Fox says not making U.S. team for Winter Olympics ‘disappointing’

MIAMI -- Adam Fox said he was told Wednesday that did not make the United States roster for the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026.

The New York Rangers defenseman said he received a call from U.S. general manager Bill Guerin informing him that he didn't make the team that will officially be announced Friday morning.

"Obviously, it's disappointing," Fox said. "I thought I played as well as I think I could have and that decision comes out of your hands at a certain point. It is what it is. You just have to move on."

Fox played for the U.S. at the 4 Nations Face-Off last season, where he appeared in all four games but did not have a point and was a minus-2. He was on the ice for Connor McDavid's overtime goal in the championship game that gave Canada a 3-2 win against the U.S.

This season, Fox has 28 points (four goals, 24 assists) in 28 games. He missed 14 consecutive games with an upper-body injury before returning Wednesday, when he had a goal and an assist in a 6-3 loss to the Washington Capitals.

Fox's second game back from injury will be the 2026 Discover NHL Winter Classic against the Florida Panthers at loanDepot park on Friday (8 p.m. ET; HBO MAX, truTV, TNT, SNW, SNO, SNE, TVAS).

"I don't think you have any expectation (to make the Olympic team) I would say, but I obviously thought my play this year was worthy of it and my track record as well," Fox said. "But it's out of my hands at a certain point. The decision is the decision and I guess that's how it goes."

Explore NHL.com's Coverage of the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026

Fox said his conversation with Guerin was about not making the team, so while it's possible he could be an injury replacement should the U.S. need one on defense before the Olympics begin on Feb. 11, he's not certain about that possibility.

"It was more just the news of not making it," Fox said. "You never know with injuries, but I guess if that happens to come we'll see, you know."

Fox and Rangers coach Mike Sullivan, who is also the U.S. Olympic team coach, did not appear to be concerned that their relationship could be adversely affected by the decision to keep him off the roster.

Rangers assistant David Quinn is also an assistant on Sullivan's staff for the Olympics, and New York general manager Chris Drury is part of Guerin's executive staff that selected the team.

"The focus from the start of the year has been with the Rangers and whatever that decision it's still a season, we've got a lot of games until that break," Fox said. "I think my focus is still with the Rangers and trying to win some games here."

Sullivan said he's had conversations with Fox about the Olympics, but he would not reveal the details of those.

"What I will tell you is that these teams that are being picked are the best of the best and there's so many good players, and there are very, very difficult decisions that have to be made," Sullivan said. "It is a collaborative effort on everybody's part and that's just the reality of these circumstances. We'll do our very best to be as professional and straightforward as we can be with everyone that's involved. 'Foxy' and I have had a number of conversations, and I'll keep those between us."