On February 6, 2026, the National Hockey League (NHL) paused its regular season to allow its players to participate in the Olympic ice hockey tournament at the Milano Cortina Games. For the first time in 12 years, NHL stars gathered in Milan, Italy, to compete, marking a highly anticipated return of top-tier talent to the Olympic ice hockey stage. Players from various teams began arriving in the city amid signs of travel fatigue but excited to join their national squads as the competition neared.
Players Adjusting to Travel and Early Practice Sessions
Czech goaltender Lukas Dostal was among the first NHL players to train in Milan, arriving on Thursday night and commencing practice at Santagiulia Arena. Dostal admitted feeling the effects of jet lag but remained focused on the tournament ahead.
“I didn’t have much time to see around because I got here last night so I just went to my room, got some dinner, slept, and just got here,”
the Anaheim Ducks goalie said after his early arrival gave him extra rest.
Similarly, a Swiss team representative disclosed that six players, including three from the New Jersey Devils who played as recently as Thursday night, were arriving on Friday. Winnipeg Jets winger Nino Niederreiter had been named Switzerland’s flag bearer for the Opening Ceremony, which he was set to attend just hours after touching down in Milan.
Decisions on Participation in the Opening Ceremony
Initially, Dostal intended to skip the Opening Ceremony in order to rest, but he reconsidered the opportunity.
“I woke up and I’m like, ‘Hey, it’s one-of-a-kind experience’,”
he told reporters, demonstrating a blend of respect and enthusiasm for the unique occasion.
Anticipation of High-Level Competition on Ice
Approximately 150 NHL players are expected to compete in Milan, bringing renewed attention and elevated competition to Olympic ice hockey after more than a decade without NHL involvement. Their presence promises a true “best-on-best” confrontation between the world’s leading talents.
Czech winger Dominik Kubalik, who has NHL experience and currently plays in the Swiss National League, reflected on the upcoming intensity of the tournament.
“It’s good that I know how it is to play against them,”
Kubalik said.
“It’s going to be a different level.”
Significance of the NHL’s Olympic Return and Projected Impact
The return of NHL athletes represents a significant milestone for Olympic ice hockey, elevating the prestige and competitive depth of the Games. With the world’s top players converging in Milan, the tournament is widely expected to showcase high-quality play and captivating storylines. This renewed NHL involvement could also boost viewership and global interest in the sport, potentially influencing future arrangements for NHL participation in subsequent Olympics.
