The Olympic Race: NHL Stars Seek a Spot in the 2026 Games
The 2025-26 NHL season is shaping up to be an intense battle, with elite players vying for a coveted spot in the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy. The NHL’s return to the Games, after its absence since 2014, has ignited the enthusiasm of players and fans alike. Chicago Blackhawks forward Connor Bedard wasn’t disappointed when Canada didn’t include him in the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament. “I knew there were a lot of talented players in Canada,” Bedard commented, highlighting the fierce competition for a spot on the team. Tage Thompson of the Buffalo Sabres reacted differently to being excluded from the U.S. team. “It was extra motivation to prove I could play,” stated Thompson, who, after the tournament break, performed remarkably with the Sabres, accumulating a significant number of points.The 4 Nations Tournament: An Indicator, Not an Olympic Guarantee
Although many players from the 4 Nations Face-Off teams of Canada, the U.S., Sweden, and Finland could be selected for the Olympic teams, team executives, such as U.S. team general manager Bill Guerin, have indicated that the 4 Nations group “probably won’t be the exact lineup” for the Olympic Games.
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This opens the door for players like Clayton Keller of the Utah Mammoth, who also felt motivated by his exclusion from the 4 Nations tournament. “I played my best hockey of the year after that,” Keller commented, demonstrating his determination.
Thompson, who was not included in the U.S. team for the 4 Nations tournament, proved his worth and was considered as an injury replacement for the championship match against Canada, underscoring how close he was to being selected. The U.S. team opted for veteran forwards with the potential to play at both ends of the ice, such as Vincent Trocheck, Chris Kreider, and Brock Nelson, instead of younger players known for their offense.Lack of experience in championship tournaments also influenced the selection. Neither Thompson nor Keller had participated in a Stanley Cup playoffs game before last season. Both players sought to strengthen their credentials by participating in the 2025 IIHF World Championship, where the United States won its first title since 1960.Both Thompson and Keller have stated that they will focus on their respective NHL seasons, but they cannot ignore the Olympic possibility. “It’s something great and exciting to play for,” commented Keller. Thompson added that the Olympics are a big goal and that he wants to be part of the team. Bedard, who led Chicago in points last season, decided not to participate in the IIHF World Championship this year, focusing on improving his skating and other aspects of his game. Although he acknowledges the strong competition in Canada, Bedard keeps his Olympic hopes alive, having attended an orientation camp in August. Tom Wilson of the Washington Capitals was also invited to Canada’s Olympic orientation camp after not being included in the 4 Nations tournament. Wilson believes the first few months of the 2025-26 season will be crucial for players aiming for the Winter Games. Travis Sanheim, defenseman for the Philadelphia Flyers, who participated in the 4 Nations tournament with Canada, emphasizes that the competition for a spot on the Olympic team is fierce. “The Olympics are something I strive for and want to be a part of,” said Sanheim. Patrick Kane, who has represented the United States in the Olympics twice, admitted that his performance last season did not justify his selection for the 4 Nations tournament. Kane, however, was invited to the U.S. Olympic orientation camp. Kane, who feels motivated to have a good start to the season, remembers his experience in 2010, when he was a young star surrounded by veterans. Now, at 36 years old, he could become a leader for the 2026 team. Kane knows he must earn a place on the team.“You have to leave your ego at the door. That happens on any championship team,” Guerin said.
Bill Guerin
