What are the biggest team changes since Beijing?
Men’s:
While the full rosters for each team have not yet been announced, the return of NHL players to the Games will result in some big changes in the men’s tournament in Milan.
Multiple NHL stars will make their Olympic debuts for Team USA in February, including Auston Matthews, the U.S. captain during 4 Nations and 2022 Hart Trophy recipient. Matthew Tkachuk and Brady Tkachuk will also take the ice in Milan, following in their father Keith’s footsteps. Matthew won back-to-back Stanley Cup titles with the Florida Panthers in 2024 and 2025.
Sidney Crosby will return for his third Olympics with Canada after winning gold in 2010 and 2014. Connor McDavid will represent Canada in his first Olympics in Milan after scoring the game winner in February’s 4 Nations Face-Off final against the U.S.
Other notable NHL players will compete in the 2026 Games, including David Pastrnak (Czechia), Leon Draisaitl (Germany), William Nylander (Sweden) and Aleksander Barkov (Finland).
Women’s:
Olympic rosters have not yet been announced for the women’s tournament in Milan. However, a couple of rising stars potentially could compete.
Laila Edwards, 20, is the youngest American ever to win the tournament MVP award at a world championship. If selected for Team USA, Edwards could become the first Black woman ever to represent the U.S. in Olympic hockey.
Chloe Primerano, 18, currently is the youngest player on the Canadian team and has a shot at making the Olympic roster after the defenseman competed at the 2025 IIHF Women’s World Championship.