With the 2026 Winter Olympics scheduled to take place in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, next February, the initial squads for the men’s hockey teams are being revealed. Among the standout names leading the early roster announcements are Auston Matthews for the United States and Connor McDavid for Canada, highlighting the strong lineups expected in the upcoming tournament.
The 2026 Winter Games will mark the return of NHL players to Olympic hockey after a 12-year absence, as the league last participated in the 2014 Sochi Olympics. This edition will see 12 national teams vying for medals, but Russia will remain excluded due to ongoing sanctions related to the invasion of Ukraine. Both Canada and the USA are positioning themselves as top contenders, equipped with rosters featuring elite talent.
Top Stars Leading the Canadian Hockey Team
Canada’s roster features some of the biggest names in hockey, blending experience and skill across all positions. The lineup includes Connor McDavid of the Edmonton Oilers and veteran Sidney Crosby from the Pittsburgh Penguins, both renowned for their scoring abilities and leadership. Nathan MacKinnon, representing the Colorado Avalanche, adds high-impact offense, while Sam Reinhart and Brayden Point provide depth up front. On defense, Cale Makar from Colorado brings exceptional mobility and defensive acumen, rounding out a formidable Canadian squad.
United States’ Key Players on the Early Roster
The United States has revealed several headline players expected to lead the team. Auston Matthews from the Toronto Maple Leafs stands out as a top center with a blend of scoring and playmaking. Alongside him are Matthew and Brady Tkachuk, known for their aggressive style and physical presence, representing the Florida Panthers and Ottawa Senators respectively. Defensemen Quinn Hughes of the Vancouver Canucks and Charlie McAvoy from the Boston Bruins complement the core with strong defensive skills and the ability to contribute offensively. Jack Eichel from the Vegas Golden Knights also adds depth at the center position.
Other Leading Nations and Their Star Players
Several other countries have announced key players forming their initial Olympic squads. Czechia offers a strong offensive core led by David Pastrnak and Martin Necas, both Bruins and Avalanche forwards, while Radko Gudas anchors defense. Denmark features players like Nikolaj Ehler and Oliver Bjorkstrand from the NHL, supported by goalie Frederik Andersen.
Finland, the reigning 2022 Olympic gold medalists, have included Sebastian Aho and Mikko Rantanen among the initial six, signaling their intent to remain competitive. Aleksander Barkov and Miro Heiskanen also bring experience from the NHL. Germany’s roster boasts Leon Draisaitl of Edmonton and Moritz Seider from Detroit, highlighting their rising presence in international hockey.
Additional Participating Teams and Their Highlights
Italy, as host nation, has put forth its early roster featuring players such as Diego Kostner and Thomas Larkin, while Latvia is anchored by Rodrigo Abols and Elvis Merzlikins. Slovakia’s team will include promising talents like Juraj Slafkovsky and Martin Pospisil. Sweden’s roster features veterans Gabriel Landeskog and William Nylander, with Rasmus Dahlin leading the defense, whereas Switzerland relies on Kevin Fiala and Roman Josi to drive their offense and defense, respectively. France has yet to announce its initial roster.
Context and Expectations for Olympic Hockey in 2026
Since NHL players last competed at the Olympics in 2014, the return of these athletes marks an important milestone, promising heightened competition and thrilling matchups. The absence of Russia, a traditional hockey powerhouse, reshapes the competitive landscape, creating opportunities for other teams to advance further than in previous tournaments. Canada aims to recapture dominance, having recently secured a major victory over the United States in the 4 Nations Face-Off with McDavid scoring the winning overtime goal.
Both the United States and Canada seek to improve upon their 2022 quarterfinal exits by leveraging their star-studded lineups. The early roster announcements reflect a high caliber of skill and international experience, setting the stage for intense battles on the ice leading up to and during the Olympic tournament. As teams finalize their full rosters closer to February, fans worldwide anticipate seeing these elite players showcase their talents on the Olympic stage.