As the countdown to the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 continues, the 12 participating nations in men’s hockey are unveiling their preliminary rosters. Canada has announced the first six players on its roster, setting the stage for the tournament that kicks off with preliminary games on February 11, culminating in the gold medal match on February 22. This will mark the first occasion since 2014 that NHL players will compete in the Olympics.
The initial lineup for Team Canada features:
**Sidney Crosby, F**
The 37-year-old center has an illustrious career with the Pittsburgh Penguins, where he’s claimed three Stanley Cups (2009, 2016, 2017) and two Conn Smythe Trophies as the playoffs’ most valuable player (2015, 2016). Crosby is a two-time Hart Trophy winner and has received the Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy and Ted Lindsay Award multiple times. Selected first overall in the 2005 NHL Draft, he has amassed 1,687 points (625 goals, 1,062 assists) in 1,352 games. Internationally, Crosby has won twice in the Olympics (2010, 2014) and is a seasoned captain in these tournaments.
**Nathan MacKinnon, F**
Hailing from Halifax, Nova Scotia, MacKinnon has recorded over 110 points in each of the last three seasons, including 140 points (51 goals, 89 assists) in 2023-24. The 29-year-old was the Calder Trophy recipient in 2014, hoisted the Stanley Cup in 2022, and garnered both the Hart and Ted Lindsay awards last season. He shined at the 4 Nations Face-Off, scoring four goals and earning tournament MVP honors.
**Cale Makar, D**
This 26-year-old defenseman has secured the Norris Trophy as the league’s best defenseman twice, achieving 92 points (30 goals, 62 assists) this season. Makar is a product of Calgary and is recognized for his remarkable offensive contributions since entering the NHL, leading all defensemen with 116 goals and 428 points in just 395 games. He was also part of Canada’s gold medal-winning team at the 2018 World Juniors.
**Connor McDavid, F**
Celebrated as perhaps the most dynamic player in the league, McDavid leads in points over the past decade with 1,082, over 100 points clear of his closest competitor. The 28-year-old centerman from Richmond Hill is a two-time Hart Trophy winner and was named Conn Smythe MVP in 2024. McDavid has established himself as a powerhouse in scoring and playmaking, with multiple international successes including a gold medal at the 2015 World Juniors and the 4 Nations Face-Off.
**Brayden Point, F**
At 29, Point, also from Calgary, has consistently found the back of the net, scoring 42 goals this season for the Tampa Bay Lightning. He played a pivotal role in his team’s back-to-back Stanley Cup victories in 2020 and 2021, and has a proven track record of contributing to Canada’s international successes, including gold medals at the 2015 World Juniors and the 4 Nations Face-Off.
**Sam Reinhart, F**
Reinhart, from West Vancouver, British Columbia, achieved a career-high 57 goals last season and played an integral part in the Florida Panthers’ Stanley Cup win. He has scored over 20 goals in each of the last eight seasons and has a total of 619 points in 775 regular-season games. Reinhart has also earned gold in various international competitions, showcasing his talent on the world stage.
The remaining roster members will be revealed later in the year, as anticipation builds for the upcoming Olympic event.