{"id":470358,"date":"2025-06-16T14:07:00","date_gmt":"2025-06-16T18:07:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/?p=470358"},"modified":"2025-06-16T14:07:00","modified_gmt":"2025-06-16T18:07:00","slug":"first-players-released-for-2026-winter-olympic-rosters","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2025\/06\/16\/first-players-released-for-2026-winter-olympic-rosters\/","title":{"rendered":"First Players Released for 2026 Winter Olympic Rosters"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>The 2025 Stanley Cup Final is still going, but thoughts are already drifting to the 2026 Winter Olympics rosters. <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.sportsnet.ca\/nhl\/article\/olympic-hockey-roster-tracker-first-players-named\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">NHL players are finally back<\/a> after not participating since 2014. The first few names have been released for the rosters for the next Winter Games in Italy.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"bluesky-embed\" data-bluesky-uri=\"at:\/\/did:plc:jzwjii7jezyylb25ztf5bhig\/app.bsky.feed.post\/3lrpymkjacs2w\" data-bluesky-cid=\"bafyreih7qnmyrijv42r7dubk2aax4wzn4eg6zrk2u5aagw6xaufmrrpbse\">\n<p lang=\"en\">We have a tracker we&#39;re updating all day as initial Olympic men&#39;s hockey rosters start to trickle out:www.dailyfaceoff.com\/news\/2026-ol&#8230;<\/p>\n<p>&mdash; <a  href=\"https:\/\/bsky.app\/profile\/did:plc:jzwjii7jezyylb25ztf5bhig?ref_src=embed\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Steven Ellis (@stevenpellis.ca)<\/a> <a  href=\"https:\/\/bsky.app\/profile\/did:plc:jzwjii7jezyylb25ztf5bhig\/post\/3lrpymkjacs2w?ref_src=embed\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">2025-06-16T12:36:27.808Z<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/embed.bsky.app\/static\/embed.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<h2>2026 Winter Olympic Rosters Release First Names<\/h2>\n<p>Many of the European countries released their rosters first with a number of big names. The NHL enjoyed the successful return of best-on-best international hockey with the Four Nations Face-Off. We saw great games between the United States, Canada, Sweden and Finland.<\/p>\n<p>However, we get to see other countries like Czechia, Switzerland, Slovakia, Denmark and others join in on the fun. There will be jockeying for other roster spots, but these first six roster spots are locked in. Let&#8217;s take a look who&#8217;s been named so far.<\/p>\n<h3>Group A<\/h3>\n<h4>Canada<\/h4>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/c\/crosbsi01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-06-16_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Sidney Crosby<\/a> (<a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2025\/06\/14\/pittsburgh-penguins-coach\/\" target=\"_self\">Pittsburgh Penguins<\/a>)<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/m\/mackina01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-06-16_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Nathan MacKinnon<\/a> (<a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2025\/06\/11\/colorado-avalanche-defenceman-cale-makar-wins-norris-trophy-again\/\" target=\"_self\">Colorado Avalanche<\/a>)<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/m\/mcdavco01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-06-16_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Connor McDavid<\/a> (<a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2025\/06\/16\/connor-mcdavid-edmonton-oilers-playoff-final-game-6\/\" target=\"_self\">Edmonton Oilers)<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/m\/makarca01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-06-16_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Cale Makar<\/a> (Colorado Avalanche)<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/p\/pointbr01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-06-16_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Brayden Point<\/a> (<a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2025\/06\/02\/tampa-bay-lightning-re-sign-fan-favourite\/\" target=\"_self\">Tampa Bay Lightning<\/a>)<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/r\/reinhsa01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-06-16_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Sam Reinhart<\/a> (<a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2025\/06\/14\/edmonton-oilers-florida-panthers-game-5-2025-nhl-stanley-cup-final-recap\/\" target=\"_self\">Florida Panthers<\/a>)<\/p>\n<h4>Czechia<\/h4>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/p\/pastrda01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-06-16_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">David Pastrnak<\/a> (<a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2025\/06\/05\/boston-bruins-make-head-coaching-hire\/\" target=\"_self\">Boston Bruins<\/a>)<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/n\/necasma01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-06-16_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Martin Necas<\/a> (Colorado Avalanche)<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/p\/palaton01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-06-16_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Ondrej Palat<\/a> (<a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2025\/06\/08\/nhl-rumours-new-jersey-devils-hope-to-extend-defensive-duo\/\" target=\"_self\">New Jersey Devils<\/a>)<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/z\/zachapa01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-06-16_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Pavel Zacha<\/a> (Boston