Team USA makes official roster change ahead of Olympic opener causing controversy

Team USA has just announced a roster change ahead of the Winter Olympics in Milan. The move comes after key defenseman Seth Jones was ruled out due to injury, forcing the Americans to adjust their lineup ahead of their Feb. 12 opener against Latvia.

Jackson LaCombe, after helping the U.S. win its first IIHF Men’s World Championship gold since 1933, has been called up to fill the vacancy. LaCombe is in his third full NHL season and brings valuable international experience to the team.

Team USA now has six left-shot defensemen, and two righties.

The player he replaces, Jones, has been sidelined with an upper-body injury and was moved from the Florida Panthers’ regular injured reserve to long-term injured reserve on Monday. He sustained an injury to his collarbone off a deflected puck early in the Winter Classic on Jan. 2. Jones had already been considered week-to-week, and this move confirms he is not close to returning.

Even with LaCombe added, Team USA has again passed over some high-profile defensemen, including Montreal Canadiens' Lane Hutson and New York Rangers’ Adam Fox, though Fox’s absence can likely be attributed to his current injury. Fans have been asking questions and sharing opinions about the selection on social media, sparking discussion over who should have made the roster.

Team USA is set to face Latvia on Feb. 12, with opening face-off at 9:10 p.m. local / 3:10 p.m. ET.

LaCombe’s addition ensures the Americans remain strong on the blue line as they chase Olympic glory, and fans will be eager to see how the newcomer impacts the team’s performance in the tournament opener.