The Dallas Stars paused their NHL campaign last week ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics, carrying a solid 34-14-9 record and riding a wave of momentum with seven wins in their last ten games, including a six-game winning streak. Despite some struggles in third periods earlier in the season, the Stars have been performing well, making the timing of the Olympic break a mixed blessing amid an already demanding schedule. The respite offers a vital opportunity to rest and recalibrate as the team prepares for a challenging stretch to close out the season.
Seven Dallas Stars Players Selected for Olympic Duty Across Four Countries
While some Stars players get time off, seven representatives will keep active in the Winter Olympics, competing for four different nations. For many American fans, the presence of Thomas Harley on Team Canada might feel unusual, but with four Dallas players representing Finland, support for the Finnish squad is expected to surge across Texas. Fans nationwide may find themselves cheering for Stars teammates even before they face off against Team USA.
Representing Team USA: Jake Oettinger’s Key Role and Competitive Goalie Race
Among the Stars headed to Milano-Cortina, goaltender Jake Oettinger has sparked significant discussion as one of three netminders selected for Team USA, alongside Connor Hellebuyck and Jeremy Swayman. Oettinger’s place on the team is undisputed due to his consistent performance, but the competition for the starting goalie position remains fiercely open.
Oettinger began the season as the projected top choice amid concerns about Hellebuyck’s injuries and inconsistent play. His own season stats—23-10-4 record with a .897 save percentage and 2.73 goals-against average, ranking fourth in the NHL for wins—are solid but leave room for debate. Swayman’s strong campaign adds uncertainty to the selection, ensuring a competitive battle among the three.
Although Oettinger lacks extensive senior international experience, his junior career and limited senior appearances have been impressive, including multiple medals at world tournaments. Reflecting his excitement ahead of the Olympics, Oettinger described the opportunity as,
“It would be the coolest thing I’ve ever done.”
Fans can watch Oettinger and Team USA in pool play beginning February 12 against Latvia, followed by games versus Denmark on February 14 and Germany on February 15, all scheduled for mid-afternoon Eastern Time.
Thomas Harley’s Rising Profile with Team Canada
Defenseman Thomas Harley’s selection for Team Canada highlights his ascension since joining the Dallas Stars. Harley first gained international attention last year as a late addition to the 4 Nations Face-Off, stepping in after an injury to Shea Theodore. Although he was already valued in Dallas, his performance during the autumn tournament elevated his reputation nationally and beyond.
Harley appreciates the Olympic stage and the honor of wearing the maple leaf, especially in front of family. He shared,
“The 4 Nations was pretty cool, I think it was eye-opening for me that I could play at that level and eye-opening for the rest of the world, like, ‘who’s this kid from Dallas?’ It was great for me and it definitely gives me a leg up on this (Olympic) team.”
Despite a slow start to this season due to injury, Harley has regained form with consistent point production in recent months. His international experience includes a silver medal at the 2021 World Junior Championship and a critical tournament-winning assist last year. Born in Syracuse, New York, but with deep Canadian roots through his family, Harley is proud to represent Canada.
Team Canada’s schedule features games starting February 12 against Czechia, followed by Switzerland on February 13, and France on February 15, all in the morning and afternoon slots EST.
Radek Faksa Brings Experience to Team Czechia
Radek Faksa stands out as an experienced yet often overlooked player heading into the Olympics for Team Czechia. After nearly a decade with Dallas, Faksa had a brief stint with the St. Louis Blues last season before returning to the Stars. He has contributed steadily in a bottom-six role this year with two goals and 17 points across 56 games, serving as a reliable presence rather than an offensive standout.
Faksa’s international play spans junior and senior levels, although he hasn’t represented Czechia recently. His belief in the team’s capabilities is strong, despite their underdog status. He noted,
“We are not favorites, that’s clear, but I think we have a lot of good hockey players, even those who play in Europe. I believe that if it fits, we have a chance against everyone.”
The Czech team faces Canada, France, and Switzerland in group play between February 12 and 15, offering Faksa chances to leverage his experience on the Olympic stage.
