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Rangers star Adam Fox reacts to Olympics snub: ‘not what you want to hear’
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- Rangers star Adam Fox reacts to Olympics snub: ‘not what you want to hear’
David Kirouac-Imagn Images
Adam Fox won't represent the United States in the 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympics. The New York Rangers star confirmed Thursday he was left off Team USA's roster, which is to be officially unveiled Friday morning.
Fox did his best to shrug off the disappointing news when speaking with reporters following the Rangers ' outdoor practice at loanDepot Park in Miami ahead of the 2026 Winter Classic against the Florida Panthers on Friday.
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"I don't think you have any expectation, I would say," Fox said. "I thought my play this year was worthy of it. Track record as well. It's out of my hands at a certain point. The decision is the decision. I guess that's how it goes."
The 27-year-old defenseman averages a point per game this season, with 28 points (four goals, 24 assists) in 28 games. He's second on the Rangers in assists and third in points, despite missing 14 games with an upper-body injury.
Fox returned from his month-long injury absence Tuesday, scored a power-play goal and contributed an assist in New York's 6-3 loss to the Washington Capitals . He's been an elite play driver again this season, with a 61.54 percent expected goal share 5v5, per Natural Stat Trick . The Rangers hold a 24-15 scoring edge 5v5 with Fox on the ice.
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He's also an terrific power-play quarterback, one sorely missed by the Rangers following his injury. It's difficult to fathom that Team USA wouldn't benefit from having that skill set on its roster, even one that includes two of the best offensive defensemen in the League — Quinn Hughes of the Minnesota Wild and Zach Werenski of the Columbus Blue Jackets .
So, was he surprised when Team USA general manager Bill Guerin informed him of their decision?
"Obviously, it's not what you want to hear," Fox shared. "It is what it is."
Fox played for the United States at the 4 Nations Face-Off last February, and, in fact, was one of the initial six players named to the roster months prior. The Rangers stalwart was criticized for subpar play in the international best-on-best tournament, notably slow to react when Canada's Connor McDavid scored the winning goal in overtime of the championship game.
Adam Fox 'focus with Rangers' despite disappointing Olympics decision
Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
Despite the fallout from the 4 Nations Face-Off, it appeared there was a place on the U.S. Olympic squad for Fox. Especially because Rangers coach Mike Sullivan coaches Team USA. And Rangers GM Chris Drury is part of the management group under Guerin.
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"Adam and I have had a number of conversations around this, and I will keep that conversation between Adam and I," Sullivan said Thursday after practice. "What I will tell you is 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. It is a collaborative effort on everybody's part. And that's just the reality of the circumstances. We'll do our very best to be as professional and straightforward as we can be with everyone that's involved. But 'Foxy' and I have had a number of conversations, and I'll keep those between us."
Fox also said that he'd keep his talks with Sullivan "between us."
When asked if this hurts his relationship with Sullivan and/or Drury, Fox pivoted away from a direct answer.
"Yeah, I think just [the] focus from the start of the year has been with the Rangers. Whatever that decision was, I think it's still a season, we have a lot of games still till that break. I think my focus is still with the Rangers and trying to win some games here," he said.
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Fox likely remains on the short list of options should any one of Team USA's defensemen sustains an injury ahead of the Winter Games. The NHL pauses its schedule after games on Feb. 5 for the Olympic break, and resumes League play Feb. 25.
The Rangers schedule is very busy between now and the break, with 15 games to play, beginning with the highly-anticipated Winter Classic on Friday.
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