Blackhawks Stars Predict Olympic Gold Medal Winners

Chicago players weigh in on the USA vs. Canada gold medal matchup at the 2026 Winter Olympics

Feb. 21, 2026 at 11:38pm

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Several Chicago Blackhawks players, including Frank Nazar, Sam Rinzel, Landon Slaggert, and Connor Murphy, have been closely following the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and are sharing their predictions for the gold medal game between the United States and Canada. The Blackhawks locker room is buzzing with international pride as the tournament reaches its climax this weekend.

Why it matters

The Blackhawks' young core, who represent the future of the franchise, are drawing inspiration from the elite international competition. Seeing former teammates and rivals compete on the global stage provides a spark as the NHL season grinds toward the spring.

The details

Frank Nazar, a standout since cracking the NHL roster full-time, is leaning heavily toward a U.S. gold medal, noting the speed of the American squad. Teammate Sam Rinzel, a towering right-shot defenseman, has been closely watching the blue line play throughout the tournament. Landon Slaggert and veteran Connor Murphy also offered their takes, acknowledging the respect for Canada's offensive output while keeping their hearts with Team USA. The consensus among the group sees a podium consisting of the North American giants and a European battle for the bronze medal.

  • The gold medal game is set for Sunday, February 23, 2026.
  • The bronze medal game featuring Slovakia and Finland will take place on Saturday, February 22, 2026.

The players

Frank Nazar

A standout Blackhawks player who has cracked the NHL roster full-time.

Sam Rinzel

A towering right-shot defenseman for the Blackhawks.

Landon Slaggert

A Blackhawks player who offered his prediction for the Olympic medal rounds.

Connor Murphy

A veteran presence on the Blackhawks' blue line who knows the intensity of elimination games.

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What they’re saying

“The speed on that U.S. roster is different.”

— Blackhawks player

What’s next

The real work starts when the puck drops in Milan for the gold medal game between the United States and Canada on Sunday.

The takeaway

The Blackhawks' young core is clearly drawing inspiration from the elite international competition at the 2026 Winter Olympics, with the players closely following the tournament and sharing their predictions for the gold medal matchup between the United States and Canada.