In a notable development for international ice hockey, NHL players have returned to the Winter Olympics in Milan after a 12-year absence. Beginning earlier this week, Lukas Dostal became the first NHL player to practice with his Czech national team, signaling the league’s renewed participation at the 2026 Games.
Following Dostal’s lead, top players from several countries arrived Sunday, including star athletes from Sweden, the United States, Canada, Finland, Germany, and Switzerland. The influx of elite NHL talent is creating high anticipation for Olympic competition not witnessed since 2014.
Early Arrivals and Preparation Ahead of the Games
Before the official arrival of five charter flights from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport, about a dozen NHL players made their way to Italy independently. Among them were Canada’s Connor McDavid, Germany’s Leon Draisaitl, and Czech Republic’s David Pastrnak, joining others for early practices at Milano Santagiulia Arena.
Sweden was the first team composed predominantly of NHL players to take to the ice, quickly followed by the United States, Czech Republic, Canada, and Finland. This set the stage for intense preparation ahead of the tournament’s start.
Players Relish the Olympic Atmosphere and Ceremony Participation
Connor McDavid expressed enthusiasm about reuniting with top athletes from around the world after a long hiatus for NHL players at the Games.
“Really cool just to be around all the athletes,”
McDavid said during a brief interview with TSN. “Special to be here.”
During the opening ceremony at Milan’s San Siro stadium, American players Charlie McAvoy, Zach Werenski, Jake Oettinger, and Jeremy Swayman joined their national delegation on a global stage. Switzerland’s trio of Nico Hischier, Timo Meier, and Jonas Siegenthaler also participated in the parade of nations. Additionally, Leon Draisaitl and David Pastrnak were honored as flag bearers for their countries.
Return to Olympic Ice After More Than a Decade
The NHL’s last Olympic involvement was in Sochi 2014, and the league’s non-participation in 2018, combined with pandemic complications that disrupted 2022 plans, prevented many current stars from competing internationally. This absence means several prominent players, including McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon, Auston Matthews, and Jack Eichel, are experiencing NHL players return Olympics competition at this level for the first time.
The 2026 Games mark the first true “best-on-best” tournament since the 2016 World Cup of Hockey, a competition that featured hybrid teams rather than fully national squads, restricting some collaborations among top players.
Leadership Roles Confirmed for Team Canada and Sweden
Hockey Canada quickly confirmed Sidney Crosby as captain for the men’s team, with Connor McDavid and defenseman Cale Makar serving as alternates. Crosby highlighted the group’s leadership strength, stating,
“Connor and Cale, along with our entire group, provide incredible leadership, and I am happy to represent Canada together on the same team.”
On Sweden’s side, Gabriel Landeskog was named captain, with Victor Hedman and Erik Karlsson assigned alternate roles. Landeskog and Karlsson return as veterans who also played at the 2014 Olympics, alongside Oliver Ekman-Larsson and injury replacement Marcus Johansson, bringing valuable experience to the roster.
Significance of NHL Players’ Return to Olympic Hockey
The reintroduction of NHL players to the Olympic tournament elevates the competition’s prestige and intensity. Fans and nations alike anticipate high-caliber matchups as leaders like Crosby, McDavid, Landeskog, and Hedman represent their countries. This revival also allows a new generation of NHL stars to showcase their skills on a global stage, enhancing international hockey’s profile.
Looking ahead, the presence of the NHL’s elite in Milan could prompt renewed interest and investment in Olympic hockey, strengthening the tournament’s competitive tradition and potentially influencing future NHL agreements on international play.
Brief chat with McDavid just outside the athletes village. He was getting checked in with his group so had to keep it quick! Canada has a practice scheduled for later this evening. pic.twitter.com/AUS6Ne5rnE
— Ryan Rishaug (@TSNRyanRishaug) February 8, 2026
