Team USA men's hockey roster projection for 2022 Winter Olympics: Strong on defense and in net

USA Hockey has had a bumpy selection process for the 2022 Beijing Olympics. 

General manager Stan Bowman stepped aside after also leaving his Chicago Blackhawks position following an investigation into how that team mishandled a 2010 sexual assault complaint against a member of its coaching staff.

The length of time it took Jack Eichel to get traded and have neck surgery could keep him out of the Olympics. T.J. Oshie, Max Pacioretty and Jack Hughes were injured early in the season and Blake Wheeler was slowed by a stint on the COVID-19 protocol list.

Bill Guerin (Minnesota Wild) was named Team USA general manager on Dec. 14 and will be assisted by Chris Drury (New York Rangers).

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The USA has named forwards Patrick Kane and Auston Matthews, plus defenseman Seth Jones to the team. The remaining players will be announced in January.

Here are some early predictions of who could make the team:

Goaltenders

Jack Campbell, Toronto Maple Leafs

Connor Hellebuyck, Winnipeg Jets

John Gibson, Anaheim Ducks

Analysis: Campbell, who had a breakthrough 2021 season, has followed that up with some of the best goaltending statistics in the league this season. Hellebuyck has won the Vezina Trophy and finished in the top five two other times. Gibson (currently hurt) has appeared frequently for USA Hockey and is putting up strong numbers with an improved Ducks team in front of him. Thatcher Demko has been on a run since the Vancouver Canucks' coaching change.

Other possibilities: Demko, Canucks; Jonathan Quick, Los Angeles

Defensemen

Adam Fox, New York Rangers

Charlie McAvoy, Boston Bruins 

Quinn Hughes, Vancouver Canucks 

Jaccob Slavin, Carolina Hurricanes

Zach Werenski, Columbus Blue Jackets 

Seth Jones, Chicago Blackhawks 

John Carlson, Washington Capitals 

Torey Krug, St. Louis Blues 

Analysis: A lot of offensive potential and puck-moving ability in this group, led by Fox, the reigning Norris Trophy winner. Slavin is included for his penalty-killing prowess and shutdown ability. There's an even mix of right and left shots. Jones, acquired from the Blue Jackets in the offseason, could play alongside former teammate Werenski.

Other possibilities: Ryan McDonagh, Tampa Bay Lightning; Alex Goligoski, Minnesota Wild; Tony DeAngelo, Carolina Hurricanes

Centers

Auston Matthews, Toronto Maple Leafs

J.T. Miller, Vancouver Canucks

Dylan Larkin, Detroit Red Wings

Joe Pavelski, Dallas Stars

We're assuming Eichel won't be ready. If he is, he's the No. 2 center. USA Hockey has been in touch with Eichel's agent but is keeping those conversations private. "I'm not ruling out anybody," Guerin said. This group has goals in Matthews (No. 2 since he entered the NHL in 2017), size in Miller, speed in Larkin and veteran leadership in Pavelski. Jack Hughes would be a strong possibility if he hadn't been injured in his second game of the season. He returned Nov. 30 but might have to wait until the next time. Regardless, the center depth doesn't match up to Canada.

Other possibilities: Hughes, New Jersey Devils; Vincent Trocheck, Carolina Hurricanes; Blake Coleman, Calgary Flames

Wingers

Patrick Kane, Chicago Blackhawks

Alex DeBrincat, Blackhawks

Matthew Tkachuk, Calgary Flames

Johnny Gaudreau, Flames

Chris Kreider, New York Rangers

Kyle Connor, Winnipeg Jets

Jake Guentzel, Pittsburgh Penguins

Max Pacioretty, Vegas Golden Knights

Troy Terry, Anaheim Ducks

Brady Tkachuk, Ottawa Senators

Analysis: Kane is one of three players to top 1,100 points since he entered the league in 2007, and DeBrincat has put up big numbers alongside Kane in Chicago. Chemistry is also why Matthew Tkachuk and Gaudreau made this list. Connor is a finisher, Kreider thrives on the power play and Guentzel is a strong complement to top-line players and was on an impressive run before an injury. The versatile Pacioretty has returned from his injury. Terry, who played in the non-NHL 2018 Olympics, should get consideration for his strong start. Brady Tkachuk would join his brother on the team. Oshie, who's versatile and a shootout star as he showed in the 2014 Sochi Olympics, is back from a second injury and has a short audition time.

Other possibilities: Oshie, Washington Capitals; Cam Atkinson, Philadelphia Flyers; Drake Batherson, Ottawa Senators