> At a Glance
> – Connor McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar headline Canada’s 25-man roster for the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics
> – 19-year-old Macklin Celebrini becomes the youngest player selected for the star-laden squad
> – Sidney Crosby and Drew Doughty return for their third Olympics after winning gold in 2010 and 2014
> – Why it matters: NHL players are back in the Olympics for the first time since 2014, setting up a potential Canada vs. world showdown
Canada revealed its powerhouse men’s hockey roster Wednesday for the 2026 Winter Games in Italy, stacking 25 NHL stars including Connor McDavid and Sidney Crosby as the league returns to Olympic competition after a 12-year absence.
The Big Guns
Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid leads the charge alongside Colorado Avalanche stars Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar. The trio combines for six Hart Trophies and four Norris Trophies, giving Canada an immediate edge in star power.
Penguins legend Sidney Crosby and Kings defenseman Drew Doughty bring invaluable Olympic experience. Both veterans captured gold medals at the 2010 Vancouver and 2014 Sochi Games, providing leadership for a roster featuring 19 players from February’s 4 Nations Face-Off championship team.
Fresh Faces & Notable Names
San Jose Sharks rookie Macklin Celebrini cracked the lineup at just 19, showcasing Canada’s commitment to blending youth with veteran savvy. The 2024 first overall pick joins an impressive forward group that includes:
- Brad Marchand (Panthers)
- Mitch Marner (Golden Knights)
- Mark Stone (Golden Knights)
- Bo Horvat (Islanders)
- Nick Suzuki (Canadiens)
Who’s Missing
Several big names didn’t make the cut. Blackhawks phenom Connor Bedard misses out while recovering from injury, while Panthers forward Sam Bennett, Jets center Mark Scheifele and Islanders rookie defenseman Matthew Schaefer were left off the final roster.
Between The Pipes & On The Blue Line
The crease belongs to a trio of proven starters:
- Jordan Binnington (Blues)
- Darcy Kuemper (Kings)
- Logan Thompson (Capitals)
The defensive corps pairs veterans with rising stars. Drew Doughty anchors a group featuring Cale Makar, Devon Toews and Thomas Harley, giving Canada mobile puck-movers who can jump into the attack.
Management Team
Blues general manager Doug Armstrong will serve as Team Canada’s GM, while Lightning coach Jon Cooper takes over behind the bench. Cooper brings two Stanley Cup rings and extensive experience managing superstar egos.
Armstrong praised the selection process:
> “We are excited to unveil the 25 athletes who have earned the opportunity to wear the Maple Leaf at the 2026 Olympics, as we believe we have assembled a highly skilled and deep roster that can compete for a gold medal as part of Team Canada in Italy.”
Tournament Schedule
The Olympic men’s hockey tournament runs February 12-22, 2026. Canada enters as the 4 Nations Face-Off defending champion after defeating Team USA 3-2 in overtime last February.
Key Takeaways
- Canada’s roster features 12 returning Olympic veterans
- 19 players come from the championship 4 Nations Face-Off team
- The 2026 Games mark NHL players’ Olympic return after 2014
- Milan Cortina will host hockey at a newly constructed arena
With the NHL’s best back on Olympic ice for the first time in over a decade, Canada has assembled its most star-studded roster since Sochi 2014. The pressure is on to deliver gold in Italy.
