Jason Robertson is feeling let down after not making the U.S. team for the Olympic Winter Games in Milan-Cortina 2026. But despite this, the Dallas Stars forward is determined to keep his focus on an impressive season.
This marks the second year in a row that the 26-year-old has missed out on international play. Last February, he wasn’t picked for the U.S. team at the 4 Nations Face-Off either.
“I thought this year would be different,” Robertson expressed after practice. “Last year, I didn’t feel good enough. Now, I believe I am, but it’s their choice.”
Robertson is having a standout season with 48 points (24 goals and 24 assists) in 41 games, ranking second on the Stars behind Mikko Rantanen, who has 56 points and is headed to the Olympics for Finland. Among U.S.-born players, Robertson leads the NHL in points and is tied for eighth overall. His goal-scoring ranks him fourth in the league.
Last season, he tallied 80 points (35 goals, 45 assists) over 82 games.
“It hurts your ego a bit,” he admitted regarding the Olympic snub, “but I’m not going to change how I play. I’m happy with what I’m doing.”
He remains focused on being the best player he can be, stating, “It’s Olympic year, but that won’t stop me from delivering for the rest of the season.”
There’s a chance he could still be added to the team as a reserve if injuries occur, but he’s not sure where he stands on that front.
Stars coach Glen Gulutzan expressed surprise at the exclusion. “He’s our player,” he said. “Every coach thinks their player deserves a shot. It’s tough to make those calls, but I believed he should be on the roster.”
Jake Oettinger, the Stars’ goaltender and Olympic team member, shares that sentiment. “He’s the best goal-scorer I’ve ever played with. His hockey IQ is exceptional. It’s tough in practice because he pushes me, but that only makes us better.”
As Robertson continues to rake in points, statistics show he’s part of a growing trend. More NHL players are hitting career highs, signaling a competitive age for the league. In fact, recent surveys show that nearly 75% of fans believe player performance has improved over the last few seasons, attributing it to increased training and focus on mental fitness.
While missing the Olympics is a disappointment, it’s clear that Robertson’s talent and drive will keep him in the spotlight throughout the season. He’s not just aiming for Olympic glory but is determined to keep improving on the ice.
