The U.S. men’s hockey team, fresh off their win against Canada in the gold medal match at the 2026 Winter Olympics, was greeted with an enthusiastic return to the United States on Monday.
Lifting the spirits of their fans, the team celebrated in Miami before some members made their way to Washington, D.C., where they met with President Donald Trump and attended the State of the Union address. The athletes were met with applause in the House of Representatives, and notably, goaltender Connor Hellebuyck is set to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
The NHL regular season is back, with the Stanley Cup playoffs looming. Each player from Team USA is expected to resume play this week. Fans might be curious about how to cheer on their favorite players when the puck drops for the 2025-26 season.
Jeremy Swayman, Charlie McAvoy – Boston Bruins
Goaltender Jeremy Swayman and defenseman Charlie McAvoy are rejoining the Boston Bruins this week. Currently, the team is fifth in the Atlantic Division, posting a record of 32 wins, 20 losses, and 5 draws. They’ll be back on the ice Thursday against the Columbus Blue Jackets at 7 p.m. ET.
Jackson Rackham – Anaheim Ducks
Jackson Rackham stood out as the sole Anaheim Ducks player on this year’s American roster. The Ducks are currently 4th in the Pacific Division, with 30 wins and 23 losses, along with 3 draws. They have a matchup with the Edmonton Oilers in California on Wednesday night at 10:30 p.m. ET.
Brady Tkachuk, Jake Sanderson – Ottawa Senators
Brady Tkachuk and Jake Sanderson, while playing for Canadian teams, might still come back to Ottawa. The Senators are sitting at 6th in the Atlantic Division with a record of 28 wins, 22 losses, and 7 draws. They are lined up to play against the Detroit Red Wings on Thursday at 7 p.m. ET.
Zach Werenski – Columbus Blue Jackets
Zach Werenski made a pivotal play, assisting on Jack Hughes’ goal that clinched the gold medal. The Blue Jackets are in a competitive playoff race, currently sitting 4th in the Metropolitan Division with a 29-20-7 record. He’ll be facing off against his Team USA colleagues on Thursday at 7 p.m. ET when they take on the Bruins.
Jack Eichel, Noah Hanifin – Vegas Golden Knights
Jack Eichel and Noah Hanifin return to Las Vegas as national champions. The Golden Knights are leading the Pacific Division with 27 wins, 16 losses, and 14 losses. They’ll face the Los Angeles Kings on Wednesday evening at 10 p.m. ET.
JT Miller, Vincent Trocheck – New York Rangers
This season hasn’t been overly celebratory for the Rangers, as they’ve found themselves at the bottom of the Metropolitan Division with a record of 22 wins and 29 losses. Nevertheless, when they return to Madison Square Garden, fans will surely show their support. The team hosts the Philadelphia Flyers on Thursday at 8 p.m. ET.
Matt Boldy, Brock Faber – Minnesota Wild
Matt Boldy and Brock Faber significantly contributed to the victory against Canada, with Boldy netting the first goal. The Minnesota Wild are currently in second place in the Central Division, sporting a record of 34 wins, 14 losses, and 10 losses. They’ll face the Colorado Avalanche on Thursday at 9 p.m. ET.
Matthew Tkachuk – Florida Panthers
Matthew Tkachuk has had a substantial presence at the White House lately, having helped lead the Florida Panthers to consecutive Stanley Cup victories. The Panthers will be back on the ice Thursday at 7 p.m. ET, looking to make a push for their third title while currently sitting at the bottom of the Atlantic Division with a record of 29-25-3.
Dylan Larkin – Detroit Red Wings
Dylan Larkin’s skills will be crucial for the Detroit Red Wings as they aim to maintain their standing in the Atlantic Division. They currently lie in 3rd place, with a record of 33 wins, 19 losses, and 6 draws. Detroit is set to face the Senators on Thursday at 7 p.m. ET.
Brock Nelson – Colorado Avalanche
Brock Nelson’s contributions have helped keep the Colorado Avalanche in contention at the top of the Central Division. They hold an impressive record of 37 wins, 9 losses, and 9 draws and will take on the Utah Mammoth on Wednesday night at 9 p.m. ET.
Jake Oettinger – Dallas Stars
Jake Oettinger has been an essential part of the Dallas Stars since the 2020-21 season. The Stars are currently ranked 3rd in the Central Division with 34 wins, 14 losses, and 9 losses.
Auston Matthews – Toronto Maple Leafs
Auston Matthews, like his teammates, is heading back to Canada to continue his season with the Toronto Maple Leafs. As a standout player, Matthews aims to help end Canada’s prolonged Stanley Cup drought. The Maple Leafs currently have a record of 27-21-9, just ahead of the Panthers in the Atlantic Division, with a game against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. ET.
Connor Hellebuyck, Kyle Connor – Winnipeg Jets
The whirlwind continues for Connor Hellebuyck and Kyle Connor, who will rejoin the Winnipeg Jets to finish the season. Currently, the Jets are sitting 7th in the Central Division with a record of 22 wins, 26 losses, and 8 losses.
Jake Guentzel – Tampa Bay Lightning
Jake Guentzel and the Lightning are among the top teams in the NHL, currently leading the Atlantic Division with a record of 37-14-4. They’re set to battle the Maple Leafs on Wednesday night at 7:30 p.m. ET.
Tage Thompson – Buffalo Sabers
Tage Thompson will go back to the Sabers, currently 4th in the Atlantic Division, with a 32-19-6 record. They have a match against the New Jersey Devils on Wednesday at 7 p.m. ET.
Jacob Slavin – Carolina Hurricanes
Jacob Slavin and the Hurricanes aspire to not only win the Metropolitan Division but also contend for the Stanley Cup. They lead the Metropolitan with a 36-15-6 record. Their next game is against the Lightning on Thursday at 7 p.m. ET.
Jack Hughes – New Jersey Devils
Jack Hughes, the hero of the gold medal match, will likely get plenty of drinks offered on his next visit to New Jersey. The Devils are currently sitting at 28-27-2 and face a tough road ahead if they hope to secure a playoff spot. They will meet the Sabers on Wednesday at 7 p.m. ET.
Clayton Keller – Utah Mammoth
Clayton Keller represents the fledgling Utah Mammoth team, which stands in 4th place in the Central Division with a record of 30 wins, 23 losses, and 4 draws. They’ll be taking on the Avalanche on Wednesday at 9 p.m. ET.
