The puck drops on the Men’s Hockey tournament at the Winter Olympics tomorrow, and for Dallas Stars fans, there’s plenty of reason to tune in early. Finland takes the ice in one of the opening matchups, and that means the “Finnish Mafia” - a nickname Stars fans have lovingly given to their standout Finnish players - will be on full display, this time donning their national colors.
Watching NHL stars represent their countries on the Olympic stage never gets old. It’s a dream come true for the players, and for fans, it’s a chance to see familiar faces in a whole new light.
But while some Stars are living out their Olympic dreams, others are watching from home - and not because they didn’t earn a spot.
Let’s talk about the snubs.
Every sports fan knows the feeling. You see it in MLB All-Star voting, in Pro Bowl rosters, even in NBA selections - talented players putting up big numbers, making real impact, and still getting left out because they’re not the flashiest name or the most marketable face. It’s frustrating, and it’s happening again with the Olympics.
Jason Robertson is one of the most glaring omissions from Team USA’s roster. The Stars’ winger has been a consistent offensive force this season, doing everything you’d want from a top-six forward.
He’s got the vision, the hands, the hockey IQ - and he’s been producing. Leaving him off the Olympic roster raises eyebrows, especially considering the chemistry and creativity he could’ve brought to a team looking to medal on the world stage.
There’s been talk that Team USA’s management wanted to stick with the group that played in the 4-Nations Faceoff, but even with continuity in mind, it’s hard to justify leaving out a player of Robertson’s caliber. He’s not just good - he’s one of the most dynamic American-born forwards in the NHL right now. Add in the fact that Cole Caufield also didn’t make the cut, and it feels like Team USA left some serious firepower at home.
Then there’s Wyatt Johnston. The 20-year-old center has been a revelation for Dallas this season, especially on the power play.
His poise with the puck and ability to find seams in tight spaces has made him one of the Stars’ most reliable young weapons. Team Canada is always stacked with talent, so it’s not shocking that a young player like Johnston didn’t crack the initial roster.
But when injuries opened the door for potential replacements, Johnston’s name still wasn’t called - and that’s tough to swallow.
Sure, Johnston’s time will come. He’s just getting started, and his trajectory suggests he’ll be a staple on Canada’s international rosters for years to come.
Same goes for Thomas Harley, another young Star who could be in the mix down the line. But that doesn’t take away from the sting of the present.
When you’re playing at a high level and making a difference night in and night out, you want that recognition now - not just a promise of “next time.”
The silver lining? Both Robertson and Johnston will be well-rested when the NHL season resumes after the Olympic break.
That’s no small thing, especially with the Stars staring down a brutal final stretch that includes three more matchups against the Colorado Avalanche. Those games are going to be battles, and having two of your top players fresh and healthy could make all the difference.
So yes, it’s disappointing not to see Robertson and Johnston on Olympic ice. They’ve earned the right to be there.
But for Dallas, the bigger picture might be even more important. With the playoffs looming and the Western Conference as competitive as ever, having your stars sharp and ready could be the edge the team needs.
And who knows - come 2030 in France, maybe we’ll be talking about Robertson and Johnston leading their countries to gold. For now, they’ll keep doing what they do best: helping Dallas chase something special this season.