Bruins)<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/g\/gudasra01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-06-16_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Radko Gudas<\/a> (<a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2025\/06\/12\/analyzing-veteran-wingers-impact-on-the-anaheim-ducks\/\" target=\"_self\">Anaheim Ducks<\/a>)<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/d\/dostalu01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-06-16_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Lukas Dostal<\/a> (Anaheim Ducks)<\/p>\n<h4>Switzerland<\/h4>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/s\/siegejo01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-06-16_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jonas Siegenthaler<\/a> (New Jersey Devils)<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/j\/josiro01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-06-16_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Roman Josi<\/a> (<a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2025\/05\/30\/nhl-rumours-nashville-predators-forward-possible-trade-bait\/\" target=\"_self\">Nashville Predators<\/a>)<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/f\/fialake01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-06-16_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Kevin Fiala<\/a> (<a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2025\/05\/13\/report-los-angeles-kings-choose-new-general-manager\/\" target=\"_self\">Los Angeles Kings<\/a>)<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/h\/hischni01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-06-16_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Nico Hischier<\/a> (New Jersey Devils)<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/n\/niedeni01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-06-16_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Nino Niederreiter<\/a> (<a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2025\/06\/15\/nhl-rumours-winnipeg-jets-seek-centre-depth\/\" target=\"_self\">Winnipeg Jets<\/a>)<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/m\/meierti01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-06-16_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Timo Meier<\/a> (New Jersey Devils)<\/p>\n<h4>France<\/h4>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/a\/auvityo01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-06-16_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Yohann Auvitu<\/a> (Vitkovice FC, Czechia)<br \/>\nJules Boscq (Iowa Heartlanders, ECHL)<br \/>\nHugo Gallet (Tappara Tampere, Finland)<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/t\/texieal01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-06-16_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Alexandre Texier<\/a> (<a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2025\/06\/13\/why-the-st-louis-blues-will-make-a-trade-this-summer\/\" target=\"_self\">St. Louis Blues<\/a>)<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/b\/bellepi01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-06-16_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Pierre-Edouard Bellemare<\/a> (Ajoie FC, Switzerland)<br \/>\nJordann Perret (Hradec Kralove, Czechia)<\/p>\n<h3>Group B<\/h3>\n<h4>Finland<\/h4>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/s\/sarosju01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-06-16_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Juuse Saros<\/a> (Nashville Predators)<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/l\/lindees01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-06-16_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Esa Lindell<\/a> (<a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2025\/06\/13\/potential-candidates-for-next-dallas-stars-head-coach\/\" target=\"_self\">Dallas Stars<\/a>)<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/h\/heiskmi01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-06-16_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Miro Heiskanen<\/a> (Dallas Stars)<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/r\/rantami01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-06-16_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Mikko Rantanen<\/a> (Dallas Stars)<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/b\/barkoal01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-06-16_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Aleksander Barkov<\/a> (Florida Panthers)<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/search\/search.fcgi?pid=ahose01,ahose02&amp;search=Sebastian+Aho&amp;utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-06-16_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Sebastian Aho<\/a> (Carolina Hurricanes)<\/p>\n<h4>Italy<\/h4>\n<p>Damian Clara (San Diego Gulls, AHL)<br \/>\nThomas Larkin (Schwenningen Wild Wings, Germany)<br \/>\nLuca Zanatta (Val Pusteria Wolves, Austria)<br \/>\nDiego Kostner (Ambri-Piotta, Switzerland)<br \/>\nTommy Purdeller (Val Pusteria Wolves, Austria)<br \/>\nDaniel Mantenuto (Bolzano FC, Austria)<\/p>\n<h4>Sweden<\/h4>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/d\/dahlira01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-06-16_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Rasmus Dahlin<\/a> (<a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2025\/05\/30\/sabres-hire-senior-advisor\/\" target=\"_self\">Buffalo Sabres<\/a>)<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/h\/hedmavi01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-06-16_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Victor Hedman<\/a> (Tampa Bay Lightning)<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/k\/kempead01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-06-16_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Adrian