Group winner picks, best bets for men's hockey at the 2026 Winter Olympics

What are the best bets to win the group stages in men's hockey at the 2026 Winter Olympics? Here's where to find value on DraftKings Sportsbook!

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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The 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy will feature the return of NHL players to national team rosters for the first time since 2014. The men's hockey tournament is set to be a star-studded affair, and DraftKings Sportsbook has released odds for the group stage winners. Canada is the heavy favorite in Group A, while the race for Group B between Sweden and Finland offers the best betting value. The United States is the clear favorite in Group C.

Why it matters

The inclusion of NHL players in the men's hockey tournament at the 2026 Winter Olympics is a significant development that has completely reshaped the landscape of the competition. This brings the world's top hockey talent to the international stage, creating a must-watch event for fans and an intriguing betting market for sports bettors.

The details

In Group A, Canada is the heavy -475 favorite to win the group with a roster headlined by stars like Connor McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar, and Sidney Crosby. The Czech Republic, Switzerland, and France round out the group. Group B is where the value lies, with Sweden (-155) and Finland (+140) battling for the top spot. The Swedes have a talented roster, but Finland's combination of offensive firepower and goaltending depth makes them an enticing underdog pick. Group C is dominated by the United States, who are -1100 favorites to win the group.

  • The 2026 Winter Olympics are taking place in Italy.
  • The men's hockey tournament begins on February 11 stateside.

The players

Connor McDavid

A Canadian professional ice hockey center and captain of the Edmonton Oilers in the NHL.

Nathan MacKinnon

A Canadian professional ice hockey center for the Colorado Avalanche in the NHL.

Mikko Rantanen

A Finnish professional ice hockey winger for the Colorado Avalanche in the NHL.

Sebastian Aho

A Finnish professional ice hockey center for the Carolina Hurricanes in the NHL.

Jack Eichel

An American professional ice hockey center for the Vegas Golden Knights in the NHL.

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What’s next

The men's hockey tournament at the 2026 Winter Olympics begins on February 11, with the group stage matches taking place over the following days.

The takeaway

The return of NHL players to the Olympic men's hockey tournament has created a must-watch event with an intriguing betting market. While Canada and the United States are the favorites in their respective groups, the battle between Sweden and Finland in Group B offers the best value for bettors looking to capitalize on the star-studded competition.