamps

On the Jason Robertson snub:
- “Leaving Jason Robertson off this team is one of the dumbest, most cut-off-my-nose-to-spite-my-face things I’ve ever seen… He’s second among Americans in goals… What has J.T. Miller done to deserve that spot over him?” — Mark Lazarus (02:00)
- “If Bill Guerin was managing Team USA’s Olympic team just to keep his job…, that’s a bad general manager. I want the general manager who is going to win the tournament.” — Max Bultman (06:54)
- “If there are a hundred American hockey fans, ninety-nine of them want Bill Guerin fired if they don’t win gold.” — Jesse Granger (05:15)
On Bedard’s reputation:
- “Once you have a reputation in this league, it’s so difficult to shed it. These hockey men… just do not change their minds.” — Mark Lazarus (22:34)
On Canada’s goalie situation:
- “To go in with [Jordan Binnington] being your guy is a complete joke and disrespectful to the other goalies who are clearly better than he is.” — Jesse Granger (29:17)
Olympic “miracle” logic:
- “In the past like century, one time [that selecting ‘the right guys’ over the best players] worked. And they named the movie Miracle.” — Mark Lazarus (04:36)
Sweden’s snubbed defenders:
- “Simon Edvinsson is an elite skater… he’s going to be a part of the Sweden Olympic blue line in the future. One cycle too early for him.” — Max Bultman (36:20)
On the dwindling excitement of outdoor games:
- “It’s terrible television...I want to see more like Lake Tahoe-style games…All football and baseball stadiums kind of look the same.” — Mark Lazarus (56:07)
- “Maybe the answer is that the NHL should tell all of us who want to watch it on TV to screw off, because it’s for the people who are there.” — Max Bultman (59:41)

Timestamps for Important Segments

Olympic roster reactions, Team USA & Robertson argument:
01:42–13:11
US defense selections & taxi squad discussion:
14:20–18:51
Team Canada (Bedard, Schaefer, goaltending):
22:05–34:19
Sweden’s roster debate, snubs, goaltending for “other” teams:
34:39–38:42
Tournament predictions & NHL landscape:
44:06–54:25
Winter Classic & outdoor game reform:
55:36–60:51

Episode Highlights

Heated, honest debate about the Team USA’s construction principles and whether “role players” still belong at the expense of stars in modern best-on-best events.
Nuanced take on how reputation and past performance influence Olympic selections, with concern that management over-values a single short tournament.
Refreshingly candid discussion of the limitations of the current outdoor games, with creative suggestions for rejuvenating the experience.
Forward-looking predictions that root recent decisions in broader trends within the NHL.

Tone

Energetic, passionate, a touch irreverent. The panel does not hold back harsh criticism but balances it with in-depth, knowledgeable analysis. Occasional levity and banter make the episode accessible even to casual fans.

Recommended for:

Hockey fans seeking a sharp, thorough breakdown of international roster politics and Olympic team construction.
Listeners curious about which snubs matter and why, and what it all means for the games ahead.

End of summary

The Athletic Hockey Show – Olympic Roster Breakdowns: Should Jason Robertson Be on Team USA?

Date: January 5, 2026
Hosts: Max Bultman, Mark Lazarus, Jesse Granger

Episode Overview

Main Theme

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Jason Robertson Snub: Team USA's Most Controversial Decision

(01:42–13:11)

Mark Lazarus launches with strong criticism:
- “Leaving Jason Robertson off this team is one of the dumbest, most cut-off-my-nose-to-spite-my-face things I’ve ever seen… He’s a better defensive player than he gets credit for... Never mind that he scores goals. What did the United States not do enough of in Four Nations? They didn’t score enough goals.” (02:00)
- Questions the inclusion of Vincent Trocheck, Brock Nelson, and J.T. Miller over Robertson.
Max Bultman is more sympathetic to management’s rationale:
- Points out the low-scoring, tight style of high-level international play, and argues that Robertson’s offensive ability may not translate as much in a bottom-six, limited-minutes role. Suggests his exclusion is more about team construction than a head-to-head snub versus Miller or Trocheck. (03:19)
Jesse Granger pushes back:
- Notes that leaving Robertson off is “setting [Guerin] up to not have this job anymore if America doesn’t win the gold medal.” (05:15)
- Says the only reason to make such a risky call is if management truly believes in their “correct construction” theory.
Panel highlights the Four Nations tournament obfuscating the selection criteria:
- Mark: “We are putting way too much stock in what Four Nations was. That was a ridiculously short tournament.” (13:11)
- Max: “Best-on-best hockey is tight, hard, and fast — you don’t have the space to operate.”
Role of personal bias and “hockey men” reputations in selection:
- Once a player has a reputation, “these hockey men… just do not change their minds.” (Mark, 22:34)

