This week, USA Hockey unveiled its highly anticipated roster for the 2026 Winter Olympics, prompting a wave of discussion among fans. Notably absent from the lineup is Adam Fox, the 27-year-old defenseman for the New York Rangers and a consistent contender for the Norris Trophy, a decision that has sparked considerable controversy.

However, in a recent update from NHL News on X, USA Hockey General Manager Bill Guerin immediately slammed these speculations, saying, “If you think we made a decision on one play, then you must not be very smart.” But what is the actual speculation surrounding this?

The theory subsequently focused on a singular moment in February 2025. In a thrilling conclusion to the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament, Connor McDavid surged into the slot, delivering a decisive game-winning overtime goal for Canada.

The American defender, who found himself a step behind and out of position as the puck slipped into the net, was Adam Fox. The community has pieced together that the Rangers defenseman was omitted from the Winter Olympics roster as a result of this specific incident.

Guerin’s statement functioned as a justification for the selection process, implying that a more comprehensive and intricate assessment was involved. The decision was reached after considerable consideration and thoughtful discussion within the organization. Mike Sullivan, the head coach of the Rangers and the Olympic team, has been a strong proponent for the inclusion of his defenseman.

This sentiment is echoed by Rangers general manager Chris Drury, who is also part of Guerin’s management team. Ultimately, Guerin asserted his authority, choosing to construct a blue line with a focus on particular roles and physicality. And Fox approached the disappointment with nothing but professionalism.

Adam Fox’s straightforward response to this decision by USA Hockey

“Obviously, it’s disappointing,” Adam Fox said after receiving the call from USA Hockey GM Bill Guerin. “I thought I played as well as I think I could have and that decision comes out of your hands at a certain point. It is what it is. You just have to move on.”

Moreover, the defenseman for the NY Rangers remarked, “I don’t think you have any expectation (to make the Olympic team) I would say, but I obviously thought my play this year was worthy of it and my track record as well. But it’s out of my hands at a certain point. The decision is the decision, and I guess that’s how it goes.”

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Even Mike Sullivan acknowledged the challenges that accompany the selection process, stating, “What I will tell you is that these teams that are being picked are the best of the best and there’s so many good players, and there are very, very difficult decisions that have to be made.”

He continued, “It is a collaborative effort on everybody’s part and that’s just the reality of these circumstances. We’ll do our very best to be as professional and straightforward as we can be with everyone that’s involved. ‘Foxy’ and I have had a number of conversations, and I’ll keep those between us.”

Guerin’s blunt response sought to put an end to a superficial theory, yet speculations always seem to be going on whenever there’s a major tournament like the Winter Olympics.