Adam Fox being excluded from Team USA’s Olympic roster was confusing on its own. What makes it more troubling is that he was left off despite having several familiar faces in positions that could have advocated for him. That reality raises concerns about how Fox is viewed internally and whether this moment could create future tension between the star defenseman and the New York Rangers. Being passed over in this way sends a message, and it is hard to imagine Fox feeling good about how his NHL organization stood behind him.
The topic came up during a discussion between Mike Futa and Elliotte Friedman, who examined Team USA’s selections and the role of head coach Mike Sullivan. Sullivan, who coaches Fox with the Rangers, did not ensure that his top defenseman made the Olympic team. Friedman pointed to a historical parallel in Tampa Bay, where a similar decision involving Martin St. Louis led to a fractured relationship with Steve Yzerman and eventually a trade after the Olympic break. Friedman emphasized that Sullivan cannot ignore the possibility that this decision could have long-term consequences.
“I don’t know that to be the base… I thought Adam Fox did a great job of taking the high road. I don’t think he was over the line or said anything bad.. but I don’t think we know yet what the full consequence of this can be or will be.”
When Sullivan was asked whether he would need to mend fences, he acknowledged ongoing communication with Fox while keeping details private. “Adam and I have had a number of conversations about this. I will that conversation between Adam and I.” He continued, “What I will tell you is is that in all 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, and it is a collaborative effort on everybody’s part, and that’s just the reality of the circumstances.”
Why Did The Rangers Not Go To Bat for Fox?
The most striking element of this situation is not simply that Fox was left off, but who appeared not to fight for him. Team USA’s staff and leadership include several figures with strong Rangers connections. Sullivan coaches Fox in New York. David Quinn is on the Rangers’ bench. Chris Drury is Fox’s NHL general manager and part of the Olympic decision-making group. Yet when the roster was finalized, Fox was excluded while Rangers teammates J.T. Miller and Vincent Trocheck made the team. Many would argue Fox had a stronger case than either player.
Convincing your best defenseman that he was not worth a serious push is a difficult sell.
Fox is a Norris Trophy winner, a consistent elite play-driver, and a player Team USA trusted during the 4 Nations Face-Off. If there was ever a moment when internal support should have mattered, this was it. Either those voices pushed hard and were overruled, or they did not push hard enough. Neither scenario is likely to sit well with Fox. It suggests either strong opposition to his inclusion or a lack of willingness from his own organization to fully fight for him.
This does not mean a Fox trade is around the corner. However, history shows that Olympic snubs can leave lasting scars. Martin St. Louis’ relationship with Tampa Bay never fully recovered after 2014.
Fox is a professional and will continue to say the right things publicly. Still, it is hard to believe this episode will not linger. When your own people are in the room and you are still left out, it changes how you view that room.