With the excitement building for the 2026 Men’s Olympic Hockey Tournament in Italy, hockey fans are eager to see not just NHL stars, but also outstanding non-NHL players. These athletes have demonstrated their skill and prowess on international stages, making them key players to watch.
Top Non-NHL Players to Watch at 2026 Men’s Olympic Hockey
The following athletes are expected to make significant impacts for their respective countries at the upcoming Olympics:
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Roman Červenka, C (Czechia)
Once a promising NHL player for the Calgary Flames, Červenka has excelled in Europe. Since returning to the KHL and other leagues, he has scored 51 points in just 36 World Championship games since 2022. Look for him to be a pivotal player in Italy.
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Lukáš Sedlák, LW (Czechia)
Though he recorded only 35 points across four NHL seasons, Sedlák has been a standout on the international stage. With 19 points in recent tournaments, he’ll be crucial to Czechia’s offense alongside Červenka.
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Joachim Blichfeld, RW (Denmark)
Blichfeld, a former San Jose Sharks player, is now thriving in Finland’s top league, with nearly 80 points projected for the season. He has been integral to Denmark’s international success and will feature prominently in the tournament.
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Nick Olesen, LW (Denmark)
Olesen has had a breakout season, scoring crucial goals in previous tournaments. He will aim to build on his momentum and support Denmark’s attack, especially alongside teammate Nikolaj Ehlers.
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Mikko Lehtonen, D (Finland)
Lehtonen, who played for the Columbus Blue Jackets and Toronto Maple Leafs, will bring experience and power-play expertise to the Finnish defense. As a former World Championship captain, he is expected to lead on and off the ice.
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Pierre-Édouard Bellemare, C (France)
At 40, Bellemare continues to contribute significantly to his national team. With a successful NHL career behind him, his leadership and reliability will be essential for France at this tournament.
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Stéphane Da Costa, C (France)
Despite limited NHL success, Da Costa has been a star in Europe, hitting 50 points consistently. He is expected to be a key offensive player for France, providing creativity and speed.
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Denis Malgin, C (Switzerland)
Malgin struggled to find his place in the NHL but has thrived with the Zurich Lions. His exceptional playmaking abilities make him a central figure for Switzerland in the Olympics.
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Sven Andrighetto, LW (Switzerland)
Another former NHL player, Andrighetto has shown impressive performance in Europe, especially at the last World Championship. Expect him to team up with Malgin for strong offensive contributions.
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Leonardo Genoni, G (Switzerland)
Genoni, a standout goalie in Switzerland, boasts a remarkable career with EV Zug. His exceptional skills and experience could make him a top performer in goal at the Olympics.
These players represent the depth of talent outside the NHL. Their skills will not only entertain but also elevate the level of competition at the 2026 Men’s Olympic Hockey Tournament. Fans should keep a close eye on them as they take the ice in Italy.
