2026 Olympic Hockey: The First Six Revealed

The road to Milan-Cortina just got its first major jolt of excitement. On Monday, each of the 12 qualified nations for the 2026 Olympic men’s hockey tournament revealed the first six players named to their rosters—an early glimpse into what could be the most talent-stacked Olympic tournament in over a decade. With NHL players officially returning to the Games for the first time since 2014, the names announced aren’t just familiar—they’re elite. From proven legends to rising stars, these foundational picks give fans plenty to talk about as the countdown to February 2026 begins.

The First Six

Canada

The reigning powerhouse returns with its biggest names—and the chemistry to match. Canada’s first six are a dream lineup, blending the poise of Sidney Crosby with the game-breaking explosiveness of Connor McDavid and Nathan MacKinnon. Add in defensive brilliance and clutch performers, and it’s clear: the gold standard hasn’t changed.

First Six:

• Sidney Crosby
• Connor McDavid
• Nathan MacKinnon
• Cale Makar
• Brayden Point
• Sam Reinhart

Czechia

Czechia’s early picks reflect a gritty, skilled, and balanced core. David Pastrnak headlines the attack, while Radko Gudas brings snarl on the back end. With promising goaltending and seasoned leaders, they’re building a roster that can push deep into the tournament.

First Six:

• David Pastrnak
• Martin Necas
• Ondrej Palat
• Pavel Zacha
• Radko Gudas
• Lukas Dostal

Denmark

Denmark’s strength lies in chemistry and quiet consistency. With veterans like Lars Eller and Frederik Andersen anchoring the lineup, and top-end skill from Nikolaj Ehlers and Oliver Bjorkstrand, the Danes will look to frustrate and surprise bigger-name squads.

First Six:

• Frederik Andersen
• Nikolaj Ehlers
• Oliver Bjorkstrand
• Jesper Jensen Aabo
• Lars Eller
• Jonas Rondbjerg

Finland

No-nonsense and always dangerous, Finland’s early roster features elite two-way talent and shutdown defense. Expect structured dominance from names like Aleksander Barkov and Miro Heiskanen, with plenty of quiet firepower ready to strike.

First Six:

• Juuse Saros
• Esa Lindell
• Miro Heiskanen
• Mikko Rantanen
• Aleksander Barkov
• Sebastian Aho

France

France brings a blend of veterans and emerging names as they continue their international climb. Led by NHLers Pierre-Edouard Bellemare and Alexandre Texier, they’re building a foundation for future growth—and looking to prove they belong on this stage.

First Six:

• Yohann Auvitu
• Pierre-Edouard Bellemare
• Jules Boscq
• Hugo Gallet
• Jordann Perret
• Alexandre Texier

Germany

Germany’s golden generation is still in full bloom. With Leon Draisaitl leading the charge and a strong supporting cast including Moritz Seider and Tim Stützle, this team will be fast, skilled, and very difficult to contain.

First Six:

• Leon Draisaitl
• Moritz Seider
• Philipp Grubauer
• Lukas Reichel
• Nico Sturm
• Tim Stützle

Italy

The host nation’s first six reflect a growing hockey culture and a team ready to inspire on home ice. With young talent like Damian Clara and familiar faces from European leagues, Italy will be playing with pride and purpose.

First Six:

• Damian Clara
• Thomas Larkin
• Luca Zanatta
• Diego Kostner
• Tommy Purdeller
• Daniel Mantenuto

Latvia

After their historic 2023 bronze at Worlds, Latvia arrives with momentum and belief. Goaltending is a clear strength with Elvis Merzlikins and Arturs Silovs, while forwards like Rodrigo Abols and Teodors Blugers bring heart, hustle, and history to the lineup.

First Six:

• Rodrigo Abols
• Uvis Balinskis
• Zemgus Girgensons
• Elvis Merzlikins
• Arturs Silovs
• Teodors Blugers

Slovakia

Youth leads the charge for Slovakia, but experience rounds out the edges. Juraj Slafkovsky and Simon Nemec represent the future, while veterans like Tomas Tatar and Erik Cernak provide the grounding to chase another Olympic upset.

First Six:

• Juraj Slafkovsky
• Martin Pospisil
• Simon Nemec
• Martin Fehervary
• Erik Cernak
• Tomas Tatar

Switzerland

Switzerland’s first six are fast, feisty, and loaded with NHL-caliber skill. Roman Josi remains the backbone, with forwards like Nico Hischier and Kevin Fiala leading a confident group aiming for a deep run.

First Six:

• Jonas Siegenthaler
• Roman Josi
• Kevin Fiala
• Nico Hischier
• Nino Niederreiter
• Timo Meier

Sweden

Sweden’s mix of skill and structure is as strong as ever. With a defensive core featuring Victor Hedman and Rasmus Dahlin, and offensive upside from Nylander, Landeskog, and Kempe, this is a balanced and dangerous group.

First Six:

• Rasmus Dahlin
• Victor Hedman
• Adrian Kempe
• Gabriel Landeskog
• William Nylander
• Lucas Raymond

United States

Team USA’s first six is a highlight reel in motion. Auston Matthews and the Tkachuk brothers bring flash and fire, while Jack Eichel, Quinn Hughes, and Charlie McAvoy offer elite speed, vision, and edge. With the 2025 IIHF Men’s Worlds Championship Gold Medal in their pocket, this group is built to thrill—and win.

First Six:

• Auston Matthews
• Brady Tkachuk
• Matthew Tkachuk
• Jack Eichel
• Quinn Hughes
• Charlie McAvoy

While the full 25-man rosters won’t be finalized until closer to the Games, these opening selections already hint at the style, identity, and ambition each country will bring to Milan. Some teams went with experience, others with explosiveness—but all 12 made statements. With Olympic gold and national pride on the line, the stage is set for a tournament defined by speed, skill, and storylines fans won’t want to miss. Let the speculation—and the excitement—begin.