Team USA is heading to the Olympics with a defensive lineup so extraordinary, it’s sparking debates about whether this is the greatest group of defensemen the nation has ever assembled. But here’s where it gets controversial: could this roster truly surpass the legendary teams of the past, featuring Hall of Famers like Chris Chelios and Brian Leetch? Let’s dive in.
By Bill Price
@BillPriceNHL (https://www.x.com/BillPriceNHL) NHL.com Editor-in-Chief
February 08, 2026
MILAN -- The buzz at the U.S. Olympic Orientation Camp last August was electric. Players weren’t just confident—they were bold, openly declaring their mission to bring home gold from the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Boston Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy (https://www.nhl.com/player/charlie-mcavoy-8479325) summed it up perfectly: “We’re not beating around the bush. It’s our time.”
This isn’t just empty talk. Their belief is rooted in recent triumphs, like narrowly missing the title at the 4 Nations Face-Off and clinching gold at the IIHF World Championship last spring. And this is the part most people miss: it’s also about the sheer talent on this roster, particularly the eight defensemen who some argue could be the best Team USA has ever fielded.
Consider the resumes. Quinn Hughes (https://www.nhl.com/player/quinn-hughes-8480800) of the Minnesota Wild just won the Norris Trophy as the NHL’s top defenseman in 2023-24. His likely partner? Rising star Brock Faber (https://www.nhl.com/player/brock-faber-8482122), his Wild teammate. Zach Werenski (https://www.nhl.com/player/zach-werenski-8478460) of the Columbus Blue Jackets is second among NHL defensemen this season with 62 points, trailing only Evan Bouchard (https://www.nhl.com/player/evan-bouchard-8480803) of the Edmonton Oilers. Pair him with McAvoy, and you’ve got a powerhouse duo.
Jaccob Slavin (https://www.nhl.com/player/jaccob-slavin-8476958) of the Carolina Hurricanes is widely regarded as the NHL’s best defensive defenseman, while Noah Hanifin (https://www.nhl.com/player/noah-hanifin-8478396) of the Vegas Golden Knights has consistently delivered 35-plus points per season. Jake Sanderson (https://www.nhl.com/player/jake-sanderson-8482105) of the Ottawa Senators and Jackson LaCombe (https://www.nhl.com/player/jackson-lacombe-8481605) of the Anaheim Ducks are the young stars ready to make their mark.
Here’s a staggering fact: four of these eight defensemen finished in the top 10 of Norris Trophy voting last season. When Hughes won in 2023-24, McAvoy and Slavin weren’t far behind. “It’s amazing,” McAvoy said. “American defensemen are emerging as elite players at an unprecedented rate. Look at any NHL team—chances are, their top defenseman is American.”
But what truly sets this group apart is their versatility. Hughes and Werenski are offensive powerhouses, yet they’re equally dominant in their own zone. Slavin, meanwhile, is a shutdown specialist, freeing his partner to join the attack. “We’re all long, rangy guys who skate incredibly well,” Sanderson noted. “Every single one of us can defend and create offense.”
This diversity is what makes them so dangerous. “You can’t just have six hammers in a toolbox,” Slavin pointed out. “You need different tools for different jobs. In a short tournament like this, specialization matters.”
Familiarity is another edge. Hughes and Faber have been playing together with the Wild, while LaCombe and Werenski teamed up at last year’s World Championship. Even their time at the 4 Nations Face-Off—where all but Hughes and LaCombe competed—has given them a head start on chemistry. “We’re an extremely close group,” Werenski said. “That’s a huge advantage.”
But here’s the question: Is this the deepest defensive group Team USA has ever had? Werenski hesitates to say definitively, acknowledging the legacy of past teams. Yet, he admits, “Just being in the conversation says a lot about how far USA Hockey has come.”
Winnipeg Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck (https://www.nhl.com/player/connor-hellebuyck-8476945), who backstopped the U.S. at 4 Nations, couldn’t agree more. “This group has it all—defensive defensemen, offensive threats, puck-movers, skaters. It’s a dream to play behind them.”
So, is this the golden formula? Only time will tell. But one thing’s for sure: this Team USA defense is a force to be reckoned with. What do you think? Is this the greatest defensive lineup in Team USA history, or does the past still hold the crown? Let’s debate in the comments!
