For the first time in over a decade, NHL players will take part in the Winter Olympics, with three Detroit Red Wings members competing for their respective countries at the 2026 games in Italy. These athletes are set to play pivotal roles on their national teams, making them key figures to watch as the tournament unfolds.
Captain Dylan Larkin to Lead United States
Dylan Larkin, the captain of the Detroit Red Wings, will represent the United States at the Winter Olympics for the first time in his career. Though he took on a smaller role than usual during the recent 4 Nations Face-Off, Larkin remains a crucial player and is expected to play in the middle six for Team USA in Italy.
Larkin has a rich history of international play, having represented the United States eight times, including five World Championships. Across those five tournaments, he accumulated 34 points in 45 games, demonstrating consistent performance on the international stage.
During the Olympic group stage, the United States will compete in Group C alongside Germany, Latvia, and Denmark, leading to some intense matchups, including a showdown with fellow Red Wings player Moritz Seider’s German squad. The games to watch are:
- February 12: Latvia vs. United States (3:10 p.m. EST)
- February 14: United States vs. Denmark (3:10 p.m. EST)
- February 15: United States vs. Germany (3:10 p.m. EST)
Lucas Raymond Represents Sweden with Impressive Scoring Record
Lucas Raymond enters the 2026 Olympics as the highest-scoring Swedish-born player on his national roster, boasting 60 points. He has frequently donned Sweden’s jersey at international tournaments, most recently contributing three assists across three games in the 4 Nations Face-Off. The Olympic games mark an important opportunity for Raymond and Sweden, who hope to earn a medal for the first time since securing silver at the 2014 Sochi Olympics, where they fell to Canada 3-0 in the final.
Raymond’s strong start to the current NHL season with the Red Wings suggests he will continue to be a vital offensive weapon for Sweden. His excellent five-on-five and power-play statistics make it likely that he will play a significant role on Sweden’s top power-play units and contribute to scoring opportunities during man-advantage situations.
Sweden is placed in Group B alongside Finland, Slovakia, and Italy. Although the competition is challenging, the Swedes are positioned well to claim the top spot in their group. The key matchups are:
- February 11: Sweden vs. Italy (3:10 p.m. EST)
- February 13: Finland vs. Sweden (6:10 a.m. EST)
- February 14: Sweden vs. Slovakia (6:10 a.m. EST)
Moritz Seider Emerges as Germany’s Key Defender
Moritz Seider is considered the most likely Detroit Red Wings player to serve as a decisive factor for his country at the Olympics. Representing Germany, Seider will join teammates Leon Draisaitl of the Edmonton Oilers and JJ Peterka from the Utah Mammoth. Seider is expected to mirror his NHL role, playing over 20 minutes per game and anchoring Germany’s top power-play unit.
After a season that has seen him develop into one of the league’s premier defensemen, with some talk of his candidacy for the Norris Trophy as the NHL’s best defenseman, Seider’s presence is set to bolster Germany’s defensive prowess at the Olympics. If Seider and his key teammates perform at their best during the group phase, Germany may secure one of the top two positions within Group C.
Germany’s group stage schedule includes:
- February 12: Germany vs. Denmark (3:10 p.m. EST)
- February 14: Germany vs. Latvia (6:10 a.m. EST)
- February 15: United States vs. Germany (3:10 p.m. EST)
What Red Wings Fans Should Anticipate During the Olympics
Though Detroit Red Wings will have only three representatives at the 2026 Winter Olympics, fans have much to look forward to. Each player is expected to take on critical responsibilities for their national teams and could significantly influence their countries’ chances in the medal round. The performances of Dylan Larkin, Lucas Raymond, and Moritz Seider will be particularly telling as they vie for Olympic success amid strong international competition.
“Larkin could be in line to play in the middle six for the Americans at the Olympics.” ? Red Wings Analyst
“After a start to the season that has seen him become one of the league’s best defensemen, expect Seider to be one of the Olympics’ best defensemen.” ? Hockey Expert
“Raymond will continue his success with Sweden and look to be one of their key offensive contributors.” ? Sports Commentator
