The NHL season has ignited excitement around potential Olympic hockey rosters ahead of the 2026 Winter Games in Milan. As teams evaluate their lineups, many players are vying for a coveted spot on their national teams. With numerous standout performances early in the season, several athletes have emerged as unlikely contenders. Below is an analysis of players from each NHL team who are on the bubble regarding Olympic selection.
NHL Power Rankings: New Leader Emerges
1. Colorado Avalanche (8-1-5)
- Brock Nelson’s role is at risk with only five points in 14 games.
- Gabriel Landeskog is considered a lock for Team Sweden despite a slow start.
- Victor Olofsson shows promise with 12 points and a 66% expected goal share.
2. Anaheim Ducks (9-3-1)
- Leo Carlsson emerges as a potential top center for Team Sweden.
- Chris Kreider and Cutter Gauthier strengthen their bids for Team USA.
3. New Jersey Devils (10-4-0)
- Luke Hughes is gaining attention as a possible U.S. Olympic roster addition.
4. Carolina Hurricanes (9-4-0)
- Seth Jarvis’ early-season performance (six goals, 11 points) puts him in contention for Team Canada.
5. Winnipeg Jets (9-4-0)
- Mark Scheifele ranks high in scoring, making him a candidate for Team Canada.
6. Montreal Canadiens (9-3-2)
- Nick Suzuki’s stellar play has solidified him as a serious contender for Team Canada.
7. Vegas Golden Knights (7-3-3)
- Shea Theodore’s injury could impact his chances, while Mark Stone’s health remains uncertain.
8. Utah Mammoth (9-5-0)
- Clayton Keller is a top candidate, alongside teammates Logan Cooley and Nick Schmaltz.
9. Dallas Stars (7-4-3)
- Wyatt Johnston shows promise but may still be a year away from Olympic consideration.
- Jason Robertson needs to improve to make Team USA following a snub.
10. Toronto Maple Leafs (8-5-1)
- John Tavares is putting up impressive numbers, but Team Canada opportunities remain slim.
- Matthew Knies also shows strong potential for Team USA with 18 points.
11. Tampa Bay Lightning (7-5-2)
- Anthony Cirelli faces stiff competition for a Team Canada spot due to defensive struggles.
12. Pittsburgh Penguins (9-4-2)
- Tristan Jarry’s performance highlights concerns regarding Canada’s goaltending depth.
13. Detroit Red Wings (9-5-0)
- Simon Edvinsson is a key player for Sweden, partnering with Moritz Seider.
14. Edmonton Oilers (6-5-4)
- Evan Bouchard’s performance needs improvement to avoid falling off the Olympic radar.
15. Washington Capitals (7-6-1)
- Logan Thompson’s rising stature makes him essential for Canada’s Olympic roster.
16. Florida Panthers (7-6-1)
- Sam Bennett and Brad Marchand could vie for a single Team Canada spot.
17. Philadelphia Flyers (8-5-1)
- Travis Sanheim’s two-way play could bolster his Olympic credentials.
18. Boston Bruins (9-7-0)
- Jeremy Swayman’s performance may hinder his chances of making Team USA.
19. Los Angeles Kings (6-5-4)
- Darcy Kuemper’s strong statistics highlight his candidacy for Team Canada.
20. Chicago Blackhawks (6-5-3)
- Connor Bedard remains a pivotal future prospect but faces competition.
21. Seattle Kraken (6-3-4)
- Joey Daccord’s average performance may impact his Olympic selection.
22. New York Rangers (6-6-2)
- Mika Zibanejad’s recent struggles could affect his Team Sweden bid.
23. Ottawa Senators (6-5-3)
- Shane Pinto’s strong defensive rating makes him a useful option for Team USA.
24. Columbus Blue Jackets (7-6-0)
- Zach Werenski positions himself securely for Team USA.
25. New York Islanders (6-5-2)
- Bo Horvat’s impressive statistics enhance his Team Canada prospects.
26. Vancouver Canucks (7-8-0)
- Thatcher Demko is back and performing well, reigniting discussions about Olympic selection.
27. San Jose Sharks (5-6-3)
- Macklin Celebrini is one of the hottest young players, making a strong case for Team Canada.
28. Buffalo Sabres (5-5-4)
- Tage Thompson’s inconsistent play raises concerns about his Olympic candidacy.
29. Minnesota Wild (5-7-3)
- Brock Faber has emerged as a potential Team USA candidate with defensive prowess.
30. St. Louis Blues (5-8-2)
- Colton Parayko continues to solidify his spot, while Robert Thomas needs to improve.
31. Nashville Predators (5-7-4)
- Erik Haula’s performance warrants attention as Team Finland’s candidate.
32. Calgary Flames (4-9-2)
- MacKenzie Weegar’s performance may hinder Olympic selection amidst strong competition.
