NHL: Stars Use Four Nations Snubs as Olympic Motivation

The Road to the Winter Olympics: The Motivation of NHL Players

The 2025-26 NHL season is shaping up with extra motivation for many players, as the Winter Olympics return with the league’s participation for the first time since 2014. The 4 Nations Face-Off tournament served as a first look at potential teams, but the Olympic rosters could hold surprises. Connor Bedard, the sensation of the Chicago Blackhawks, didn’t feel bad about not being included in Canada’s roster for the 4 Nations Face-Off. “I knew it was a possibility. I had a slow start last year. There are so many talented players in Canada,” he commented. Tage Thompson of the Buffalo Sabres did take it personally not being selected by Team USA. “It was extra motivation to prove I could play,” he said. “I used it to fuel my game.” The ambition to represent their country is a great motivator for players. After the 4 Nations break, Thompson added 24 points in 27 games with the Sabres, including 18 goals. Although many players from the 4 Nations will be part of the Olympic rosters, executives, such as Bill Guerin from Team USA, have indicated that the 4 Nations group will not be exactly the same as what will be seen at the Games.

This opens the door for players like Clayton Keller of the Utah Mammoth, who was also disappointed not to be included in the 4 Nations, but used this as motivation. “I played my best hockey after that,” he stated.

Thompson was perhaps the most notably excluded player from Team USA for the 4 Nations. His inclusion as an injury replacement for the championship game against Canada underscores how close he was to being selected. When Team USA was formed for the 4 Nations, Guerin and his team opted for veteran forwards with potential as two-way players, such as Vincent Trocheck, Chris Kreider, and Brock Nelson, instead of youngsters more known for their offense. One of the reasons was its versatility. Guerin also pointed out that star players must adjust their game and accept different roles and minutes on a team like this.

Another reason why players like Keller and Thompson were overlooked was the lack of experience in championship tournaments. Both players sought to improve their resumes by playing for the U.S. team at the 2025 IIHF World Championships, where the Americans won their first title since 1960.

Thompson, Keller, and their teammates won the United States’ first IIHF World Championship since 1960. Although Thompson and Keller are focused on their respective NHL seasons, they cannot ignore the Olympic opportunity. “It’s something exciting to play for,” said Keller. Thompson added: “The Olympics are a big goal for me.” Bedard, who did not play for Canada at the IIHF World Championships, keeps his Olympic hopes alive and attended the orientation camp in August. “It would be incredible,” said Bedard, “I just want to get off to a good start, personally and as a team, and then see what happens.” Tom Wilson of the Washington Capitals also received an invitation to Canada’s Olympic orientation camp after not being included in the 4 Nations roster. “It’s an impressive group. It makes you want to push yourself to the max,” Wilson commented. “When you’re a kid, it’s the Stanley Cup and an Olympic gold medal. That’s it.”

Making an Olympic team means taking a spot from someone who played in the 4 Nations Face-Off. Travis Sanheim, defenseman for the Philadelphia Flyers, played three games for Team Canada in the 4 Nations and competed in the IIHF World Championships. Sanheim is “in the bubble” for the 2026 Winter Games.

Patrick Kane has had the opportunity to play twice in the Olympics. His absence from the Team USA team for the 4 Nations was not a surprise, as Kane himself admitted that his play last season did not justify selection. However, his presence at the U.S. Olympic orientation camp in August was a surprise to some, though not to Kane. “I was told through my agent that there was a possibility of being part of the team. That I was under consideration. So when you hear that, it’s not a big surprise that you’re there,” Kane said. Kane said the real surprise was that his Detroit Red Wings teammate Alex DeBrincat wasn’t invited to the camp after not being selected for the 4 Nations. “I think we both have motivation to start well this year,” he said. Kane remembers when he was a 21-year-old star on the U.S. Olympic team in 2010. Now, he could be the elder statesman if selected for 2026. But like all other NHL players who have not yet been formally named to an Olympic team, Kane knows he must earn it. “I want to get to a point where you’re obviously considered for the team just for your play, right? Not for your name or what you’ve done in the past,” Kane said. “That’s the goal this year.”