Jake Sanderson Named to Team USA, But May Start Olympics on the Sidelines
When Jake Sanderson got the call that he’d be representing Team USA at the 2026 Winter Olympics, there wasn’t a single eyebrow raised in Ottawa. Senators fans have been watching him closely all season - and more often than not, they’ve seen a player who looks like he’s ready to dominate on the world stage. His skating is electric, his puck movement is elite, and his composure under pressure has reached another level this year.
But as Team USA hits the ice in preparation for its Olympic opener against Latvia on Thursday, Sanderson’s role is suddenly in question. Based on early practice pairings, it looks like the 21-year-old could open the tournament as a healthy scratch.
That’s a surprising development, especially when you consider how far Sanderson has come in the past year. He was a late addition to the American roster at the 4 Nations Faceoff last year, stepping in as an injury replacement and logging two games.
Even in limited action, he showed flashes of the poised, two-way game that’s become his calling card in Ottawa. Fast forward to this season, and Sanderson has arguably been the Senators’ most consistent blue-liner - and one of the best American defensemen in the NHL.
His 43 points this season rank third among defensemen on Team USA’s Olympic roster, trailing only Zach Werenski and Quinn Hughes. That kind of production, combined with his skating and defensive IQ, seemed to make him a lock for regular minutes in Beijing. Instead, he’s been skating in the 7-8 slot alongside Anaheim’s Jackson LaCombe - a spot that traditionally signals press box duty when the games begin.
Now, it’s worth noting that Olympic lineups can be fluid. One practice doesn’t always tell the full story, and coaches often use the early days of a tournament to test combinations. But given the current projections and the way Team USA has been lining up, it’s looking more and more likely that Sanderson won’t be in the lineup for the opener.
The Americans have a favorable draw in the preliminary round, opening against Latvia on Thursday and then facing Denmark on Saturday. That schedule could work in Sanderson’s favor. If he doesn’t dress for the first two games, there’s a good chance he sees the ice in Sunday’s back-to-back against Germany - a game that could be used to rest top-pairing players and give others a shot to prove themselves.
For Senators fans, it’s a bit of a bittersweet situation. On one hand, there’s pride in seeing one of their own named to an Olympic roster - especially one as stacked as Team USA’s.
Sanderson’s game has matured in a big way this season, and a strong Olympic showing could have been a launching pad for even bigger things. On the other hand, if he’s not playing, it feels like a missed opportunity - not just for Sanderson, but for the Americans, too.
Because make no mistake: if Sanderson ends up watching from the press box, that’s a break for Team USA’s opponents. Canada, in particular, won’t be upset to see one of the NHL’s most dynamic young defensemen sidelined.
Still, there’s a long tournament ahead, and things can change quickly. Injuries, matchups, or even a sluggish performance from another blueliner could open the door for Sanderson to step in. And if he does, don’t be surprised if he makes it impossible for the coaching staff to take him out again.
For now, though, Sanderson waits - ready, capable, and just one opportunity away from showing the world what Senators fans already know.