NHL Stars Eye Olympic Selection as 2026 Games Approach

TORONTO, Canada — With only 88 days until men’s hockey competition begins at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympics, players are making strong cases to secure their spots on national rosters. Teams must finalize their rosters by the December 31 deadline, intensifying competition among athletes eager to shine on the Olympic stage.

Connor Bedard, the standout center for the Chicago Blackhawks, has impressed with 25 points (nine goals, 16 assists) over 16 games, tying him for second in league scoring. At just 20 years old, Bedard’s hot start is crucial for his Olympic prospects.

Macklin Celebrini, a 19-year-old center for the San Jose Sharks, is also drawing attention. Celebrini, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, has contributed 24 points (10 goals, 14 assists) in the same span, positioning himself as a likely candidate for Team Canada.

As for Team USA, Matthew Knies is emerging as a significant talent. In his third NHL campaign, he has averaged over a point per game, contributing to the scoring efforts and showing promise as a top-six forward.

General manager Doug Armstrong mentioned, “We went obviously by forwards, [defensemen], goalies,” at a recent management meeting. He acknowledged that players like Bedard and Celebrini have caught the attention of not only Team Canada but also other hockey analysts and fans.

Other notable players vying for Olympic selection include Tage Thompson of the Buffalo Sabres, who has scored 14 points in 17 games, and Nazem Kadri, Team Canada’s veteran leader, still looking to secure his place after turning 34.

With roster discussions heated, Canada management aims to narrow its prospects down to a manageable list by early December. Armstrong indicated the need for consistent performance throughout the month could influence last-minute additions to the final lineup before the Olympic tournament, scheduled for February 11-22, 2026.