Kempe<\/a> (Los Angeles Kings)<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/l\/landega01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-06-16_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Gabriel Landeskog<\/a> (Colorado Avalanche)<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/n\/nylanwi01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-06-16_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">William Nylander<\/a> (<a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2025\/06\/13\/nhl-rumours-toronto-maple-leafs-superstar-will-sign-with-a-new-team-in-free-agency\/\" target=\"_self\">Toronto Maple Leafs<\/a>)<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/r\/raymolu01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-06-16_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Lucas Raymond<\/a> (<a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2025\/04\/21\/nhl-rumours-detroit-red-wings-hope-to-bring-back-forward\/\" target=\"_self\">Detroit Red Wings<\/a>)<\/p>\n<h4>Slovakia<\/h4>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/s\/slafkju01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-06-16_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Juraj Slafkovsky<\/a> (<a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2025\/06\/11\/nhl-rumours-montreal-canadiens-in-search-of-some-forward-help\/\" target=\"_self\">Montreal Canadiens<\/a>)<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/p\/pospima01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-06-16_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Martin Pospisil<\/a> (<a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2025\/05\/25\/2025-calgary-flames-rfa\/\" target=\"_self\">Calgary Flames<\/a>)<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/n\/nemecsi01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-06-16_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Simon Nemec<\/a> (New Jersey Devils)<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/f\/feherma01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-06-16_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Martin Fehervary<\/a> (<a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2025\/05\/16\/carolina-hurricanes-alexander-nikishin-debuts-as-andrei-svechnikov-puts-series-versus-washington-capitals-to-bed\/\" target=\"_self\">Washington Capitals<\/a>)<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/c\/cernaer01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-06-16_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Erik Cernak<\/a> (Tampa Bay Lightning)<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/t\/tatarto01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-06-16_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Tomas Tatar<\/a> (EV Zug, Switzeland)<\/p>\n<h3>Group C<\/h3>\n<h4>Denmark<\/h4>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/e\/ehlerni01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-06-16_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Nikolaj Ehlers<\/a> (Winnipeg Jets)<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/a\/anderfr01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-06-16_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Frederik Andersen<\/a> (Carolina Hurricanes)<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/e\/ellerla01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-06-16_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Lars Eller<\/a> (Washington Capitals)<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/b\/bjorkol01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-06-16_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Oliver Bjorkstrand<\/a> (Tampa Bay Lightning)<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/r\/rondbjo01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-06-16_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jonas Rondbjerg<\/a> (<a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2025\/06\/07\/nhl-rumours-vegas-golden-knights-could-deal-d-man\/\" target=\"_self\">Vegas Golden Knights<\/a>)<br \/>\nJesper Jensen Aabo (Klagenfurt AC, Austria)<\/p>\n<div class=\"components_paragraph__b8N_5\">\n<h4><strong>Germany<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/d\/draisle01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-06-16_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Leon Draisaitl<\/a> (Edmonton Oilers)<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/s\/seidemo01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-06-16_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Moritz Seider<\/a> (Detroit Red Wings)<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/g\/grubaph01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-06-16_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Philipp Grubauer<\/a> (<a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2025\/06\/14\/nhl-rumours-western-conference-team-may-use-offer-sheets\/\" target=\"_self\">Seattle Kraken<\/a>)<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/r\/reichlu01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-06-16_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Lukas Reichel<\/a> (<a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2025\/06\/01\/nhl-rumours-chicago-blackhawks-d-man-possible-trade-target\/\" target=\"_self\">Chicago Blackhawks<\/a>)<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/s\/sturmni01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-06-16_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Nico Sturm<\/a> (Florida Panthers)<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/s\/stuetti02.