Five NHL players who surprisingly merit Olympic team consideration

The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan are quick approaching, and pleasure is constructing throughout the NHL for its return to the Video games for the primary time since Sochi in 2014.  

Final yr’s 4 Nations Face-Off event sizzled, however it was simply the appetizer for the Winter Video games (Feb. 6-22). 

Six gamers have already been chosen to signify every nation, and plenty of others are shoo-ins to affix them; nevertheless, loads of tough choices stay, notably given the great play from surprising gamers to begin the 2025-26 season. 

This is who deserves Olympic consideration. (All statistics are by Sunday’s play):  

Defenseman Matthew Schaefer, New York Islanders | Canada

In solely 23 video games, Schaefer has shattered expectations, producing 15 factors (seven objectives, eight assists) and rising as probably the greatest defensemen within the sport. 

The truth that the 18-year-old’s identify is even in dialog to make Workforce Canada exhibits that, and whereas it stays unlikely that he’ll be chosen, Schaefer might be on the forefront of Canadian hockey for years to come back. 

Left wing Cutter Gauthier, Anaheim Geese  | U.S.

The rebuild is over in Anaheim (14-7-1), which is first within the Western Convention, and a focus in that turnaround is its goal-scoring winger. After the 2024 saga that despatched him from Philadelphia to Anaheim, Gauthier has settled in and is lastly enjoying just like the No. 5 choose he was in 2022.

Workforce USA was missing youth on its 4 Nations roster, however the 21-year-old goals to vary change that for Milan. Gauthier has proven off his elite talent, shot and velocity and scored 26 factors (13 objectives, 13 assists) in 22 video games this season. 

Middle John Tavares, Toronto Maple Leafs | Canada

Loads of kids are placing themselves on the map, however don’t neglect concerning the previous guard. Tavares has performed extraordinarily effectively, tallying 27 factors (12 objectives, 15 assists) in simply 22 video games. Not dangerous for a 35-year-old.

Many had written the veteran off after his down 2023-24 marketing campaign, however he is likely one of the extra constant gamers within the league this season. Plus, he has Olympic expertise, having performed on Canada’s gold medal-winning crew in Sochi in 2014. 

Middle Emil Heineman, New York Islanders | Sweden

Heineman is one other Islander who’s has an opportunity to go to Milan. He was extra of an afterthought within the offseason commerce that despatched defenseman Noah Dobson to Montreal, however his play has him trying like an integral piece to the puzzle.

In 23 video games, Heineman has already racked up 15 factors (9 objectives, six assists), simply three factors shy of his profession excessive from final season.  

Goalie Scott Wedgewood, Colorado Avalanche | Canada

Essentially the most talked about and scrutinized positional group is goaltending for Canada. St. Louis’ Jordan Binnington (3.13 GAA) and Washington’s Logan Thompson (2.25 GAA) seem to have locked up the primary two spots, leaving Wedgewood as one of the best candidate for No. 3 goalie. 

Wedgewood performs for the NHL’s greatest crew (16-1-5) and has spectacular stats (13-1-2, 2.09 GAA, .918 save proportion and three shutouts). He needs to be a no brainer.