The United States left one of the best scorers in the NHL home rather than bring him to the Olympics.
Dallas Stars winger Jason Robertson has 66 points on the season, but he’ll be watching from home as one of the Games’ biggest snubs.
It could prove costly in the end. The U.S. brought a roster that might be a bit too lopsided on grit and without enough firepower.
That’ll only play itself out as the tournament goes on. The United States starts action Thursday against Latvia.
Eyes will be watching closely to see how missed Robertson is.
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Why didn’t Jason Robertson make the Olympics?
Jason Robertson was passed over in favor of players who had already been on the 4 Nations Face-Off roster, who for the most part were more veteran and more gritty.
Robertson is a pure scorer, and for whatever reason, that wasn’t enough.
“I thought that this year was different from last year,” he told reporters in January. “Obviously last year, I didn’t think I was good enough. Now, I think I did. It’s their choice and their decision, and that’s it.”
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In 57 games in the NHL this season, Robertson has 32 goals and 34 assists.
Of all USA-eligible players, only Jack Eichel (68) has more points than Robertson this season.
Stars head coach Glen Gulutzan expressed his continued disbelief after the roster came out and Robertson kept playing well.
“I still don’t know why he’s not on the team,” Gulutzan said.
There will be plenty of fans clamoring for Robertson if the U.S. encounters any goal-scoring difficulties at this tournament.
It’s too late for him to come to the rescue, though. There’s no Robertson at these Olympics for the United States.
