The United States announced it’s Olympic roster on Wednesday, looking to put forth a team that was an overtime goal from winning gold in 2010. When you are selecting players from professional rosters it is easy to make a collection of players look like an all-star team.
The 2014 U.S. team looks like just that: deep in almost every position and built to contend for the gold medal. There will always be players that were the last to be cut during the selection process. The roster isn’t a chronological list of the best American-born players available, but the best “team” to compete together.
When putting together such a talented group of people, the most important component is chemistry. With that understood, there will be notable exceptions or snubs of players that are deemed worthy by the masses. There is always speculation about nepotism this or favoritism that, but I don’t think any intelligent person believes that roster selection is a popularity contest.
Everyone knows how to build an Olympic team better than the professionals that get paid to do it, and they’ll write articles about why someone was more deserving than another. Wait, I suppose I write among the masses, for the masses, so…. that being said, here are the top Olympic snubs for the United States roster.
Bobby Ryan, Ottawa Senators, LW/RW
The unofficial face of the word “snub” this week, Ryan was subsequently insulted by the man who drafted him in Anaheim, Brian Burke, who served on the selection committee. Sheesh, Burkie, tell us how you REALLY feel.
Ben Bishop, G, Tampa Bay Lightning
To me, Bishop is the biggest omission on the roster. He lacks big game and international experience, but has proven he is a top-level NHL starter this season.
No time to earn that experience like now, but the powers-that-be thought otherwise.
Keith Yandle, D, Phoenix Coyotes
There is no denying that Yandle is a top-level offensive-defenseman, but it is his defensive lapses that cost him a roster spot. Yandle has great wheels and vision and can quarterback a power play. The bigger international ice surface seems made for Yandle’s style, but he’ll be watching instead.
Erik Johnson, D, Colorado Avalanche
I won’t play the, “Johnson should have made the roster instead of…” game, but Erik Johnson was really a shocker for me. He has underwhelmed in the NHL after his high draft status, but has had his best season to date this year. Size, skill and a decent size mean streak could have been useful in Sochi.
Brandon Saad, LW, Chicago Blackhawks
The only thing that cost Saad a spot on the team is his youth. He has been performing at an extremely high level for the defending champs and will certainly see his name called in the next four years.
Jack Johnson, D, Columbus Blue Jackets
Johnson’s omission surprised many as much as Ryan since both had played on the 2010 squad. In fact, (Jack) Johnson has as much international experience as any defenseman on the roster. He has been average to below-average this season, something that was more heavily considered than his international experience.
Cory Schneider, G, New Jersey Devils
On paper the U.S. goaltending corps looks impressive, but you could find fault in every player selected. Schneider might be the most underrated goaltender in the world simply because of the teammates he has played with/behind (Roberto Luongo and Martin Brodeur)
Torrey Krug, D, Boston Bruins
He’ll be a fixture on the U.S. roster for many years to come, but his youth has him down too far on the depth chart.
Dustin Byfuglien, D, Winnipeg Jets
Big Byfuglien isn’t noted for his work ethic, or the intensity that Brian Burke so dearly covets. He is one of the most talented blue line players in the world with a cannon shot and a physical presence in the defensive zone. Buff is a homerun hitter with a high strike out ratio. Unfortunately for him, the selection committee was looking for on base percentage.