The men’s Olympic hockey tournament underway in Italy has already produced some captivating moments, especially from goaltenders showing promise beyond the international stage. Among those turning heads are Italian netminder Damian Clara and Slovakian prospect Samuel Hlavaj, both demonstrating skills that suggest untapped potential for NHL careers.
Damian Clara’s Standout Performance for Italy
In Italy’s opening game versus Sweden, Damian Clara proved critical to keeping his team competitive by facing an overwhelming 49 shots and conceding just three goals before exiting with an injury in the third period. Clara’s resilience allowed him to serve as Italy’s backup in their next match, where he even briefly returned to the ice. At 21 years old, this 6-foot-6, 214-pound left-catching goaltender brings an imposing presence to the crease that NHL scouts find intriguing.
Drafted 60th overall by the Anaheim Ducks in 2023, Clara currently plays for Brynas in Sweden’s SHL. This season, he has started 30 games, posting a 2.49 goals-against average and an .888 save percentage. His development history spans multiple leagues, including Sweden’s J20, Allsvenskan, the Finnish Liiga, the AHL, and of course, the Italian national team. Having signed an entry-level contract with Anaheim, Clara is expected to join the AHL full-time next fall to hone his skills further.
Scouting reports suggest Clara’s body size and calm positioning in net would make him well suited to the NHL’s smaller ice surface, which limits lateral movement and allows him to use his frame more effectively against shooters. His above-average agility complements this style, making him a promising candidate to evolve into a reliable NHL goaltender.
Latvia’s Draft Prospect Alberts Smits Gains Valuable Experience
While goalies Clara and Hlavaj capture attention in net, Latvia’s defenceman Alberts Smits is another player making a strong impression at the Olympic tournament. Projected to be among the top 10 picks in this year’s NHL Draft, Smits logged nearly 18 minutes of ice time during Latvia’s 5-1 loss to the USA, including significant time on the power play. Standing 6-foot-4 and weighing 205 pounds, Smits combines size with solid puck skills.
Although some scouts question his ability to read plays and adjust without overcommitting, others see his defensive instincts as coachable traits that should improve with experience. At just 18 years old, Smits continues to gain valuable experience, having competed professionally with Jukurit in Finland’s Liiga and representing Latvia internationally at the Olympic Games and world juniors.
Tracking Samuel Hlavaj: A Veteran Prospect with Growing NHL Promise
Samuel Hlavaj, a Minnesota Wild prospect from Slovakia, has been on the radar of scouts for several years. His career path includes stints in junior leagues such as the USHL with the Lincoln Stars and Quebec’s QMJHL with the Sherbrooke Phoenix, as well as professional ranks in Czechia’s first and second divisions. He has also competed for Slovakia in the World Championships and now at the Olympics.
Measuring 6-foot-4 and 218 pounds, Hlavaj has a commanding net presence. Though his current AHL season with the Iowa Wild has been inconsistent—reflected in a 3.33 goals-against average and .888 save percentage over 18 games—he possesses the ability to steal games when focused. His lateral movement and relentless competitiveness stood out in his Olympic debut, where he led Slovakia to a 4-1 victory over Finland by stopping 39 of 40 shots.
The Minnesota Wild organization has a strong goaltending pipeline at the Olympics, as Filip Gustavsson and Jesper Wallstedt also represent Sweden. This depth suggests the Wild could be well positioned to maintain solid netminding options for years to come.
Emerging Talent at Milan Cortina 2026 and NHL Implications
The ongoing tournament at Milano Cortina 2026 is shining a spotlight on young players who could become key figures in the NHL’s future. Damian Clara’s size and style appear primed to adapt well to North American hockey, and with Anaheim’s investment in his development, he will be closely watched in the AHL next season. Meanwhile, Samuel Hlavaj’s international experience and occasional standout performances hint at a promising NHL future if he can find greater consistency.
Along with Latvian defenceman Alberts Smits’ progression and other prospects on display, these players exemplify the blend of youthful promise and international seasoning crucial for NHL success. The tournament offers a valuable platform to assess how Olympic goalies NHL potential can translate into the world’s top professional league, setting the stage for future scouting and development decisions.
