NHL Players Return to Olympic Hockey After 12 Years

NHL stars are playing in the Olympic ice hockey tournament again. This is the first time in 12 years. Many countries have their best players competing for the gold medal.
By Newsroom | Sports, Winter Olympics |

The men's Olympic ice hockey tournament commences this week, marking a significant return for National Hockey League (NHL) players to the international stage after a 12-year absence. This event signifies a renewed collaboration between the NHL, the NHL Players' Association (NHLPA), the International Olympic Committee (IOC), and the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF). Expectations are high for a tournament featuring top talent, with several national teams considered strong contenders for the gold medal.

Tournament Structure and Key Participants

The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina will host the men's ice hockey tournament, with games scheduled across two venues: the Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena and the Rho Fiera Milano Ice Hockey Arena. The competition format involves a preliminary round followed by a knockout stage.

  • Group A: Canada, Czechia, France, Switzerland

  • Group B: Finland, Italy, Slovakia, Sweden

  • Group C: Denmark, Germany, Latvia, United States

Read More: Olympic Games Have Many Controversies and Scandals

The tournament begins on February 11th, with the gold medal game scheduled for February 22nd.

Le tournoi olympique commence mercredi : Entrée en scène des joueurs de la LNH - 1

Return of NHL Talent

The inclusion of NHL players represents a significant shift after their absence in the previous Olympic Games. This return was facilitated through negotiations that extended the collective bargaining agreement during the COVID-19 pandemic. To further prepare, the NHL and NHLPA organized the "Four Nations Face-Off" tournament last season, featuring top players from Canada, Finland, Sweden, and the United States.

"The Olympics will showcase the skills and talent of NHL players on the international stage." - NHL representative

"The IOC is pleased with the agreement between the International Ice Hockey Federation, the National Hockey League, and the National Hockey League Players' Association." - Kirsty Coventry, IOC President

This signifies a landmark agreement, bringing the world's premier players back to Olympic competition.

Team Canada's Prospects and Lineup

Team Canada enters the tournament with considerable expectations, aiming for a third consecutive gold medal with NHL participation.

Read More: Finnish Ski Jumping Coach Sent Home From Olympics For Alcohol Issue

Le tournoi olympique commence mercredi : Entrée en scène des joueurs de la LNH - 2

  • Key Players: The Canadian roster boasts prominent NHL stars such as centers Connor McDavid (Edmonton Oilers) and Nathan MacKinnon (Colorado Avalanche), who were top scorers in the recent NHL season.

  • Goaltending Situation: Questions linger regarding the primary goaltender, with Jordan Binnington (St. Louis Blues) facing scrutiny due to his performance statistics. Other goaltenders on the roster include Devon Levi (Washington Capitals) and Darcy Kuemper (Los Angeles Kings), each with varying recent performance metrics.

  • Roster Depth: Canada has demonstrated depth by selecting players like Sam Bennett (Florida Panthers) and Seth Jarvis (Carolina Hurricanes) to fill roster spots left by injured players.

Canada's group play begins against Czechia on February 12th, followed by matches against Switzerland and France.

International Competition Landscape

Beyond Canada, other nations are poised to present strong challenges. The United States, grouped with Denmark, Germany, and Latvia, is also considered a significant contender.

Read More: Skier Johannes Klæbo's Fast Uphill Run Becomes Famous Online

"I believe there are high expectations since we learned we would be back in the Olympics and the announcement of the team's composition." - Unattributed quote regarding team expectations

The competitive balance across the groups suggests a compelling tournament with multiple teams vying for the podium.

Le tournoi olympique commence mercredi : Entrée en scène des joueurs de la LNH - 3

Player Experience in the Olympic Village

While many NHL players will reside in the Olympic Village, a strategic decision has been made for them to depart for the tournament itself, driven by the pursuit of a gold medal. This arrangement prioritizes focus on the competition.

"Good food, good bed. Asked about the subject by Le Journal, goaltender Jordan Binnington praised the facilities, the quality of the food and the comfort of the beds." - Report from Journal de Montreal

The team's focus remains on performance and achieving their objective of winning the gold medal.

Tournament Rules and Gameplay

The Olympic ice hockey tournament will adhere to IIHF rules, which differ from NHL regulations.

Read More: Ukrainian Skeleton Racer Removed from Olympics for Helmet Tribute

Le tournoi olympique commence mercredi : Entrée en scène des joueurs de la LNH - 4

"The problem at the Olympics is that it's hockey that's unwatchable." - Renaud Lavoie, TVA Sports hockey expert, cited in Journal de Montreal.

These rule variations may influence the style of play and require adjustments from the NHL players.

Conclusion and Implications

The return of NHL players to the Olympic Games injects a high level of skill and excitement into the tournament. The detailed schedule and group placements set the stage for a competitive event. The success of teams like Canada will be closely watched, with the gold medal game on February 22nd representing the culmination of the competition.

The NHL's participation signifies a strong commitment to international hockey development and provides a platform for fans worldwide to witness the sport's elite talent. The logistical arrangements, including player accommodations, highlight the multifaceted planning required for such a global event.

Sources

Read More: Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics: What Happened on Day Five

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When does the men's Olympic ice hockey tournament start?
The tournament begins on February 11th.
Q: Which NHL players are expected to play?
Top players like Connor McDavid and Nathan MacKinnon will play for Canada. Many other NHL stars will also compete.
Q: Where is the tournament being held?
The games will take place in Milan Cortina, Italy.
Q: Why are NHL players returning to the Olympics?
The NHL, NHL Players' Association, IOC, and IIHF agreed to let them play again after a 12-year break.
Q: Who are the main contenders for the gold medal?
Teams like Canada, the United States, and Sweden are expected to be strong contenders.