NHL: Stars Use 4 Nations Snubs as Olympic Fuel

The Fight for an Olympic Spot in Ice Hockey: The Motivation of NHL Players

The 2025-26 NHL season is approaching with a clear goal for many players: the Winter Olympics. With the NHL’s return to Olympic competition for the first time since 2014, the competition for a place on the national teams is fierce. The recent edition of the 4 Nations tournament served as a testing ground, but many players who were not selected see it as extra motivation to prove their worth. Connor Bedard, the sensation of the Chicago Blackhawks, was not personally affected by not being included in Canada’s roster for the 4 Nations tournament. “I knew there were a lot of great players in Canada,” he commented. “Even if I had played incredibly well, I wouldn’t have felt bad if I hadn’t been selected.” Tage Thompson of the Buffalo Sabres took the exclusion from the United States team more personally. “It was extra motivation to show that I could play,” he said. “I used it to boost my game.” After the 4 Nations tournament break, Thompson recorded 24 points in 27 games with the Sabres, including 18 goals.

“Tage Thompson took the exclusion from the United States team more personally. “It was extra motivation to show that I could play,” he stated. “I used it to boost my game.”

Tage Thompson

Versatility and championship tournament experience are key factors for the selection of Olympic teams. Bill Guerin, general manager of the United States team, noted that the 4 Nations tournament group “probably won’t be the exact lineup we’ll take to the Olympics.” This opens the door for players like Clayton Keller, of the Utah Mammoth, who was also motivated by his exclusion. “Obviously, I was upset, but I used it as motivation,” Keller said. Lack of playoff experience in the Stanley Cup also influenced some decisions. Thompson has never played in a playoff game, and Keller has only participated in nine postseason games. Both players sought to improve their credentials by participating in the 2025 IIHF World Championship, where the United States won its first title since 1960. Players like Zach Werenski and Jeremy Swayman, who did participate in the 4 Nations tournament, also sought to prove their worth.

Both Thompson and Keller are focused on their respective NHL seasons, but they can’t ignore the Olympic possibility. “It’s something really cool and exciting to play for,” Keller said. Thompson added: “The Olympics are a big goal for me. It’s something I’ve wanted to achieve for a long time.” Tom Wilson of the Washington Capitals also received an invitation to Canada’s training camp after not being included in the 4 Nations tournament. “It’s an impressive group of players, to say the least,” Wilson commented. “It makes you want to work hard to be in the conversation for the Olympic team.” Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Travis Sanheim, who played for Canada in the 4 Nations tournament and the World Championship, acknowledges the competition. “Canada has a very deep team and the players competing for those spots… it’s going to be a challenge,” Sanheim said. Patrick Kane, who has participated in two Olympic Games, including a silver medal in 2010, was not selected for the 4 Nations tournament, but was invited to the United States training camp. Kane is motivated to earn a spot on the Olympic team through his play.