Rookie defenseman Lane Hutson, who led all first-year blueliners with 66 points in the 2024-25 season, was notably absent from the USA Olympic hockey roster. Despite his impressive puck-moving vision and significant ice time, concerns over defensive lapses and a minus-2 rating may have contributed to his exclusion. Established defensemen like Quinn Hughes and Zach Werenski are expected to fill key roles.