Four Finnish Stars Lead the ‘Finnish Mafia’ Representation at the Olympics
The Dallas Stars’ Finnish contingent makes a significant mark at the Winter Games, with four players joining Team Finland, which is managed by former Stars great Jere Lehtinen. This group symbolizes a proud tradition of Finnish talent flourishing in Dallas hockey.
Mikko Rantanen: Newest Member of the Finnish Lineup
Mikko Rantanen, this season’s arrival from the Carolina Hurricanes, leads the Finnish contingent with 20 goals and 69 points in 54 games. He is expected to wear an alternate captain’s “A” and skate alongside Roope Hintz and captain Mikael Granlund, a line with proven chemistry from last season’s playoffs.
Rantanen, reflecting on playing for Finland, said,
“Dream come true. Those are games, especially in Finland, you always watched. I remember watching growing up, Team Finland was a really big deal. It will be a dream come true.”
Miro Heiskanen Returns to the Olympic Stage
Miro Heiskanen’s Olympic experience dates back to 2018, prior to his NHL career. Coming off an injury-affected previous season, he has reestablished himself as an elite defenseman with seven goals and 46 points this year. He is likely to serve alongside Esa Lindell on Finland’s top defensive pair.
Heiskanen expressed the value of having familiar teammates by his side, stating,
“I mean, it helps a lot. We have played together – especially Roope (Hintz) and Esa (Lindell) – for a long time, now with Mikko too. It’s easier to have someone with you all the time and to get there (to the Olympics) together and play there.”
Esa Lindell Anchors Defense and Penalty Kill
Esa Lindell is a key defensive player for both Dallas and Finland, bringing stability and leadership. With five goals and 22 points this season, Lindell’s role on Team Finland’s penalty kill and top defensive pairing is critical. Acknowledging the exclusivity of the Olympic opportunity, he remarked,
“There are lists of athletes who have gone to the Olympics that (it’s like they) won the lottery, so that’s kind of stuck in my mind, how small of a percentage it is back home. It shows how unique it is and kind of a rare opportunity to go.”
Roope Hintz Provides Steady Centering and Scoring for Finland
Roope Hintz, possibly one of the NHL’s most underappreciated centers, supports Finland’s forward depth with 15 goals and 44 points this season. His international resume is limited mostly to junior tournaments and the 4 Nations Face-Off, but his Olympic debut is a major milestone. Hintz shared his enthusiasm about the selection, saying,
“It’s nice to be announced to the team. It’s one of the biggest things you can do is play for your country in a sport you love to do.”
The Finnish team begins their Olympic competition on February 11 against Slovakia, with subsequent games against Sweden and Italy on February 13 and 14 respectively.
A Look Ahead: Stars’ Olympic Impact and NHL Return
Although NHL action will pause during the Olympics, the Dallas Stars remain strongly represented internationally through their seven players competing for Team USA, Canada, Czechia, and Finland. This presence highlights the franchise’s depth and global reach, providing fans with plenty to follow despite the league hiatus.
Following the Olympic break, the Stars are scheduled to return to the ice on February 25 for a home game against the Seattle Kraken at the American Airlines Center, facing a critical run to finish the season strong.
This should be the final selection from Dallas, barring injury replacements.
Dallas Stars Olympians:
🇫🇮 Mikko Rantanen, Miro Heiskanen, Esa Lindell, Roope Hintz
🇺🇸 Jake Oettinger
🇨🇦 Thomas Harley
🇨🇿 Radek Faksa https://t.co/uLob33PuPK
— Sam Nestler (@samnestler) January 6, 2026
Checkin’ in on our Finns 🇫🇮 pic.twitter.com/bIDlhU6U4G
— Dallas Stars (@DallasStars) February 9, 2026
The schedule is set ⭐️#MilanoCortina2026 #WinterOlympics pic.twitter.com/H8EGQh8BAl
— Dallas Stars (@DallasStars) February 11, 2026
