The Fight for an Olympic Spot: NHL Stars Seek a Ticket to the 2026 Games
The 2025-26 NHL season is approaching with a special appeal: the Winter Olympics in Italy. The NHL’s return to Olympic competition, after its absence since 2014, has ignited the ambition of numerous players who dream of representing their countries and winning a gold medal.
The recent celebration of the “4 Nations Face-Off” tournament served as a first filter, although the managers have made it clear that the final Olympic lineup could differ significantly from the teams that competed in this event. This opens the door to players who were not included in the “4 Nations”, but who still aspire to a place in the selection.
Connor Bedard, the sensation of the Chicago Blackhawks, was not personally affected by not being included in the Canadian team for the “4 Nations”. “I knew there were many talented players in Canada,” commented Bedard, who is already focused on having a good start to the season to seek a place on the Olympic team.
Tage Thompson of the Buffalo Sabres reacted differently to the American team’s decision not to include him in the tournament. “It was extra motivation to show that I could play,” said Thompson, who after the “4 Nations” had an outstanding performance with the Sabres, accumulating a large number of points.
Clayton Keller of the Utah Mammoth also expressed his disappointment at not being selected. “I used it as motivation,” said Keller, who then had an outstanding performance on his team.
The versatility of players like Vincent Trocheck, Chris Kreider, and Brock Nelson, who were selected by the United States team for the “4 Nations” tournament, was a key factor in the management’s decision. According to the general manager of the American team, Bill Guerin, star players must adjust their game and accept different roles on a team of this caliber.
Lack of experience in important tournaments, such as the Stanley Cup playoffs, also influenced the selection of some players. Both Thompson and Keller sought to improve their credentials by participating in the IIHF World Championship in 2025, where the American team won the title.Thompson, Keller, and their teammates won the United States’ first IIHF World Championship since 1960.Although Thompson and Keller’s attention is focused on the NHL season, both recognize the importance of the Olympic Games. “It’s something very exciting to play for,” said Keller. Thompson added: “The Olympic Games are a big goal for me.”
Tom Wilson of the Washington Capitals received an invitation to Canada’s training camp after not being included in the “4 Nations”. “It’s an impressive group of guys,” commented Wilson, who sees the Olympics as a dream come true.
Travis Sanheim, defenseman for the Philadelphia Flyers, who participated in the “4 Nations” with Canada, also aspires to a place on the Olympic team. “The Olympics are something I strive for and want to be a part of,” said Sanheim.
Patrick Kane, who has had the opportunity to compete in the Olympics on two occasions, admits that his performance in the previous season did not justify his inclusion in the US team for the “4 Nations”. Kane, however, received an invitation to the Olympic training camp, which gives him hope of being considered for the final team.
