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As the American sports calendar turns the page to 2026, the focus of the hockey world has shifted from the NHL regular season to the upcoming Winter Olympic Games in Milan, Italy. For the first time in 12 years, the NHL is officially sending its best, marking a long-awaited return to “best-on-best” international competition.
One of the primary hurdles leading up to the Games was the ice surface in Milan. The rinks in Italy are non-standard—slightly shorter and wider than the traditional NHL dimensions. While this sparked safety and quality concerns from league officials, the NHL and the IIHF have reached an agreement to move forward, ensuring the world’s best players will indeed be on the ice this February.
Today, New Year’s Eve, marks the final deadline for all 12 competing nations to submit their 25-man rosters. These squads will consist of 14 forwards, eight defensemen, and three goaltenders. While every team dreams of gold, two North American powerhouses enter as the heavy favorites: Canada and the United States.
Team Canada: A Blend of Legends and Prodigies
Canada’s management faces an “embarrassment of riches,” but the biggest question is how the next generation fits into a lineup already loaded with Hall of Fame talent.
The youth movement is headlined by Macklin Celebrini, Connor Bedard, and defenseman Matthew Schaefer.
- The MVP Frontrunner: Celebrini is playing at an elite level for the San Jose Sharks, sitting third in league scoring with 60 points in 39 games. His playing style has drawn frequent comparisons to a young Sidney Crosby, making him a lock for the forward group.
- The Blue Line Phenom: Matthew Schaefer, the Islanders’ top rookie, has proven he belongs in the conversation with stars like Cale Makar. His skating and poise make him a strong candidate for one of the eight defensive slots.
With a core featuring Connor McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon, Sidney Crosby, and Mitch Marner, Canada has no shortage of firepower. The challenge for General Manager Don Sweeney is deciding which veteran stars might be left out to make room for these surging youngsters.
Team USA: Depth and Defensive Dominance
While Canada has the “superstar” names, the United States arguably has the deepest roster from top to bottom. The main question for Team USA is who rounds out the “Bottom Six” of the forward group.
The top of the lineup is terrifying for opponents, featuring Auston Matthews, Jack Eichel, and the Tkachuk brothers. However, the battle for the final few spots is fierce:
- The Bubble: Players like Alex DeBrincat, Cole Caufield, Vincent Trocheck, and Clayton Keller are all fighting for space.
- The “Wall” on Defense: The U.S. blue line is arguably the best in the tournament, anchored by Quinn Hughes, Charlie McAvoy, and Brock Faber.
The Americans also hold a perceived edge in net with the trio of Connor Hellebuyck, Jake Oettinger, and Jeremy Swayman, providing a level of security that Canada is still searching for.
A Rivalry Renewed
The history between these two nations is storied. Just earlier this year, they met in the 4 Nations Face-Off. While the United States drew first blood with a win in the opening round, it was Team Canada that secured the championship in a thrilling finale.
While ten other nations—including perennial threats like Sweden and Finland—will be looking to play spoiler, the world is bracing for a potential North American showdown in the Gold Medal game. No matter who makes the final cut today, hockey’s return to the Olympics is set to be the premier sporting event of 2026.
Who has the better roster out of the United States and Canada? Leave a comment below.
For all your Olympic game news, log on to ngscsports.com.
Author Profile
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Director of Operations for NGSC Sports
Covers USF Athletics in Football, Baseball, Lacrosse, and Softball.
Also covered both major and minor league baseball in the Tampa Bay Rays and Clearwater Threshers.
He also covers college football bowl and conference championship games.
It might seem like just covers team sports he also covers both the PGA & LIV Tour and the LPGA Tour. He also announces for the Pinellas Park High School Patriots football.
He also has two sports podcasts in the P&W Sports Report and The Walker Report.
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