Men’s hockey at the Olympics has returned to featuring the best players from around the world, with NHL stars once again participating. The league had previously sent players to the Olympics from 1998 to 2014, but did not include them in 2018 due to disagreements and in 2022 to make up for coronavirus-related postponed games. The latest collective bargaining agreement now includes international tournaments, prompting the league to temporarily pause so players can represent their countries.
As a result, most of the roster spots in the 12 teams competing in Milan will be filled with NHL talent—including 19 of the top 25 NHL scorers—highlighting the league’s star power. Fans can look forward to seeing some of the league’s top players in action at the 2026 Winter Olympics, including Connor McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon, Sidney Crosby, Leon Draisaitl, and more.
Fan Take: The return of NHL players to the Olympics elevates international competition and sparks excitement among hockey fans worldwide. It signals a renewed commitment to showcasing top-tier talent on the global stage, which could inspire increased passion and viewership for the sport.
