Jason Robertson's Olympic Snub: A Focus on Continued Success

As the excitement builds for the Olympic Winter Games in Milano Cortina 2026, one name that has been notably absent from the United States roster is Jason Robertson. The Dallas Stars forward expressed his disappointment after not being selected for the national team, marking the second consecutive year he has missed out on international competition. Despite this setback, Robertson remains committed to his impressive performance this season.

Robertson, 26, has been a standout player for the Stars, currently boasting 48 points—comprising 24 goals and 24 assists—in just 41 games. His scoring prowess places him second on the Stars’ roster, trailing only Mikko Rantanen, who will represent Finland at the Olympics with 56 points (16 goals, 40 assists) in 40 games. Notably, Robertson leads all United States-born players in the NHL this season and ranks tied for eighth overall, showcasing his talent and determination on the ice.

Reflecting on the Olympic selection process, Robertson stated, “I thought that this year was different than last year. Obviously last year I didn’t think I was good enough. Now I think I [am] and it’s their choice, their decision and that’s it.” His confidence is backed by a solid previous season, where he recorded 80 points (35 goals, 45 assists) in 82 games.

While the disappointment of not making the Olympic team is palpable, Robertson emphasized that it will not alter his approach to the game. “Obviously it hurts your ego,” he admitted, but he remains focused on striving for excellence. “I think I just strive to be the best whenever I can be, and that so happened this year was the Olympic year. I mean, that’s not going to stop me from doing that the rest of the season.”

The decision to exclude Robertson has sparked discussions among his teammates and coaches. Stars head coach Glen Gulutzan expressed his surprise at the omission, stating, “There’s not one coach of the 32 of us who doesn’t think their guy should be on the team.” His sentiments were echoed by goaltender Jake Oettinger, who will represent the U.S. at the Olympics. Oettinger praised Robertson as “the most pure goal-scorer I’ve ever played with,” highlighting his exceptional hockey IQ and competitive spirit.

As the season progresses, Robertson remains undeterred by the Olympic snub. His focus on performance and improvement underscores his commitment to the game and his team. Whether or not he is called up as a standby player for the Olympics, one thing is clear: Jason Robertson is determined to continue proving himself as one of the best players in the league. As fans and analysts alike keep a close eye on his performance, there is no doubt that Robertson will be a player to watch as the season unfolds.