2026 Winter Olympics – Men's Ice Hockey Betting Odds & Team Outlooks
As the IIHF World Championships work their way into the final rounds, we look ahead to the next international tournament with the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Officially known as the Milano Cortina 2026, the Olympic games will be hosted in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy, from February 6 to 22 with NHL players returning to Olympic ice for the first time since the Four Nations Face-Off this past February. The men's hockey tournament promises to be one of the premier events of the Games.
Official Venues: PalaItalia and Fiera Milano Pavilion, Milan.
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1. Canada (+150)
2. USA (+200)
3. Sweden (+550)
4. Finland (+750)
5. Czechia (+1400)
6. Switzerland (+5000)
7. Slovakia (+5000)
8. Germany (+5000)
9. Latvia (+14000)
10. Denmark (+14000)
11. Italy (+25000)
12. France (+25000)
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Canada enters the tournament as the favorite thanks to its world-class talent pool. Led by superstars such as Connor McDavid, Sidney Crosby, Nathan MacKinnon, and Cale Makar, the Canadians boast a near-unmatched combination of speed, skill, and experience.
While goaltending has been an area of concern in the past, Jordan Binnington showed at Four Nations that he can be a gamer and a reliable netminder when his nation needs him. Anything less than gold would be seen as a disappointment for this hockey powerhouse.
The United States is poised to challenge Canada's dominance with one of its deepest Olympic rosters in history. Auston Matthews headlines a forward group supported by Jack Eichel, Matthew and Brady Tkachuk.
On defense, Adam Fox and Quinn Hughes add elite puck-moving skills. With Connor Hellebuyck likely starting in net, the U.S. has a real chance to capture its first Olympic gold in the sport since 1980.
Sweden always brings a balanced, technically skilled team, and 2026 is no different. Veterans like Victor Hedman and Erik Karlsson will anchor the defense, while William Nylander, Elias Pettersson, and Mika Zibanejad provide offensive firepower.
If they can get consistent goaltending from Linus Ullmark or Filip Gustavsson, Sweden has the tools to make a deep run.
Finland's reputation for structured, defensive hockey and team-first mentality makes them a perennial dark horse. Aleksander Barkov, Sebastian Aho, and Mikko Rantanen headline a solid group of forwards.
On defense, Miro Heiskanen leads the charge. With their gold-medal win at the 2022 Olympics still fresh, the Finns can never be overlooked.
Czechia brings a dangerous blend of scoring talent and grit. David Pastrnak is a game-breaking winger, supported by Tomas Hertl, David Krejci, and Martin Nečas.
However, their chances will hinge on their defensive structure and whether Petr Mrázek or Karel Vejmelka can deliver elite goaltending. They're not favorites, but they have the potential to surprise.
Switzerland has quietly developed into a competitive international team. Roman Josi is a top-tier defenseman, while forwards like Kevin Fiala and Nico Hischier can score in bunches.
The challenge will be depth and consistency, especially against the elite teams, but they're capable of a quarterfinal upset.
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Slovakia is relying heavily on its new wave of young talent. Juraj Slafkovsky, the top pick in the 2022 NHL Draft, will be a focal point, while veterans like Tomas Tatar bring experience. Goaltending and defensive depth are areas of concern, but the Slovaks are physical and determined competitors.
Germany continues to rise in international hockey, following a silver medal finish in 2018. Leon Draisaitl is one of the world's best players, and Tim Stützle adds offensive flair. If they get strong play from goaltender Philipp Grubauer, Germany could repeat or even exceed its recent Olympic success.
Latvia shocked the hockey world with a bronze medal at the 2023 IIHF World Championship. Though lacking NHL star power, players like Rudolfs Balcers and goaltender Elvis Merzļikins give the team credibility. They're physical, disciplined, and never an easy out.
Denmark's rise in international hockey has been impressive. Nikolaj Ehlers and Oliver Bjorkstrand lead their offense, while goaltender Frederik Andersen could steal a game or two. Still, limited depth may keep them from progressing beyond the group stage.
As co-hosts, Italy will be motivated to put on a respectable showing. While the talent gap is considerable, home-ice energy and experience from dual-national players like Alex Petan or Diego Kostner might make for a competitive game or two.
France rounds out the field as an underdog. Pierre-Édouard Bellemare and Alexandre Texier provide NHL pedigree, but overall depth and defensive consistency are lacking. Gaining Olympic experience will be the main goal for this growing hockey nation.
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