Six months before the start of the 2026 Winter Olympics, Milan will host a renewed wave of NHL stars taking the world stage for their countries. The event runs from February 11 to 22, 2026, marking the first time since 2014 that NHL players have the chance to compete on Olympic ice. The buildup follows an encouraging preview from February’s 4 Nations Face-Off, which hinted at the depth and drama to come.
Among the notable leaders, Sidney Crosby will captain Team Canada in Milan as he pursues his third Olympic gold. Crosby’s leadership this year helped Canada capture the 4 Nations Face-Off title, and his success has been mirrored across Canada’s gold-medal contenders in major events such as the World Championships, World Juniors, and the World Cup of Hockey.
On the international front, Penguins goaltender Arturs Silovs was named to Latvia’s roster, one of six players announced in mid-June. Latvia showed advancement by winning bronze at the 2023 World Championships, and Silovs’ presence gives the Baltic nation a competitive edge that could surprise at the Olympics.
Sweden is another heavyweight in the mix, entering Milan with considerable depth across all positions. Penguins forward Rickard Rakell and defenseman Erik Karlsson each featured for Sweden in February and looked strong enough to be in the mix for a final Olympic roster. Their performances, combined with Sweden’s overall depth, make the team a legitimate favorite.
The case for Erik Karlsson
Karlsson logged heavy minutes for Sweden during the 4 Nations Face-Off, frequently paired with Mattias Ekholm. Ekholm’s steady defensive coverage allowed Karlsson to push the puck and contribute offensively, with Sweden’s coaching staff keeping a tight leash to minimize mistakes. Karlsson finished the 4 Nations with one goal and three points in three games and wrapped up the 2024-25 season with 11 goals and 53 points in 82 games. He was a primary source of offense from the Penguins’ blue line and tied for fifth among NHL defensemen in 5-on-5 points with 33.
Sweden’s blue line is deep, but Karlsson is uniquely valuable on the right side. When asked about the Olympics after the 4 Nations, Karlsson affirmed the team’s optimism, saying, “We’ll be better.” If Karlsson stays healthy, expect him to be in Milan representing his country.
The case for Rakell
Rakell capped a career year with the Penguins, setting new personal benchmarks with 35 goals and 70 points in 81 games. He thrived with top-drawer talent around him, skating regularly with Crosby and Evgeni Malkin and shining at both 5-on-5 and on the power play. Rakell contributed 26 goals at 5-on-5 and posted a shooting percentage of 17.2%, the second-best mark of his career (his only higher season was 2016-17 with Anaheim when he hit 18.6%). That year, he collected 33 goals and 51 points in 71 games.
Rakell joined Sweden’s squad late in the 4 Nations after William Karlsson’s injury opened a spot. He played alongside William Nylander and Mika Zibanejad in the top forward group and impressed with his readiness and production. Sweden’s Olympic roster is capped at 25, while the 4 Nations roster was 23, so Rakell will need to secure one of the final two slots if Karlsson is healthy and returns to the lineup.
Sweden’s forward corps is exceptionally deep, and Rakell’s track record as a 28-goal threat who has reached 60-plus points in multiple seasons makes him a strong candidate to realize a pivotal Olympic role.
What to watch as Milan 2026 approaches
– Crosby’s leadership and call for gold for Team Canada remains a storyline to watch, especially after his proven success in international play.
– Karlsson’s fit on Sweden’s right side could unlock offensive potential and influence Sweden’s overall balance on the blue line.
– Rakell’s continued goal-scoring form and his chemistry with Sweden’s other top forwards will be tested in the Olympic arena.
– Latvia’s Silovs will be an under-the-radar factor, with his performance potentially influencing Latvia’s ability to push beyond expectations.
– Final rosters will be announced later, with Sweden expected to carry a 25-man squad and the Olympic roster generally tightening as teams balance depth and specialty roles.
Commentary and context
The return of NHL players to the Olympics injects a fresh, international spotlight on players who are longtime staples of the league. For Penguins fans, the Milan tournament offers a chance to see Crosby and teammates align in a global setting and for Karlsson and Rakell to demonstrate that their recent seasons translate to international success. If Karlsson’s right-side presence and Rakell’s continued scoring touch translate to Olympic success, Sweden could strengthen its already formidable bid for gold, while Canada aims to capitalize on Crosby’s leadership and depth across its roster.
Summary
With Crosby leading Team Canada and Karlsson and Rakell anchoring Sweden, Milan 2026 promises a high-stakes showcase of top NHL talent on the Olympic stage, a welcome return after a 12-year hiatus that should thrill fans and elevate the competition.
Note: Final rosters will be announced at a later date.