Connor McDavid Excited for First Olympic Appearance with Team Canada

Oilers captain says representing country at 2026 Winter Games is a "dream come true"

Jan. 28, 2026 at 4:31pm

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Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid is eagerly anticipating his first opportunity to play for Team Canada at the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina, Italy. McDavid, along with teammates Leon Draisaitl and Josh Samanski, will represent their respective national teams at the Games, which will feature NHL players participating for the first time since 2014.

Why it matters

McDavid's inclusion on the Canadian Olympic hockey team is a significant milestone in his career, as the Olympics represent the pinnacle of international competition. The 2026 Winter Games will mark the return of NHL players to the Olympic stage after an eight-year absence, heightening the anticipation and excitement around the men's hockey tournament.

The details

McDavid, who is 29 years old, says he vaguely remembers watching the 2002 Winter Olympics but has clear memories of Sidney Crosby's golden goal that clinched the gold medal for Canada in 2010. The Oilers captain is eager to create his own Olympic legacy and help lead Canada to gold. Edmonton has four games remaining before the Olympic break, and McDavid will be joined on the Canadian team by Draisaitl and Samanski, who will represent Germany.

  • The 2026 Winter Olympics will take place from February 6-22 in Milano Cortina, Italy.
  • The men's Olympic hockey tournament begins on February 11 and concludes with the gold medal game on February 22.
  • Canada's first game is against Czechia on February 12 (10:40 a.m. ET).

The players

Connor McDavid

The 29-year-old captain of the Edmonton Oilers, making his first appearance for Team Canada at the Olympic Games.

Leon Draisaitl

An Oilers teammate of McDavid's who will represent Germany at the 2026 Olympics.

Josh Samanski

A recently recalled forward for the Oilers who will also play for Team Germany at the Winter Games.

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What they’re saying

“Going into the summer, you know you need a big summer and a big year. You have to play a lot of hockey and get yourself ready for what should be a great tournament. I'm definitely excited about it, it's on my mind a lot these days for sure and I'm excited to get going.”

— Connor McDavid

“It's the biggest sporting event in the world and to do it together with 25 of Canada's best hockey players, it's a dream come true, it really is. I know everybody feels the same way and we're just looking for the opportunity to go over and play.”

— Connor McDavid

What’s next

The Oilers have four games remaining before the Olympic break, including matchups against the San Jose Sharks, Minnesota Wild, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Calgary Flames.

The takeaway

Connor McDavid's first Olympic appearance with Team Canada at the 2026 Winter Games represents a career-defining moment for the superstar forward. After an eight-year absence, the return of NHL players to the Olympic stage has heightened the anticipation and excitement around the men's hockey tournament, where McDavid will have the opportunity to help lead Canada to gold and cement his legacy as one of the game's all-time greats.