Hockey Canada had some powerful selections to finalize its roster for the 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics however assembled a staff that’s the gold medal favourite this month in Italy.
Canada began issues off by saying six gamers — Connor McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon, Sidney Crosby, Brayden Level, Sam Reinhart and Cale Makar — which left 19 spots up for grabs. Budding stars Macklin Celebrini and Connor Bedard made a formidable push for Olympic roster spots, however Celebrini obtained the nod and Bedard will likely be staying at house.
One other teenager who constructed a formidable case was New York Islanders rookie defenseman Matthew Schaefer. The 18-year-old has been stupendous in his younger NHL profession, however he simply missed out on becoming a member of Group Canada.
The true query for Canada was what it might do in aim. Jordan Binnington, who began and received the 4 Nations Face-Off ultimate lower than a yr in the past, struggled early within the 2025-26 NHL season. In the meantime, gamers like Logan Thompson and Darcy Kuemper performed their approach into Olympic consideration.
Right here is the total roster Group Canada will take to the 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics:
*denotes harm alternative
Forwards
- Sam Bennett, Panthers*
- Macklin Celebrini, Sharks
- Sidney Crosby, Penguins
- Bo Horvat, Islanders
- Nathan MacKinnon, Avalanche
- Brad Marchand, Panthers
- Mitch Marner, Golden Knights
- Connor McDavid, Oilers
- Brayden Level, Lightning
- Sam Reinhart, Panthers
- Mark Stone, Golden Knights
- Nick Suzuki, Canadiens
- Tom Wilson, Capitals
Defensemen
Goalies
- Jordan Binnington, Blues
- Darcy Kuemper, Kings
- Logan Thompson, Capitals
Bedard, Schaefer amongst snubs
Connor Bedard and Matthew Schaefer are among the many finest younger gamers within the league proper now, they usually’re each within the midst of remarkable seasons. Bedard’s shoulder harm might have had some affect on this choice by Canada, however by leaving him in North America, the Canadians will depart behind a ton of offensive upside.
With regards to Schaefer, Hockey Canada was in all probability at all times going to be hesitant about throwing an 18-year-old into the Olympic fireplace. Having mentioned that, Schaefer hasn’t actually been enjoying his age as he has greater than held his personal towards the very best on the planet at five-on-five, and I believe he might have been a better option over Harley or Sanheim.
Binnington makes the lower
Whereas Binnington did lead Canada to gold within the 4 Nations Face-Off earlier this yr, he is performed every part he can to play his approach off the Olympic roster in 2025-26 with uninspired play on the NHL stage. Canada should have quite a lot of religion he can flip it round by the point the staff aircraft lands in Italy.
That is particularly the case as a result of there have been extra intriguing choices, like both of the Colorado Avalanche goalies. Scott Wedgewood has been a revelation this season, and Mackenzie Blackwood has quietly put collectively a formidable resume over the past two or three years. If the choice was primarily based strictly off NHL efficiency, both a type of goalies would have gone over Binnington, however the 4 Nations Face-Off clearly made a huge impact.
Canada operating it again on protection
The Canadians are rolling with the identical defensive group that helped them win the 4 Nations. On the one hand, if it ain’t broke, do not repair it. Then once more, there might have been some potential upgrades on the market for Group Canada.
Sanheim brings stability and reliability, however he supplies little in the way in which of offensive upside. Harley, regardless of a breakout 2024-25 season, has been woefully ineffective this season. That is why I am slightly stunned that the Canadians did not take one among Evan Bouchard or Jakob Chychrun. The previous might have some defensive lapses, however he’s an offensive wizard. The latter is presently constructing a Norris Trophy candidacy with 30 factors and spectacular underlying numbers. Even the rookie Schaefer may have supplied a stronger two-way recreation.
