Team USA Olympic lineup leak sparks controversy around Jack Hughes
The hockey world is surprised after seeing a Team USA Olympic lineup that puts Jack Hughes on the fourth line and leaves Clayton Keller in the press box.
It is the kind of decision that makes you wonder if the coaching staff is watching the same season we are.
Hughes was drafted 1st overall back in 2019 by the New Jersey Devils and he's lived up to every bit of that hype.
He has already piled up 36 points in 36 games this season, and certainly isn't known as a defensive stalwart - he could hurt the fourth line more than he helps.
This kid is an absolute motor on the ice.
Yet he's being buried in a depth role?
It feels like a massive waste of a talent that carries a $8M premium price tag for a reason.
Mike Sullivan needs to stop overthinking the American roster
Then you have Clayton Keller, who was taken 7th overall in 2016 by the Arizona Coyotes.
The Utah dynamo has 17 goals and 54 points while playing on a team that often struggles to find its footing.
Scratching a guy who can create offense out of thin air is a bold move that could easily backfire in Milano.
Fans are rightfully asking why a player with 54 points is watching from the stands.
Team USA has a mountain of talent, but balance shouldn't come at the cost of your most dangerous weapons.
You don't win gold by playing it safe with your best scorers.
If these lines hold, the Americans might find themselves heading home earlier than expected.
The pressure is on to prove this isn't a coaching ego trip.
This roster experiment better work or the fallout will be ugly.
Also read on House Of Hockey :
Brady Tkachuk reveals Team USA’s unexpected decision at the Olympics
Brady Tkachuk reveals Team USA’s unexpected decision at the Olympics