As NHL players return to Olympic ice for the first time in over ten years, excitement is mounting ahead of the Milan-Cortina Winter Games. On February 12, Team Canada will face Czechia at the Milano Santagiulia IHO Arena, kicking off what promises to be intense international hockey competition. Central to the buzz is the expected inclusion of Mitch Marner, joining seasoned captain Sidney Crosby, as part of a powerful Canadian lineup looking to reclaim Olympic gold.
Projected First Lines Highlight Marner Flanking Sidney Crosby
The Canadian roster showcases a combination of veteran leadership and emerging talent. Sidney Crosby will lead the team as captain, while Mitch Marner is slated to play alongside him, positioned with his Vegas Golden Knights teammate Mark Stone. This forward line aims to provide balance and depth, surrounding Crosby with skilled players on both wings.
According to a social media update from hockey analyst Pierre LeBrun, the initial lines also feature a promising trio consisting of San Jose Sharks rookie Macklin Celebrini, Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid, and Washington Capitals winger Tom Wilson.
Celebrini-McDavid-Wilson is a line in practice right now for Team Canada, MacKinnon between Marchand and Suzuki. Crosby between Stone and Marner. Horvat between Hagel and Reinhart. Bennett/Jarvis,
LeBrun shared on his social media.
Coach Jon Cooper Confirms Stability in Line Combinations
Team Canada’s head coach, Jon Cooper, has maintained that the roster and line combinations remain steady as the opening game approaches. Practices have been closed to the media, but Cooper reassured that no recent changes have been made to the established lineup.
With practice closed to the media, put Cooper on the spot and asked if he’d changed any lines. Said everything was exactly the same. No super secret stuff going on. First Olympics of four I’ve covered where teams have the option of closing practices to the media,
reported TSN’s Ryan Rishaug.
Macklin Celebrini Emerges as a Young Force Among Olympic Hockey Players
At just 19 years old, San Jose Sharks rookie Macklin Celebrini has already made a significant impact in the NHL this season, ranking among the top scoring players behind superstars like McDavid and Nathan MacKinnon. His selection for Team Canada highlights his rapid development and importance to the team’s dynamic.
Coach Cooper praised Celebrini’s maturity on the ice despite his youth, underlining his readiness for this international stage.
Take his age out of it. He’s a helluva hockey player. He may be 19 years old — like, his physical body is — but his acumen for the game is not. He’s wise beyond his years,
Cooper commented as reported by Sportsnet’s Luke Fox.
Rivalries and Challenges Ahead as Team Canada Aims for Gold
Team Finland, the reigning Olympic champion, arrives with a strong roster featuring Mikko Rantanen, Miro Heiskanen, and Anton Lundell, ready to defend their title. The competition promises to be fierce, with the longstanding USA-Canada rivalry also generating considerable anticipation among fans in Italy.
Team Canada’s combination of experienced leaders like Crosby and emerging talents such as Marner and Celebrini sets up a team that mixes grit and skill. This blend creates one of the most formidable Olympic hockey squads, capable of challenging any opponent and striving to bring gold back to their country.
Cellebrini-McDavid-Wilson a line in practice right now for Team Canada 🇨🇦
MacKinnon between Marchand and Suzuki.
Crosby between Stone and Marner.
Horvat between Hagel and Reinhart.
Bennett/Jarvis— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) February 8, 2026
With practice closed to the media, put Cooper on the spot and asked if he’d changed any lines. Said everything was exactly the same. No super secret stuff going on.
First Olympics of four I’ve covered where teams have the option of closing practices to the media.
— Ryan Rishaug (@TSNRyanRishaug) February 9, 2026
