Projecting Team USA’s men’s hockey roster at the 2018 Olympics

The NHL announced Monday that it won't participate in the 2018 Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea. So, with American-born stars such as Auston Matthews and Patrick Kane seemingly unable to participate, the roster will look vastly different than expected.

Team USA will be a mix of former NHLers skating overseas and players having great seasons in the AHL. The following names will likely draw one of two reactions:

1) Oh, I remember him.
2) Who is that guy?

Note: Only AHL players with fewer than 10 games played in the NHL over the past two seasons were considered. Players signed to entry-level contracts were excluded as well.

Forwards

LW C RW
Kenneth Agostino Wade Megan Cole Schneider
Ryan Stoa Chad Rau Dan Sexton
Broc Little Chris Mueller Steve Moses
David Booth T.J. Hensick Peter Mueller
Jeff Taffe

Agostino and Megan are first and fourth, respectively, in AHL scoring. In fact, they both play for the Chicago Wolves, so the chemistry is already presumably there.

The second line is made up of former NHLers who are shining in the KHL this year. Their experience on the big ice will be crucial.

Some familiar names round out the bottom six, such as Booth and Hensick. Little and Moses haven't played in the NHL, but both have carved out excellent careers overseas.

(Photo courtesy: Getty Images)

Defense

LD RD
T.J. Brennan Matt Gilroy
Matt Taormina James Wisniewski
Sam Lofquist Jonathon Blum
Jake Chelios

Former Hobey Baker winner Matt Gilroy will anchor the back end, along with perennial AHL point-producer T.J. Brennan.

Chelios brings a strong American bloodline to the team, though the 26-year-old has yet to play in the NHL.

Goaltending

G
Troy Grosenick
Ryan Zapolski
Kyle Hayton

Grosenick, 27, has a .929 save percentage and a 2.03 goals-against average in 44 games with the San Jose Barracuda of the AHL this year.

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