Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk has made a public pitch for two of his teammates to join him on the international stage, endorsing defenceman Jake Sanderson and centre Shane Pinto for the United States Olympic hockey team.
Public Endorsement for Olympic Aspirations
Speaking to reporters before a recent game, Tkachuk, who is already one of six players named to the initial U.S. roster, left no doubt about his preferred travelling companions for the 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Milan and Cortina, Italy. "Of course, you want to go to Milan with two of your close buddies, and I think they're guys who are deserving," Tkachuk stated.
He clarified that while he has "no sway" in the final selection process, he believes their performance speaks for itself. "Those guys are amazing players, and I think they're among the best American players in the country," Tkachuk added, praising his Senators teammates.
Sanderson's Path to Olympic Consideration
Jake Sanderson appears to be a near-lock for the final 25-man roster, which will be officially announced on January 2, 2026, on NBC's The Today Show by general manager Bill Guerin. The 23-year-old defenceman solidified his case during the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off, where he was called up as an injury replacement for Quinn Hughes.
His stellar play with Ottawa this season has thrust him into the early Norris Trophy conversation. Through 26 games, Sanderson has recorded 7 goals and 26 points while averaging a staggering 25 minutes and 11 seconds of ice time per game, ranking him fifth in the entire NHL. Only American-born defender Quinn Hughes averages more time on ice.
"We all know here how phenomenal a player he is," Tkachuk said of Sanderson. "I thought it was nice to show the whole world how great a player he is (at the 4 Nations), and he was able to show what we've seen every day here."
Final Roster Decisions Loom
Brady Tkachuk is already confirmed for Team USA alongside other NHL stars like his brother Matthew Tkachuk, Auston Matthews, Jack Eichel, Quinn Hughes, and Charlie McAvoy. The final selections, however, rest solely with GM Bill Guerin, who is expected to name seven defencemen to the squad.
For Shane Pinto, the path may be more challenging, but Tkachuk's strong endorsement highlights the centre's value and the captain's desire to share an Olympic experience with his Ottawa teammates. The opportunity to chase a gold medal together next month is a powerful motivator for all three players as they await the final roster announcement.
