Sun Nov 16 01:40:00 UTC 2025: NHL Stars Making Their Case for the 2026 Winter Olympics

Milan, Italy – With the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina just 88 days away, NHL players are making a final push to secure a coveted spot on their national teams. The December 31st deadline looms, forcing teams to finalize their rosters amidst standout performances and surprising surges from hopefuls.

The Athletic surveyed its NHL staff to identify players from each team who are making a strong case for Olympic consideration.

Key Highlights:

  • Canada: The competition is fierce, with established stars like Brad Marchand reaffirming their place alongside emerging talents such as Connor Bedard and Macklin Celebrini. Morgan Geekie’s unexpected goal-scoring surge, Seth Jarvis’s all-around contributions, and Nick Suzuki’s dominant play since the 4 Nations Face-Off are also turning heads. Goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood could be a surprise addition.

  • USA: Dylan Larkin has essentially secured his spot, bolstered by his strong start. Other players like Jason Robertson, Matt Boldy, and Trevor Zegras are showcasing their skills, forcing Team USA to consider younger, high-performing options. Adam Fox and Jake Sanderson are standing out on defense, and Bryan Rust’s versatility and big-game experience could make him a valuable asset.

  • Sweden: Leo Carlsson is rapidly emerging as a potential No. 1 center for Sweden, while Filip Forsberg is expected to be a lock. Philip Broberg is excelling as a shutdown defenseman.

  • Other Nations: David Tomasek of Czechia, JJ Peterka of Germany, and Akira Schmid of Switzerland are among the players making compelling cases for their respective countries.

The next few weeks will be crucial as players continue to impress and teams make tough decisions, shaping the landscape of the 2026 Olympic hockey tournament.

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