The Hockey News’s Michael Traikos argues that Red Wings forward Patrick Kane should be given the opportunity to earn a spot on Team USA’s 2026 Olympic team–based upon the player he is at 36, not as the player he used to be:
The 36-year-old Kane, who turns 37 in November, was one of the 44 players who attended to the U.S. Team’s orientation camp last month. If he makes the team, he would be participating in his third Olympics. But having been left off Team USA at the 4 Nations Face-Off, the veteran winger is considered a long shot.
Still, the idea of capturing gold to go along with his two Stanley Cups is something that is motivating him as he begins what could be his final NHL season.
“The one thing that’s kind of missing is a gold in best-on-best, right?” Kane told NHL.com at the United States Men’s Olympic Orientation Camp. “It would be fun to have that opportunity.”
Having Kane around at the Olympics, even as a 13th forward, could be more than just a sentimental gesture. The Olympics is not just some random hockey tournament. This is a global event, where the pressure far exceeds playing for a World Cup or even a Stanley Cup. The U.S. team is young, with only six players on NHL.com’s projected roster aged 30 or older. Compare that to Team Canada, where 11 players are 30 or older.
While age is not always a determining factor in skill, the lack of international experience could be an area of concern, especially as pressure ramps up.
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Does he belong on a team with Tkachuk and Matthews? Does he warrant a look, even if it means knocking someone younger like Matt Boldy or Cole Caufield off the team? If you’re basing the decision on offensive production, the answer is probably no. But if you’re looking at all the intangibles, having Kane’s experience could be the final X-factor that helps the U.S. team win gold.
“I don’t want that to be a thing, either, where you’re getting selected for the team because of all that stuff,” Kane told NHL.com. “You want to be selected for the player you are and what you can bring to the team.”
