Hockey Canada names six players to preliminary men's roster for 2026 Milan Olympics
CALGARY — Edmonton Oilers superstar Connor McDavid was among the headliners as Hockey Canada named the first six players to its preliminary men's hockey roster for the Milan Olympics.
McDavid was joined on the early list by forward Nathan MacKinnon and defenceman Cale Makar of the Colorado Avalanche, Pittsburgh Penguins forward Sidney Crosby, Tampa Bay Lightning forward Brayden Point and Florida Panthers forward Sam Reinhart.
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"We are excited to announce the first six players who will represent Canada at the 2026 Olympic Winter Games next February, as these are six world-class players and leaders that are deserving of this recognition," general manager Doug Armstrong said Monday in a statement.
"Sidney, Nathan, Cale, Connor, Brayden and Sam provide a strong foundation for a successful team and have been proven winners at all levels of their professional and international careers, and we look forward to all six being key contributors to our team as we look to accomplish our goal of winning Olympic gold."
The rest of the roster will be finalized early next year. The 12-country tournament begins Feb. 11.
It will be the first time that NHL players participate in the Olympics since 2014 in Sochi, Russia. Canada defeated Sweden in the gold-medal game that year.
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Early roster announcements were also used ahead of the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament last February.
McDavid scored the overtime winner to give Canada a 3-2 victory over the United States in the championship game in Boston.
The event marked the first best-on-best competition since the World Cup of Hockey in 2016.
The main venue for the 12-day Olympic tournament will be the new 14,000-seat Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena. The secondary venue will be the 5,700-seat Milano Rho Ice Hockey Arena.
Canada is in Group A with Czechia, Switzerland and France.
Group B includes Finland, Sweden, Slovakia and host Italy. Group C has the United States, Germany, Latvia, and Denmark.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 16, 2025.
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US hockey announces initial 6 players for 2026 Milan Olympics
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Associated Press
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US hockey announces initial 6 players for 2026 Milan Olympics
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USA Today
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USA Olympics men's hockey roster: Who are the first six players named? Show Caption Hide Caption Kendall Coyne Schofield on PWHL affecting Winter Olympics preparation Team USA is gearing up for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, and ice hockey medalist Kendall Coyne Schofield shares differences now with the PWHL. Sports Seriously USA Hockey announced its initial six players for the 2026 Winter Olympics and the most important name was the player who was sorely missed during the 4 Nations Face-Off. Vancouver Canucks defenseman Quinn Hughes had been named to last February's tournament after winning the Norris Trophy in the 2023-24 season. But he couldn't make it because he suffered an injury beforehand and he wasn't healthy enough to be a potential injury replacement for the championship game. Canada beat the United States in overtime in the championship game. The USA also announced forwards Jack Eichel (Vegas), Auston Matthews (Toronto), Brady Tkachuk (Ottawa) and Matthew Tkachuk (Florida), plus defenseman Charlie McAvoy (Boston) to its preliminary men's hockey roster. Breaking down the team: Rosters announcements 12 nations name first six players to Olympic men's hockey teams Team USA preliminary Olympic men's hockey roster The first six players named by USA Hockey for the 2026 Winter Olympics: Forward Jack Eichel, Vegas Golden Knights: He scored a league-best 26 points in the 2023 playoffs as the Golden Knights won the Stanley Cup title. He set a career best this season with 94 points. He had four assists in four games at the 4 Nations. Forward Auston Matthews, Toronto Maple Leafs: He has a league-best 401 goals since entering the NHL in 2016-17. He has led the league in goals three times, including 60 goals in 2021-22 and 69 in 2023-24. He was dealing with injuries this season but still scored 33 goals. He also receives notice for his defensive play. He had three assists in three games at the 4 Nations. Forward Brady Tkachuk, Ottawa Senators: The Senators captain is known for his scoring ability and his grittiness. He has totaled 131 goals and 500 penalty minutes the past four seasons. He played a crucial role in returning the Senators to the playoffs this season. He had three goals in four games in the 4 Nations. Forward Matthew Tkachuk, Florida Panthers: Also known for his offense and feistiness, he and brother Brady orchestrated the fight fest at the start of the USA-Canada preliminary round game at the 4 Nations. That won't be allowed under Olympic rules, but Matthew Tkachuk is also a world-class yapper who tries to get opponents off their game. He has had two 100-point seasons and is in his third consecutive Stanley Cup Final. He had two goals and an assist in three games at the 4 Nations, sitting out much of the final with an injury. Defenseman Quinn Hughes, Vancouver Canucks: He brings a lot of offense from the blue line, totaling 33 goals the past two seasons. He had 92 points when he won the Norris Trophy. He missed the 4 Nations with injury. Defenseman Charlie McAvoy, Boston Bruins: He blocks shots, throws hits and had two seasons with double digits in goals. He suffered an injury at the 4 Nations that cost him the rest of the tournament and the season. He had no points in two games at the 4 Nations. Roster overview All four forwards can rack up a lot of points and Matthews is an elite goal scorer. The Tkachuk brothers can score and disrupt the opposition. The defensemen are solid. No goaltenders were named on June 16, but the USA should have an advantage there with league MVP Connor Hellebuyck, Jake Oettinger, Jeremy Swayman and others available for selection. Hughes, Matthew Tkachuk (mostly) and McAvoy didn't play in the 4 Nations Face-Off final. Still, the USA pushed Canada to overtime. It will be interesting to see what happens with a healthy roster.
