The 2026 Winter Olympics are taking place in Milan-Cortina, Italy, with the men’s ice hockey event being a major highlight. The tournament is set to start on Wednesday and will culminate with the gold medal game on February 22nd. This year, the competition has generated significant buzz because NHL players are returning to the Olympics for the first time in 12 years, since the 2014 Sochi Games. Since then, NHL players have only participated in the “Best Showdown” tournaments at the 2016 Hockey World Cup and last year’s Four-Nation Faceoff.
When the men’s tournament begins, five members of the Anaheim Ducks organization will be representing their countries, including four who are on NHL rosters. Over the next week and a half, their performances will be closely followed, with upcoming matches scheduled against Sweden, Slovakia, Finland, Canada, France, and Switzerland. Notably, 21-year-old Italian goaltender Damian Clara, who played as the starting goalie for Brynas IF in the Swedish Hockey League this season, is part of Italy’s roster. His selection made him the highest-drafted Italian player in NHL history when he was chosen 60th overall in 2023. Italy, as the host nation, received an automatic spot in the tournament, but they face tough competition, including several NHL-experienced teams like Slovakia and Sweden.
On the Czech side, 25-year-old goaltender Tomas Dostal is expected to be their starting netminder. He became a key player for the Ducks during the 2025-26 season, posting impressive stats, and previously earned a gold medal at the 2024 World Championship. Finland is dealing with adversity following star center Sasha Barkov’s injury, but Mikael Granlund—who wears the ‘C’ for Finland—will lead their team. Granlund recently signed a substantial three-year contract with the Ducks and has historically been a steady international contributor, making his second Olympic appearance.
For the Czech Republic, captain Radko Gudas will don the ‘A’ as he aims for a medal in what could be his final Olympics. Gudas is known for his physical style of play and has been a dependable presence on the ice for his country and the Ducks. Additionally, Ducks defenseman Leo Karlsson was initially slated to compete for Sweden but had to withdraw due to injury, being replaced by Marcus Johansson.
Further, defenseman Marko Lacombe, who joined the U.S. team after Seth Jones suffered an injury, has emerged as a solid option for the Americans. His strong season with the Ducks, where he demonstrated robust defensive skills and offensive contributions, has made him a notable roster addition.
In summary, the involvement of NHL talent and the international experience of these players will not only shape the outcome of the tournament but also boost their careers and elevate the global profile of hockey. The presence of NHL players at the Olympics underscores the sport’s growth and appeal on the international stage.
Fan Take: The return of NHL players to the Winter Olympics is a game-changer, fueling excitement among hockey fans worldwide and showcasing the sport’s top talent on a global platform. This tournament could redefine international hockey rivalries and inspire a new generation of players and fans alike.
