Full Breakdown
NHL Players Return to Olympic Hockey: Milano Cortina 2026
1/10/2026, 12:12:17 PM
Overview of the Men's Hockey Tournament
The men's hockey tournament at the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 is set to commence on February 11, featuring 12 nations and the participation of NHL players for the first time since the 2014 Sochi Olympics. The tournament will begin with pool play, where each team will compete against the other three teams in its group until February 15. The top three group winners and the best second-place team will advance directly to the quarterfinals, while the remaining eight teams will engage in single-elimination games to secure the final quarterfinal spots. The gold medal match is scheduled for February 22.
Key Contenders for Gold
Canada, the reigning gold medalist from the 2014 Olympics, is viewed as a strong favorite, bolstered by star players such as Connor McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon, and Cale Makar. NHL.com writers have highlighted the importance of goaltending, with opinions divided on the effectiveness of Canadian goaltender Jordan Binnington, who has a history of performing well in high-pressure situations despite underwhelming statistics this season. The United States, which last won Olympic gold in 1980, is also considered a top contender, having recently secured victory at the 2025 IIHF World Championship.
Germany, led by NHL stars Leon Draisaitl and Moritz Seider, aims to capture its first Olympic gold after winning silver in 2018. Team Germany's roster reflects a blend of established NHL talent and emerging players, with Draisaitl recognized as a key player. Slovakia, featuring Montreal Canadiens forward Juraj Slafkovsky, also hopes to build on its bronze medal performance from the 2022 Beijing Olympics.
Official Statements & Responses
Andrea Francisi, chief games operations officer for Milan Cortina, expressed confidence that the NHL will participate, stating, “100 per cent, 100 per cent.” This sentiment was echoed by IOC sports director Pierre Ducrey, who emphasized the excitement surrounding the NHL's return to the Olympics after a 12-year absence. However, concerns regarding the construction and quality of the Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena have been raised, with NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly indicating that player safety is paramount.
Criticism & Opposition
Despite the optimism from organizers, some skepticism remains regarding the readiness of the new arena. International Ice Hockey Federation president Luc Tardif noted that parts of the arena might not be fully completed in time for the tournament. The NHL's previous absence from the Olympics has led to questions about the league's commitment to the event, particularly in light of ongoing construction delays.
What's Next
As the tournament approaches, teams are finalizing their rosters, with most nations having already announced their players. The first matches will take place on February 11, with Germany opening against Denmark and Slovakia facing Finland. The anticipation builds as fans and players alike prepare for what promises to be a highly competitive Olympic hockey tournament.
