Devils Stars Eye 2026 Winter Olympics as Camp Invites Roll In

Yahoo

3 days ago

With the 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Milan fast approaching, national teams have begun announcing training camp rosters, and several New Jersey Devils players are in the mix.
For the first time since 2014, NHL players will officially participate in the Olympics. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman confirmed the news to NHL.com earlier this year:
'We are pleased to confirm that NHL players will be participating in the 2026 Olympic Games,' Bettman told NHL.com. 'Olympic participation will showcase the skill and talent of NHL players on an international stage. We are proud to collaborate with the IIHF, NHLPA, and IOC to bring the best hockey players in the world to the Olympics and make this happen in a way that benefits the game globally.'
Devils Already Locked In
Each participating country was allowed to name the first six players to their Olympic roster earlier this July. Five Devils have already secured their spots:
Nico Hischier, Timo Meier, and Jonas Siegenthaler - Switzerland
Ondrej Palat - Czechia
Simon Nemec - Slovakia
Canadian Devils Left Off Camp List
Hockey Canada recently released its 42-man orientation camp roster ahead of the Games. While stars like Connor McDavid, Sidney Crosby, and Cale Makar headline the list, no current or former Devils were invited, despite nine Canadian players on New Jersey's roster.
The NJ Devils team's current national breakdown is:
36% Canadian
20% American
12% Swiss
8% Finnish
8% Russian
8% Swedish
4% Czech
4% Slovak
Sweden: Bratt and Markstrom in the Mix
Two Devils are widely expected to represent Sweden:
Jesper Bratt
Jacob Markstrom
Despite not being named among Sweden's first six roster players, both are projected by most analysts to make the final team. Bratt made a strong impression in the Four Nations Face-Off, though he'll still need to earn a spot in final selections.
Markstrom's case is more complex. He suffered a knee injury during the Four Nations tournament and didn't appear in any games, which could impact his chances of being named Sweden's starting goaltender.
While he's never played in the Olympics, Markstrom has represented Sweden in both the IIHF World Championship and World Junior Championship, and has publicly said that playing in the Olympics is a lifelong dream.
He's expected to compete for the starting role against:
Filip Gustavsson (Minnesota Wild) – Started in the Four Nations tournament in Markstrom's absence
Linus Ullmark (Ottawa Senators)
Samuel Ersson (Philadelphia Flyers) – Unlikely to make the Olympic roster
What About Jack Hughes?
Team USA has yet to announce its Olympic camp roster, but it's widely expected that Jack Hughes will be among those selected.
Looking Ahead
Whether already selected or still competing for a spot, several New Jersey Devils are on track to represent their countries at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan. With NHL talent returning to the Games, fans can expect a highly competitive, and star-studded, tournament.
Photo Credit: © David Kirouac-Imagn Images