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-06-16_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Tim Stutzle<\/a> (<a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2025\/06\/04\/addressing-ottawa-senators-top-nine-forward-group-early-offseason-rumours\/\" target=\"_self\">Ottawa Senators<\/a>)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"components_paragraph__b8N_5\">\n<h4><strong>Latvia<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/a\/abolsro01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-06-16_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Rodrigo Abols<\/a> (<a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2025\/06\/03\/extension-noah-cates\/\" target=\"_self\">Philadelphia Flyers<\/a>)<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/b\/balinuv01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-06-16_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Uvis Balinskis<\/a> (Florida Panthers)<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/g\/girgeze01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-06-16_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Zemgus Girgensons<\/a> (Tampa Bay Lightning)<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/m\/merzlel01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-06-16_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Elvis Merzlikins<\/a> (<a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2025\/03\/05\/columbus-blue-jackets-signing-of-forward-shows-organizational-message\/\" target=\"_self\">Columbus Blue Jackets<\/a>)<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/s\/silovar01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-06-16_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Arturs Silovs<\/a> (<a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2025\/06\/10\/abbotsford-canucks-reach-calder-cup-final\/\" target=\"_self\">Vancouver Canucks<\/a>)<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/b\/bluegte01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-06-16_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Teddy Blueger<\/a> (Vancouver Canucks)<\/p>\n<h4><strong>USA<\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"components_paragraph__b8N_5\">\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/e\/eicheja01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-06-16_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jack Eichel<\/a> (Vegas Golden Knights)<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/h\/hughequ01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-06-16_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Quinn Hughes<\/a> (Vancouver Canucks)<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/m\/matthau01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-06-16_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Auston Matthews<\/a> (Toronto Maple Leafs)<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/m\/mcavoch01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-06-16_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Charlie McAvoy<\/a> (Boston Bruins)<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/t\/tkachbr01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-06-16_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Brady Tkachuk<\/a> (Ottawa Senators)<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/t\/tkachma01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-06-16_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Matthew Tkachuk<\/a> (Florida Panthers)<\/p>\n<h3>What It Means<\/h3>\n<p>The tournament will be a highly-anticipated one with more than just the four nations playing. There are some good rosters, but the United States and Canada could meet each other again down the way. However, we have to see more of how these 2026 Winter Olympics rosters will take shape.<\/p>\n<p>The Olympics also won&#8217;t see Russia or Belarus since both countries are banned from international play. Players like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/o\/ovechal01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-06-16_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Alex Ovechkin<\/a> won&#8217;t get one last ride on the Olympic ice. The tournament will run from Feb. 11, 2026 to Feb. 22.<\/p>\n<p><em>Main photo by: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The 2025 Stanley Cup Final is still going, but thoughts are already drifting to the 2026 Winter Olympics rosters. NHL players are finally back after not participating since 2014. The first few names have been released for the rosters for the next Winter Games in Italy. We have a tracker we&#39;re updating all day as [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2352,"featured_media":462834,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[304,4547,4548,2963],"tags":[8062,469,7081],"class_list":["post-470358","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-international-hockey","category-hockey","category-nhl","category-olympics","tag-4-nations-face-off","tag-international-hockey","tag-winter-olympics"],"modified_by":"Dan Mount, Editor","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/470358","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2352"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=470358"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/470358\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":470362,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/470358\/revisions\/470362"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/462834"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=470358"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=470358"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=470358"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}