Hockey Canada has announced the first six players selected to represent the nation at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan. The initial lineup includes Sidney Crosby, Connor McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar, Brayden Point, and Sam Reinhart, with the notable omission of Sam Bennett sparking immediate reactions among fans.
The six chosen players mirror the group that participated in last year’s 4 Nations Face-Off, except that Sam Reinhart has replaced veteran Brad Marchand. This decision has prompted considerable discussion and mixed opinions from supporters on social media platforms.
Public Reactions to Canada’s Initial Olympic Selections
Many hockey enthusiasts have voiced their disappointment regarding the absence of Sam Bennett from the roster, fueling debate about the team’s forward choices. Some fans questioned the strength of Canada’s lineup against rivals like the United States, while others questioned whether Reinhart deserved a spot over Bennett.
“Where’s Sam Bennett,” one fan wrote.
“They don’t stand a chance against the mighty United States,” another fan wrote.
“Reinhart not a top 6 F for this team,” added another fan.
Additional commentary on social media reflected skepticism about the selection process, highlighting player choices such as Brayden Point and the return of Cale Makar following his suspension.
“Rhino over Bennett to start is an odd one to me,” one fan wrote on X.
“Makar’s suspension is over, I guess,” another fan added.
“Suzuki is better then Point,” one last fan added.
While the initial six names are confirmed, hockey fans anticipate months of ongoing discussion regarding the final makeup of Team Canada’s roster for the 2026 Games.
Team USA Projects a Strong Competitor for the Olympics
Among international opponents, the United States is seen as one of the few teams capable of matching Canada’s star power. NHL insider Frank Seravalli shared his forecast for Team USA’s first six players expected to be named for the Milan Winter Olympics during a post on X.
“Projecting Team USA first six players to be named for Milan 2026 Olympic Winter Games: F Auston Matthews, Captain #LeafsForever; F Jack Eichel #VegasBorn; F Brady Tkachuk #GoSensGo; F Matthew Tkachuk #TimeToHunt; D Quinn Hughes #Canucks; D Charlie McAvoy #NHLBruins,” Seravalli wrote.
USA Hockey is scheduled to reveal its initial six players officially at 1 p.m. EST on Monday. The rest of the Olympic rosters for all 12 participating countries will be announced later this year, ahead of the tournament’s start on February 11, 2026, continuing through February 22.
Implications of the Early Roster Revelations
The unveiling of these key players sets the stage for intense competition between Canada and its rivals in Milan. The debate surrounding omissions like Sam Bennett reflects the high expectations and passion among fans for Olympic hockey success. As both teams finalize their lineups, anticipation will build around how these early selections affect team dynamics and overall performance during the Games.