Fantasy picks, props, futures for Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026

Daily players to watch with projections for international tournament; new podcast episode

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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The NHL Fantasy Hockey staff provides analysis and projections for key players to watch at the upcoming 2026 Olympic Winter Games in Milano Cortina, Italy. The article highlights three players - Mikael Granlund of Finland, Joel Eriksson Ek of Sweden, and Simon Nemec of Slovakia - and discusses their expected roles, recent performance, and advanced stats that make them intriguing fantasy options for the international tournament.

Why it matters

The 2026 Olympic Winter Games in Milano Cortina will feature the best hockey players from around the world competing for their national teams. Fantasy hockey managers will be looking to gain an edge by identifying top performers and sleepers for the international tournament, which can provide valuable points and bragging rights.

The details

Mikael Granlund, the 33-year-old Finland forward who plays for the Anaheim Ducks in the NHL, is expected to play a prominent role for his national team with Aleksander Barkov injured. Granlund led Finland in points (4) and goals (3) at the recent 4 Nations Face-Off tournament and could see increased responsibility alongside Mikko Rantanen and Roope Hintz on the top line. Joel Eriksson Ek, the 29-year-old Sweden forward for the Minnesota Wild, is projected to skate on the first line with Adrian Kempe and William Nylander. Eriksson Ek has 40 points in 52 games for the Wild this season and is a strong two-way center. Simon Nemec, the 21-year-old Slovakia defenseman for the New Jersey Devils, is expected to play on the top pair and first power-play unit. Nemec leads Devils blueliners in goals (8) and has shown a knack for scoring timely goals.

  • The 2026 Olympic Winter Games will take place in Milano Cortina, Italy.

The players

Mikael Granlund

A 33-year-old forward for the Anaheim Ducks who is expected to play a prominent role for the Finland national team at the 2026 Olympics.

Joel Eriksson Ek

A 29-year-old forward for the Minnesota Wild who is projected to skate on Sweden's top line at the 2026 Olympics.

Simon Nemec

A 21-year-old defenseman for the New Jersey Devils who is expected to play on Slovakia's top pair and first power-play unit at the 2026 Olympics.

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What they’re saying

“The Finland forward, who plays for the Anaheim Ducks, led them in points (four in three games) and goals (three) at the 4 Nations Face-Off and scored in overtime against Sweden during the round-robin portion of that tournament.”

— Chris Meaney, NHL Fantasy Hockey Staff (nhl.com)

“The Sweden forward, who plays for the Minnesota Wild, is expected to play on the first line with wings Adrian Kempe and William Nylander. Eriksson Ek has 40 points (15 goals, 25 assists) in 52 games for the Wild this season and had eight points (four goals, four assists), including three power-play points, during a six-game point streak before the Olympic break.”

— Chris Meaney, NHL Fantasy Hockey Staff (nhl.com)

“The Slovakian defenseman, who plays for the New Jersey Devils, is expected to play on the top pair with Martin Fehervary of the Washington Capitals, as well as the first power-play unit. Nemec, who is one of the 10 returning players who helped Slovakia win bronze at the 2022 Olympics, leads Devils defensemen in goals (eight in 43 games) this season, including three game-winners which are tied for seventh at the position in the NHL.”

— Troy Perlowitz, NHL Fantasy Hockey Staff (nhl.com)

The takeaway

These three players - Granlund, Eriksson Ek, and Nemec - represent some of the top fantasy hockey options to target for the 2026 Olympic Winter Games in Milano Cortina. Their strong recent performances, expected prominent roles for their national teams, and advanced statistical profiles make them intriguing picks to help fantasy managers gain an edge in the international tournament.