NHL players will make their return to the Olympics for the first time since the 2014 Winter Games held in Sochi, Russia. This long-awaited event is set to take place in Milan, Italy, in February 2026. National hockey federations had until December 31, 2025, to finalize and submit their rosters for the tournament, and several countries have already revealed their selections.
On New Year’s Eve, Canada announced its roster, followed by announcements from the United States, Sweden, and Finland on January 2, 2026. Finland enters the competition as the defending champion after securing gold in the 2022 Beijing Olympics, while Canada holds a strong legacy, having won the previous two Olympic tournaments involving NHL players in 2010 and 2014.
As of now, the announced Olympic rosters include:
For the United States, the highlighted players include:
– F Jack Eichel (Golden Knights)
– F Auston Matthews (Maple Leafs)
– F Brady Tkachuk (Senators)
– D Quinn Hughes (Wild)
– G Connor Hellebuyck (Jets)
Canada’s team boasts elite talent such as:
– F Sidney Crosby (Penguins)
– F Connor McDavid (Oilers)
– D Cale Makar (Avalanche)
– G Jordan Binnington (Blues)
Finland has named notable players including:
– F Sebastian Aho (Hurricanes)
– D Miro Heiskanen (Stars)
– G Juuse Saros (Predators)
Sweden’s roster features stars like:
– F Gabriel Landeskog (Avalanche)
– D Victor Hedman (Lightning)
Additionally, teams from Czechia, Switzerland, Slovakia, Germany, Latvia, Denmark, France, and Italy have also announced their early selections, showcasing a global array of hockey talent set to compete on the world stage.
This Olympic tournament promises to be an exciting showcase of international hockey, with fans eagerly anticipating the clash of the game’s best players representing their countries. The inclusion of NHL players adds an exhilarating level of competition and raises expectations for unforgettable moments in Milan.