Top NHL Stars Suiting Up for Their Countries at 2026 Olympics

NHL players return to the Winter Olympics for the first time since 2014, bringing star power to the men's hockey tournament.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan will feature a star-studded men's hockey tournament, with 19 of the NHL's top 25 scorers representing their national teams. After missing the last two Olympics, NHL players are back as part of the latest collective bargaining agreement. Headliners like Connor McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon, Sidney Crosby, Leon Draisaitl, and Matthew and Brady Tkachuk will be among the biggest draws.

Why it matters

The return of NHL players to the Olympic men's hockey tournament is a major boost for the sport, bringing the best-on-best competition that fans crave. It also provides a global showcase for the league's top talents to represent their home countries on the international stage.

The details

The NHL has sent its players to the Olympics from 1998 to 2014, but missed the 2018 and 2022 Games due to a lack of agreement and the need to make up COVID-postponed games. With the latest CBA including international tournaments, the league has shut down for several weeks to allow its stars to suit up for their national teams in Milan.

  • The 2026 Winter Olympics men's hockey tournament will take place in Milan, Italy.
  • NHL players last participated in the Olympics in 2014.

The players

Connor McDavid

The three-time Hart Trophy winner for the Edmonton Oilers is considered the NHL's top player and led the league in scoring this season.

Nathan MacKinnon

The Colorado Avalanche center won the Stanley Cup in 2022 and was the league MVP in 2024.

Sidney Crosby

The Pittsburgh Penguins captain is the NHL's most recognizable name, with three Stanley Cup titles and two Olympic gold medals.

Leon Draisaitl

The Edmonton Oilers center is considered the NHL's second-best player behind McDavid and won the Hart Trophy in 2020.

Connor Hellebuyck

The Winnipeg Jets goaltender has won the Vezina Trophy as the NHL's top goalie the past two seasons and was voted league MVP last year.

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The takeaway

The star-studded 2026 Olympic men's hockey tournament will provide a global showcase for the NHL's top talents as they represent their home countries on the international stage, reigniting the best-on-best competition that hockey fans have been craving.