The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan are quick approaching, and pleasure is constructing throughout the NHL for its return to the Video games for the primary time since Sochi in 2014.
Final yr’s 4 Nations Face-Off event sizzled, but it surely was simply the appetizer for the Winter Video games (Feb. 6-22).
Six players have already been chosen to signify every nation, and plenty of others are shoo-ins to hitch them; nevertheless, loads of tough selections stay, significantly given the large play from sudden gamers to start out the 2025-26 season.
Here is who deserves Olympic consideration. (All statistics are by means of Sunday’s play):
Defenseman Matthew Schaefer, New York Islanders | Canada
In solely 23 video games, Schaefer has shattered expectations, producing 15 factors (seven objectives, eight assists) and rising as among the finest defensemen within the sport.
The truth that the 18-year-old’s identify is even in dialog to make Crew Canada reveals that, and whereas it stays unlikely that he’ll be chosen, Schaefer shall be on the forefront of Canadian hockey for years to return.
Left wing Cutter Gauthier, Anaheim Geese | U.S.
The rebuild is over in Anaheim (14-7-1), which is first within the Western Convention, and a focus in that turnaround is its goal-scoring winger. After the 2024 saga that despatched him from Philadelphia to Anaheim, Gauthier has settled in and is lastly enjoying just like the No. 5 decide he was in 2022.
Crew USA was missing youth on its 4 Nations roster, however the 21-year-old goals to alter change that for Milan. Gauthier has proven off his elite talent, shot and velocity and scored 26 factors (13 objectives, 13 assists) in 22 video games this season.
Heart John Tavares, Toronto Maple Leafs | Canada
Loads of kids are placing themselves on the map, however don’t overlook in regards to the outdated guard. Tavares has performed extraordinarily properly, tallying 27 factors (12 objectives, 15 assists) in simply 22 video games. Not unhealthy for a 35-year-old.
Many had written the veteran off after his down 2023-24 marketing campaign, however he is without doubt one of the extra constant gamers within the league this season. Plus, he has Olympic expertise, having performed on Canada’s gold medal-winning crew in Sochi in 2014.
Heart Emil Heineman, New York Islanders | Sweden
Heineman is one other Islander who’s has an opportunity to go to Milan. He was extra of an afterthought within the offseason commerce that despatched defenseman Noah Dobson to Montreal, however his play has him wanting like an integral piece to the puzzle.
In 23 video games, Heineman has already racked up 15 factors (9 objectives, six assists), simply three factors shy of his profession excessive from final season.
Goalie Scott Wedgewood, Colorado Avalanche | Canada
Essentially the most talked about and scrutinized positional group is goaltending for Canada. St. Louis’ Jordan Binnington (3.13 GAA) and Washington’s Logan Thompson (2.25 GAA) seem to have locked up the primary two spots, leaving Wedgewood as the perfect candidate for No. 3 goalie.
Wedgewood performs for the NHL’s greatest crew (16-1-5) and has spectacular stats (13-1-2, 2.09 GAA, .918 save share and three shutouts). He must be a no brainer.
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