The 2026 Winter Olympics are approaching, and national rosters are beginning to form. Several players have emerged as potential contenders for their respective teams. This includes standout performances in recent competitions, such as the 4 Nations Face-Off.
Key Players to Watch in 2026 Winter Olympics
Among those hoping for a spot on the Canadian roster, Travis Sanheim and Travis Konecny are drawing attention. Sanheim is seen as a strong candidate while Konecny aims to secure a position. Other players like Sam Ersson may find themselves outside of Sweden’s Olympic lineup.
Challenges for Finnish and Latvian Players
For Finland, Rasmus Ristolainen was named to their team for the 4 Nations event but missed the chance to play due to injury. His anticipated return in December may limit his chances for the Olympics. Meanwhile, Rodrigo Abols has already secured a spot on the Latvian team.
Contenders from the Flyers
- Travis Sanheim (Canada)
- Travis Konecny (Canada)
- Sam Ersson (Sweden)
- Rasmus Ristolainen (Finland)
- Rodrigo Abols (Latvia)
- Trevor Zegras (USA)
- Cam York (USA)
Despite increasing competition, one player emerging as a strong candidate is Flyers’ goalie Dan Vladar. His impressive performance this season has positioned him as a viable representative for Czechia in the upcoming Olympics. He is currently leading in several key statistics among Czech netminders.
Dan Vladar: An Olympic Hopeful
Vladar has arguably been the Flyers’ most valuable asset this season, contributing significantly to their successes. With each country allowed to field up to three goaltenders at the Olympics, Vladar is competing against Jakob Dobes, Lukas Dostal, and Karel Vejmelka for a position on the Czech roster.
Czech Goalie Contenders
| Name | Team | Save Percentage (SV%) | Goals Against Average (GAA) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dan Vladar | Philadelphia Flyers | Over .900 | 2.39 |
| Jakob Dobes | Montreal Canadiens | Below .900 | N/A |
| Lukas Dostal | Over .900 | N/A | |
| Karel Vejmelka | Arizona Coyotes | Below .900 | N/A |
Vladar stands out as the top-performing goalie among his peers. Notably, he has the best GAA and is also one of only two Czech goaltenders this season with a save percentage exceeding .900. Meanwhile, Dostal is expected to be sidelined for 2-3 weeks with an injury, underscoring the importance of Vladar’s experience and performance leading up to the Olympics.
Looking Ahead to the Olympics
Given his current form, it seems likely that Czechia will select Vladar along with Dobes and Dostal for the 2026 Winter Olympics. There is a strong possibility that Vladar will not only make the roster but also serve as the starting goalie for his team.
As the Olympic selection period approaches, the spotlight will continue to shine on under-the-radar contenders like Dan Vladar, who is making a compelling case for Olympic inclusion.
