The 2026 Winter Olympics are only a couple months away, and NHL gamers will take part for the primary time since 2014. That signifies that Canada shall be much more loaded than typical with superstars at practically each place on the ice.

Hockey Canada common supervisor Doug Armstrong has numerous powerful selections to make as he finalizes his roster over the following month, however it’s a superb downside to have. A number of the simpler calls have already been made as Canada introduced its first six gamers again in June.

Connor McDavid (Oilers), Nathan MacKinnon (Avalanche), Sam Reinhart (Panthers), Brayden Level (Lightning), Sidney Crosby (Penguins) and Cale Makar (Avalanche) will all make the journey to Italy. The query is what different 19 gamers shall be becoming a member of them?

That is what I am going to try to reply at present as I undertaking Canada’s full roster for the 2026 Olympics. This projection is predicated on how gamers have carried out during the last yr, with current play being weighted a bit extra closely. I did the identical with a have a look at Staff USA if you wish to verify that out.

This is how Canada’s Olympic roster selections ought to shake out, utilizing the 4 Nations Face-Off roster as one thing of a base:

*denotes participant already introduced on roster

Forwards

• Connor Bedard, Blackhawks
• Macklin Celebrini, Sharks
• Sidney Crosby, Penguins*
• Brandon Hagel, Lightning
• Seth Jarvis, Hurricanes
• Wyatt Johnston, Stars
• Nathan MacKinnon, Avalanche*
• Brad Marchand, Panthers
• Mitch Marner, Golden Knights
• Connor McDavid, Oilers*
• Brayden Level, Lightning*
• Sam Reinhart, Panthers*
• Mark Scheifele, Jets
• Nick Suzuki, Canadiens

Canada’s largest benefit is up entrance. No different nation can match the Canadians’ star energy on the prime or their absurd depth. In fact, meaning some nice gamers will get left off the roster.

With 5 forwards already locked in, that left 9 spots up for grabs. The headliners there are younger stars Connor Bedard and Macklin Celebrini. Possibly Armstrong does not need to take each, however at this level it is laborious to disclaim them. Celebrini is tied for second within the NHL with 40 factors and Bedard is fourth with 39. Have a look at what these two do on a nightly foundation and inform me they do not deserved an Olympic nod.

Mark Scheifele is one other participant who wasn’t on the 4 Nations roster, however he has carried the Winnipeg Jets’ offense this season. He is producing at a 107-point tempo, and Canada would not ask him to play an enormous position, however Scheifele can be a superb bottom-six scorer for the Canadians.

Past these selections, Wyatt Johnston has greater than earned his spot. He is second on the Stars in targets (16) and third in factors (31). During the last couple years, he is confirmed to be a rising star within the NHL. The identical could be stated for Nick Suzuki and Seth Jarvis.

Defensemen

• Evan Bouchard, Oilers
• Jakob Chychrun, Capitals
• Cale Makar, Avalanche*
• Josh Morrissey, Jets
• Colton Parayko, Blues
• Matthew Schaefer, Islanders
• Shea Theodore, Golden Knights
• Devon Toews, Avalanche

Let’s begin with the controversial name right here. I feel Evan Bouchard must be on this roster. Sure, when he makes a defensive error, it is normally of the catastrophic selection. That stated, Bouchard brings immense upside to this roster. Put his puck-moving skill on the ice with that assortment of forwards, and you’ve got a harmful combine.

No. 1 total choose Matthew Schaefer has performed his means onto this roster, and you’ll’t inform me in any other case. Schaefer is tied for the rookie scoring lead with 20 factors, and the Islanders personal a plus-10 objective differential with him on the ice at five-on-five. There may be some concern Schaefer might be overwhelmed by the second, however that definitely hasn’t been a problem on the NHL stage but.

The opposite shock — even to me when placing collectively this projection — was Jakob Chychrun. He is produced on the offensive finish with 24 factors, and he is been driving play for the Capitals. Given the selection between younger Stars defenseman Thomas Harley and Chychrun, I must go together with the latter proper now, and that is coming from somebody who was on the Harley hype practice final yr.

Goalies

• Jet Greaves, Blue Jackets
• Logan Thompson, Capitals
• Scott Wedgewood, Avalanche

If the above listing did not make it apparent sufficient, Canada has a goaltending problem. It used to provide superstars on the place, however that simply hasn’t been the case recently. As such, all three spots are very a lot up for grabs.

The simplest projection right here needs to be Logan Thompson, who has been nice for the Capitals courting again to final season. His 21.8 targets saved above common over that span rank sixth within the league, per Pure Stat Trick.

Given the choices at Canada’s disposal, it can not ignore what Scott Wedgewood is doing proper now. He is third within the league with 10.6 targets saved above common are third within the NHL, and his .833 high-danger save share is terrific. He ought to get the not over a struggling Jordan Binnington with ease.

The third goalie spot is de facto powerful to learn as a result of there aren’t many good choices in any respect. Greaves, nonetheless, has proven that he could be a regular presence for the Columbus Blue Jackets. Due to the roster in entrance of the crease, regular is all Canada actually wants out of its goaltender.