Montreal Canadiens defenseman Noah Dobson faces uncertainty about securing a position on Team Canada’s roster for the 2026 Winter Olympics, according to NHL analyst Stu Cowan. Although Dobson received an invitation to Team Canada’s orientation camp, his chances remain in question amid strong competition.
On August 2, during an interview on The Sick Podcast, Cowan expressed skepticism about Dobson’s likelihood of making the team headed to the Milano-Cortina games set for February 2026. While the invitation to the camp in Calgary from August 26-28 signals recognition from Team Canada scouts and officials, Cowan doubts that it guarantees a spot for Dobson.
Understanding the Competitive Landscape for Defense Positions
Dobson was one of 42 NHL players invited to the orientation camp, which also included female and para squad members, totaling over 90 invitees overall. Despite this inclusion being a positive step, Cowan pointed out the depth of talent on the Canadian blue line could limit Dobson’s opportunities. The current defensive roster features highly regarded players like Norris Trophy winner Cale Makar, Devon Toews, Shea Theodore, and Colton Parayko, making the competition particularly fierce.
Cowan commented on Dobson’s situation:
“And Dobson getting invited. I mean, the invite 42 guys are gonna have to have some scrimmages right before that, you have two teams. But for Dobs, that’s a good sign that the team and Canada scouts officials think highly enough of him to invite him to that camp.”
Despite this endorsement, Cowan remained cautious:
“I don’t know if there’s a spot on the blue line for him, when you look at what they had at the 4 Nations, but a confidence boost getting invited there and a great experience for him going.”
He added,
“I think Dobson, I’d be surprised…”
implying that Dobson’s inclusion on the final roster is far from assured.
More Montreal Canadiens Players Join Dobson at Orientation Camp
Noah Dobson is not the sole Canadien attending Team Canada’s orientation camp—his teammates Nick Suzuki and Samuel Montembeault are also among the invitees. Montembeault previously participated in last season’s 4 Nations Face-Off, although he saw limited playing time behind goalies Jordan Binnington and Adin Hill.
Meanwhile, Suzuki, absent from the 4 Nations roster last season, earned attention through his strong performance during the recent NHL campaign, helping lead Montreal to a playoff berth. His balanced offensive and defensive play could make him an asset for Team Canada’s middle six forwards.
All 24 players from Team Canada’s 4 Nations roster were invited to the upcoming camp, setting a high bar for Suzuki and other hopefuls. The competition for roster spots remains intense as management will reduce the list from 42 invitees to roughly 23 players by the end of 2024.
Implications for Team Canada Ahead of the 2026 Olympics
The orientation camp represents a critical early stage in assembling Team Canada’s final squad for the 2026 Winter Olympics, scheduled to take place in Italy. The process will require careful evaluation of players during scrimmages and drills in Calgary, as officials narrow down the roster.
Noah Dobson’s invitation to the camp is an encouraging sign for his development, but the depth of talent on the Canadian team, particularly on defense, creates significant hurdles to overcome. Whether Dobson can translate this opportunity into a lasting Olympic presence will depend on his performance in the camp and subsequent evaluations.
With the Games approaching, all eyes will be on the players competing for limited spots. The selections will shape Canada’s chances of success in Milano-Cortina, where the team aims to uphold its proud hockey tradition against the world’s best.