2. U.S. Defensive Selections: The Adam Fox Dilemma

(14:20–18:51)

Panel is torn between Adam Fox and Seth Jones/Noah Hanifin:
- Mark: “I probably would have put Adam Fox on [the roster] just on sheer talent and ability. I want my very best players out there.” (14:44)
- Max: Fox’s smaller stature and less effective play in Four Nations were mitigating factors; Jones’ resurgence in the Stanley Cup playoffs tipped the scale.
- Jesse: Surprised Noah Hanifin made the team given his struggles in Vegas.
Laz proposes:
- Larger Olympic taxi squads for flexibility, due to the distance and risk of injury.

3. Team Canada: Bedard, Snubs, and Goalie Debate

(22:05–34:19)

Connor Bedard left off Team Canada:
- Max is “much more sympathetic to the egregious snub takes for Canada”; thinks Bedard’s evolved game warranted selection. (22:05)
- Mark: “He is fully engaged defensively… Everything about [Bedard] now says, ‘I’m more than a one-way player.’” (22:34)
Brad Marchand, Mitch Marner, Tom Wilson discussion:
- Jesse notes the forward group is so stacked you can’t easily choose who to remove for Bedard or Sam Bennett.
Defense: Matthew Schaefer should have been included:
- Mark: “He is so game-breaking… If I’m Team Canada, I want that kid on my back end, just pushing the play… He has that big game mentality.” (26:30)
- Jesse: “There is no hesitation. He feels like he belongs here—and not just belongs, but is the best player on the ice most of the time.” (27:12)
Goaltending controversy — Jordan Binnington:
- Mark: “He’s been atrocious this year. And not only is he on this team, he probably gets first crack. Are they nuts?” (27:54)
- Jesse perfectly sums up the optimal deployment: “I have no problem bringing Binnington as the third goalie. But not as the starter.” (28:32)
- Max: Defends the “gambler’s logic” of picking a goalie who has been unbeatable in past big moments (30:21)
- Jesse: “He’s not the starter in St. Louis. Joel Hofer has been without a doubt the better goalie for the last month.” (32:05)

4. Sweden and Other National Teams: Bubble Roster Decisions

(34:39–38:42)

Sweden’s Forward/Defense choices:
- Respect for Sweden’s depth; debate whether Sweden is closer to Canada/USA than Finland/Czechia (panel consensus is yes).
- Max makes the case for Simon Edvinsson over OEL, and notes that several big Swedish names were left off.
- Jesse and Mark: Emil Heineman and Michael Backlund as “quiet snubs” for Sweden.
Dark horses & goaltending:
- Switzerland and Germany discussed as medal longshots, but lack the star goaltending to plausibly upset a favorite.
- Jesse: “If Grubauer can [get hot], Germany’s live.” (39:01)
- Czechia’s goalie pedigree lauded, with nods to past legend Dominik Hašek and present depth.

5. Tournament Predictions & NHL Storylines for 2026

(44:06–54:25)

Western Conference Playoff Preview:
- Mark predicts the Central’s grueling playoff path could leave the favored Avs too battered to win the Cup. (44:06)
- Max: “Maybe the freshness [of the Pacific challenger] is enough to tilt it.”
- Nathan MacKinnon for +100 plus/minus season (45:41)
- Jesse: Avs’ explosive, quick-strike ability is what makes them special — “The Avs need about five [good] minutes out of 60. If they play five good minutes, they beat you.” (46:41)
Goaltending in 2026:
- Jesse: 2026 is the year Logan Thompson finally gets his due as elite — predicts Canada wins gold with Thompson as their starter and that he wins the Vezina. (48:45)
- Longer discussion of what it takes for a goalie to rise to “elite” status — consistency above all. (51:00)
Breakout Candidates:
- Max predicts Matt Boldy hits 50 goals, cements himself as a top-tier winger (52:54)
- Mark: Sidney Crosby scores 45+ for the second time in his career, and if the Penguins make the playoffs, it’ll be because Crosby “dragged them in.” (54:27)

6. The Winter Classic and the Future of Outdoor Games

(55:36–60:51)

Hosts reflect on the fading novelty of the Winter Classic:
- Mark: “It’s terrible television… I want to see more like Lake Tahoe-style games in really cool environments. The NHL only cares about the short payday.” (56:07)
- Max and Jesse suggest more creative, visually striking locations would rejuvenate interest, even if it costs some in-person ticket revenue.
- Jesse: “Maybe we just have to wait for the next pandemic [for a forced change to the format].” (59:33)
Who is the outdoor game really for?
- “Maybe the answer is the NHL should tell all of us who want to watch it on TV to screw off… if you’re making the experience for the people who are showing up…maybe that’s the answer.” (Max, 59:41)

