New York Rangers Stars' Four-Nation Fallout Negatively Impacts 2026 Olympics Prospects
Photo credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images
After a poor performance in the Four Nations Face-Off with Team USA, things don't look great for Adam Fox . The former Norris Trophy-winning defenseman wasn't among the first six announced for Team USA's 2026 Milano Cortina Olympics lineup.
The New York Rangers players aren't getting the kind of acclaim they're used to on the world's stage this year.
Not one Rangers player, including Adam Fox or JT Miller, was named to Team USA's first-six to represent their country in Milano Cortina in 2026. This was contrary to a year prior, when the team was still riding high off the Presidents' Trophy win last season.
Adam Fox (United States) and Mika Zibanejad (Sweden) of the Rangers were among the first six players selected to play for their country at the 4 Nations Face-Off.
Instead, Adam Fox, like Mika Zibanejad, would be snubbed by their home countries in favor of other players.
Bill Guerin on why Brady Tkachuk was given a chance over Adam Fox:
«The impact that Brady had on the team [at the 4 Nations] and his role in how we play, that was a big part of it,» Guerin said. «Adam, his tournament was fine. It wasn't as well as he could've played. His season wasn't up to his standards, but he's very much in the mix [for the 2026 Olympics]. This is just a list we had to come out with, and I just felt more comfortable with Brady on it this time around.»
For Fox, his play wasn't up to expectations compared to teammate Zach Werenski, who put on a show for Team USA. That resulted in some heavy criticism of the 27-year-old defenseman, which was worsened when he gave up an on-ice goal to Connor McDavid that won Canada the tournament.
«We looked back at the 4 Nations tournament, and the one thing we all took away - I think everybody can take away - is that there's just no room out there,» Guerin explained. «You have to be able to play in tight hockey games. You have to be highly competitive, and I think these six players represent that.»
While he did put up a respectable 61 points this season, the former 2021 Norris Trophy winner is no stranger to competitive hockey games. Despite Bill Guerin's claims.
Zibanejad, like Fox, played an underwhelming season with the Rangers, scoring 62 points (20-42) after two seasons prior, posting 91 points (37-54). Like Fox, he wasn't chosen as part of Sweden's top-six either, but could still find a spot on Sweden's Olympic lineup once full rosters are announced.
Previously on NYRangersInsider
| POLL | ||
JUIN 16 | 1109 ANSWERS New York Rangers Stars' Four-Nation Fallout Negatively Impacts 2026 Olympics Prospects Should defenseman Adam Fox and forward Mika Zibanejad of the New York Rangers play in Milano Cortina 2026 for Team USA and Sweden? | ||
| Yes | 724 | 65.3 % |
| No | 385 | 34.7 % |
| List of polls | ||
