3 Players Named To Team USA's Roster

Thursday, October 07, 2021 ,

Team USA has selected Seth Jones, Patrick Kane and Auston Matthews as their first three players for the 2022 Winter Olympics. It was easy to predict that these three would make the team.

It isn't too surprising to see two players from the Chicago Blackhawks picked first, either. Blackhawks general manager Stan Bowman holds the same position for Team USA.

Jones was acquired by the Blackhawks from the Columbus Blue Jackets over the summer. Shortly after, he would sign an eight-year extension, so he is surely in the long-term plans of the Blackhawks. In 56 games last season with Columbus, he scored five goals and recorded 28 points. It was a bit of down year for Jones, but he should bounce back this season in his new home.  

Everyone could have guessed that Kane would be selected as one of Team USA's first players. He's already represented the USA in the Olympics twice before and is still one of the best players in the NHL. In 56 games last season, the 32-year-old winger scored 15 goals and added 51 assists. Therefore, he was almost at an assist-per-game pace. The future Hockey Hall of Famer will be aiming to win his first Olympic gold. 

Matthews was a no-brainer to be one of the team's first picks, too. This is entirely justifiable, as he is an absolute superstar and is one of the game's bests. In 52 games last season, he scored a monstrous 41 goals and recorded 66 total points. He would go on to win his first Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy because of this and even landed his second EA Sports NHL cover, too. At just 24 years old, this is only the beginning for the young star.

Photo Credit: © Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports



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