Meet Canada’s First Six Stars on the Olympic Preliminary Roster: NHL.com Exclusive

The countdown to the Olympic Winter Games in Milano Cortina 2026 is officially underway! On Monday, the first six players of the men’s hockey teams were announced, and the excitement is building. The tournament kicks off on February 11, with the gold medal match set for February 22. This year marks a special return to the Olympics for NHL players, as they haven’t participated since 2014.

Team Canada’s Preliminary Roster

Here’s a look at the first six players representing Canada:

Sidney Crosby, F
At 37, Crosby is a legend in hockey. He has achieved everything possible, from winning three Stanley Cups with the Pittsburgh Penguins to earning the MVP title twice in the playoffs. He’s played for 20 seasons and has amassed an impressive 1,687 points. Crosby has also captained Canada in multiple international events, leading them to Olympic gold in 2010 and 2014.

Nathan MacKinnon, F
The Halifax native, now 29, has been a consistent star, scoring over 110 points each season for the past three years. In 2023-24, he recorded 140 points. MacKinnon won the Calder Trophy as the NHL’s best rookie in 2014 and took home gold with Canada in 2015.

Cale Makar, D
Makar is a two-time Norris Trophy winner, recognized as the league’s best defenseman. This season, he scored 92 points, a personal best. He has already made his mark in the NHL since his debut and has showcased his skills internationally, helping Canada win the 4 Nations Face-Off.

Connor McDavid, F
In the past decade, no player has scored more points than McDavid. He topped 100 points in seven of the last eight seasons and amassed 153 points last season. Known for his electrifying play, McDavid also has several accolades, including three Hart Trophies and a Conn Smythe trophy.

Brayden Point, F
Point, hailing from Calgary, has consistently scored over 40 goals in the last three seasons, contributing significantly to the Tampa Bay Lightning’s success. He has been a key player in multiple playoff runs and won gold for Canada at the World Junior Championships.

Sam Reinhart, F
Reinhart has shown impressive consistency, scoring at least 20 goals for eight consecutive seasons. He achieved a personal high of 57 goals while helping the Florida Panthers secure their first Stanley Cup. Reinhart is also a decorated international player, having won several championships with Canada.

A Look at Hockey’s Evolution

Hockey has seen significant changes over the years. The inclusion of NHL players in the Olympics will enhance the competition level. In past tournaments, non-NHL players brought enthusiasm, but the skill gap was evident. According to a 2023 survey from the International Ice Hockey Federation, a staggering 80% of fans believe that having NHL players will increase the overall excitement of the games.

As we anticipate the games, there’s a sense of unity among fans and players alike. Social media is buzzing with discussions about team strategies and player performances. The return of legends like Crosby and rising stars like McDavid creates a blend of nostalgia and fresh hope for hockey fans.

The anticipation continues to grow as teams finalize their rosters in the coming months, setting the stage for what promises to be an unforgettable Olympic experience.

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