Breaking down USA’s goaltending options for the 2026 Winter Olympics

Nov 13, 2025, 11:30 ESTUpdated: Nov 13, 2025, 12:56 EST

Breaking down USA’s goaltending options for the 2026 Winter Olympics

Credit: Photo from Anders Marshall/Euro

If USA Hockey has any weakness heading to the 2026 Winter Olympics, it’s definitely not between the pipes.

The Americans have one of the deepest goaltending corps around, and it is significantly more dangerous than Canada’s offerings. With a mix of Vezina winners and young hotshot No. 1s, tough decisions are about to be made over the coming weeks.

We know one name for sure will be in Italy: Connor Hellebuyck. The Winnipeg Jets superstar continues to be one of the greatest goalies of his generation, following up a Hart and Vezina Trophy campaign with near-identical numbers to kick off 2025-26. He was excellent at the 4 Nations Face-off last year, and he’ll be just as important for the United States as they chase their first best-on-best Olympic gold.

The two goalies who joined Hellebuyck at the 4 Nations tournament were Jake Oettinger and Jeremy Swayman. Oettinger looked solid in the loss to Sweden, but it was the only action he or Swayman saw over the week-and-a-half-long affair.

All 12 Olympic teams had to deliver their long lists last month, with final rosters due on New Year’s Eve. The long lists haven’t been made public, so we can only guess who was featured. The orientation roster from the summer helps, at least. But based on early-season performances, these five goaltenders absolutely should be in the conversation for one of the two remaining spots:

Jeremy Swayman, Boston Bruins

The case for: Regardless of what happens over the course of his career internationally, he’ll always be remembered as the No. 1 goalie who brought USA gold at the World Championship. It was an award that eluded USA Hockey for nearly a century, and Swayman hunkered down and got the job done when it mattered. He started the 2025-26 season off a little slow (after 2024-25 marked the worst season of his career), but he has since bounced back to post solid analytics in most notable categories. USA Hockey has always seemed to like him – maybe they give him the third spot as a reward for what he did in Denmark and Sweden.

The case against: Swayman has been the most inconsistent of the group here over the past two years. That was even the case earlier on this year – while Swayman was struggling, Knight, Demko and Daccord were helping to fill the gaps. He still has some work to do to instill the confidence that led the Bruins to move on from Linus Ullmark and sign Swayman to a long-term deal. But with a 5-1-0 record over the past five games, he’s at least giving himself a fighting chance.

Spencer Knight, Chicago Blackhawks

The case for: Once viewed as one of the top goalie prospects in the world, Knight is finally living up to expectations as a first-year starter. His goals saved above expected number has been in the top three league-wide right from the get-go. Seriously, he’s one of the few players the Blackhawks can rely on every night. His consistency has been incredible, with most of his advanced analytics being the best of any American goalie – even Hellebuyck. The team also loves Knight – he’s one of the best to ever play for the USA Hockey National Team Development Program.

The case against: Is Knight legit, or is this just all a hot start and nothing else? The other goalies on this list are more established as starters, while Knight only just assumed that role after getting acquired by the Blackhawks last winter. USA Hockey might look to bring in goaltenders with more No. 1 experience. If Knight starts to slow down in the weeks leading up to the Dec. 31 roster deadline, maybe the Americans go for a safer option. But if he keeps playing the way he is now, Knight could be USA’s starter in 2030.

Jake Oettinger, Dallas Stars

The case for: Oettinger has proven himself capable of stealing games in high-pressure situations. He has an excellent playoff track record, even though the Stars have yet to make the Stanley Cup Final with him aboard. At his best, Oettinger is easily one of the top goaltenders in the league, and USA Hockey already knows and loves him. His advanced analytics are good, too, with his goals saved above expected hovering around the top 10 all season long.

The case against: If you’re going off just pure numbers, Knight and Demko have been better. In fact, Oettinger’s GSAx at all strengths is the worst of any goaltender on this list besides Daccord. But the 26-year-old Oettinger is playing some of the best regular season hockey of his career, and he’s not far enough below the others for USA Hockey to stray from the path.

Joey Daccord, Seattle Kraken

The case for: Daccord has ties to Canada and Switzerland but was one of the goalies invited to USA’s summer orientation camp. Daccord looked good at the World Championship last year but ultimately served as backup to Jeremy Swayman. He boasts one of the best records of any NHL goaltender this season, and his advanced analytics aren’t too shabby, either. Seattle has been a midpack team at best over the past few years, but Daccord has consistently found ways to rack up wins and give the team a fighting chance every single night.

The case against: Recent injury aside, Daccord’s numbers simply aren’t as sexy as some of the others on this list. He’s still a top-15 goaltender, and he continues to rack up a ton of starts for Seattle. But it feels like there are others you could just trust a bit more to show up when you need them to, and Daccord’s recent tough stretch definitely hasn’t helped.

Thatcher Demko, Vancouver Canucks

The case for: Had Demko stayed healthy last year, it feels almost certain he would have made the 4 Nations team. At his best, Demko is easily one of the top goaltenders in the league, and he has been for a few years. His surface numbers are solid, and his advanced numbers are even better. In fact, he boasts the third-best goals-saved above expected of any American goaltender and has throughout the season. By all accounts, he’s as consistent as you’ll find – he’s as capable of stealing a win as anyone.

The case against: It’s hard to find a big issue, really. His stats say he should be there. He wasn’t invited to the summer orientation, which, depending on USA Hockey’s philosophy, might not matter (and shouldn’t). He’s on the sidelines again, though, which could hurt his case despite excellent numbers. If he’s 100 percent, having him as the third goalie shouldn’t be an issue. But, man, he’s as unlucky as it gets on the injury front.

Also considered: Alex Lyon (Buffalo Sabres); Dustin Wolf (Calgary Flames); Anthony Stolarz (Toronto Maple Leafs)

SPONSORED BY bet365