Notable Quotes & Timestamps

On the Jason Robertson snub:
- “Leaving Jason Robertson off this team is one of the dumbest, most cut-off-my-nose-to-spite-my-face things I’ve ever seen… He’s second among Americans in goals… What has J.T. Miller done to deserve that spot over him?” — Mark Lazarus (02:00)
- “If Bill Guerin was managing Team USA’s Olympic team just to keep his job…, that’s a bad general manager. I want the general manager who is going to win the tournament.” — Max Bultman (06:54)
- “If there are a hundred American hockey fans, ninety-nine of them want Bill Guerin fired if they don’t win gold.” — Jesse Granger (05:15)
On Bedard’s reputation:
- “Once you have a reputation in this league, it’s so difficult to shed it. These hockey men… just do not change their minds.” — Mark Lazarus (22:34)
On Canada’s goalie situation:
- “To go in with [Jordan Binnington] being your guy is a complete joke and disrespectful to the other goalies who are clearly better than he is.” — Jesse Granger (29:17)
Olympic “miracle” logic:
- “In the past like century, one time [that selecting ‘the right guys’ over the best players] worked. And they named the movie Miracle.” — Mark Lazarus (04:36)
Sweden’s snubbed defenders:
- “Simon Edvinsson is an elite skater… he’s going to be a part of the Sweden Olympic blue line in the future. One cycle too early for him.” — Max Bultman (36:20)
On the dwindling excitement of outdoor games:
- “It’s terrible television...I want to see more like Lake Tahoe-style games…All football and baseball stadiums kind of look the same.” — Mark Lazarus (56:07)
- “Maybe the answer is that the NHL should tell all of us who want to watch it on TV to screw off, because it’s for the people who are there.” — Max Bultman (59:41)

Timestamps for Important Segments

Olympic roster reactions, Team USA & Robertson argument:
01:42–13:11
US defense selections & taxi squad discussion:
14:20–18:51
Team Canada (Bedard, Schaefer, goaltending):
22:05–34:19
Sweden’s roster debate, snubs, goaltending for “other” teams:
34:39–38:42
Tournament predictions & NHL landscape:
44:06–54:25
Winter Classic & outdoor game reform:
55:36–60:51

Episode Highlights

Heated, honest debate about the Team USA’s construction principles and whether “role players” still belong at the expense of stars in modern best-on-best events.
Nuanced take on how reputation and past performance influence Olympic selections, with concern that management over-values a single short tournament.
Refreshingly candid discussion of the limitations of the current outdoor games, with creative suggestions for rejuvenating the experience.
Forward-looking predictions that root recent decisions in broader trends within the NHL.

Tone

Energetic, passionate, a touch irreverent. The panel does not hold back harsh criticism but balances it with in-depth, knowledgeable analysis. Occasional levity and banter make the episode accessible even to casual fans.

Recommended for:

Hockey fans seeking a sharp, thorough breakdown of international roster politics and Olympic team construction.
Listeners curious about which snubs matter and why, and what it all means for the games ahead.

End of summary

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Olympic roster breakdowns: should Jason Robertson be on Team USA?

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Summary

The Athletic Hockey Show – Olympic Roster Breakdowns: Should Jason Robertson Be on Team USA?

Episode Overview

Main Theme

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Jason Robertson Snub: Team USA's Most Controversial Decision

2. U.S. Defensive Selections: The Adam Fox Dilemma

3. Team Canada: Bedard, Snubs, and Goalie Debate

4. Sweden and Other National Teams: Bubble Roster Decisions

5. Tournament Predictions & NHL Storylines for 2026

6. The Winter Classic and the Future of Outdoor Games

Notable Quotes & Timestamps

Timestamps for Important Segments

Episode Highlights

Tone

Summary

The Athletic Hockey Show – Olympic Roster Breakdowns: Should Jason Robertson Be on Team USA?

Episode Overview

Main Theme

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Jason Robertson Snub: Team USA's Most Controversial Decision

2. U.S. Defensive Selections: The Adam Fox Dilemma

3. Team Canada: Bedard, Snubs, and Goalie Debate

4. Sweden and Other National Teams: Bubble Roster Decisions

5. Tournament Predictions & NHL Storylines for 2026

6. The Winter Classic and the Future of Outdoor Games

Notable Quotes & Timestamps

Timestamps for Important Segments

Episode Highlights

Tone