2026 Olympics: Final Team Canada roster projections

IN: Brad Marchand
OUT: Anthony Cirelli

My first two lines remain unchanged – I’m not messing with the top six that helped Canada topple Team USA in the 4 Nations Face-Off Final. Suzuki, having a strong season at both ends of the ice, moves up to my shutdown third line.

Biggest flex: I’m trying to predict the actual team rather than which team I’d bring, and that’s why I’ve moved Brad Marchand back into this final projection. I felt he had trouble keeping up at the 4 Nations, but his dressing-room presence is invaluable, he’s healthier than he was last winter, and he’s been playing at quite a high level since pretty much April. Cirelli’s defensive skills are great, but Suzuki can play that role and bring more scoring upside.

Toughest cut: It’s been a ton of fun watching Connor Bedard level up into borderline superstardom this season, but I still expect Canada to bring only one of Bedard and Celebrini, and I believe Celebrini being a good soldier attending the 2025 World Championship will break the tie. Perhaps Bedard’s upper-body injury makes the decision easier, too.

Also considered: Connor Bedard, Sam Bennett, Anthony Cirelli, Zach Hyman, Robert Thomas, Mathew Barzal, Wyatt Johnston, Travis Konecny, Bo Horvat, John Tavares, Morgan Geekie

FORWARDS (14) – Steven Ellis’ picks

IN: Brad Marchand
OUT: Anthony Cirelli

I was early to the “Celebrini and Bedard should be on Canada’s roster” push, but I’m sick of the conversation. Canada’s crazy depth means this team is leaving all-star caliber players home by default, and that’s unavoidable. A top six featuring Crosby, McDavid, MacKinnon and Celebrini, among others, is absolutely wild. Canada should have no issue scoring in Italy – simple as that.

Biggest flex: Bedard absolutely deserves to be here. Sure, his injury could take him out of the conversation, but based on his play this year, there’s no real argument for leaving him off. It shouldn’t come down to him competing with Celebrini – if you want the best team possible, they both need to be in Milan.

Toughest cut: Cirelli would have had a purpose on this team, and having extra centers in the stable doesn’t hurt. But if it gets to the point where Canada, somehow, has issues with their depth down the middle, they can move someone like Bedard or Jarvis there, and they’ll be fine. I just can’t justify keeping Scheifele or Suzuki off this team in favor of Cirelli right now, and Marchand’s play in Florida warrants a spot here.

Also Considered: Zach Hyman, Mathew Barzal, Morgan Geekie, John Tavares

DEFENSEMEN (8) – Matt Larkin’s picks

IN: Jakob Chychrun, Evan Bouchard
OUT: Thomas Harley, MacKenzie Weegar

The competition on defense feels wide open enough that the last six weeks could produce significant changes in GM Doug Armstrong’s final choices. Thomas Harley has missed time due to injury, and he’s actually struggled defensively for the Dallas Stars this season. For all the critiques Bouchard gets for being cavalier with the puck, Harley has been more error-prone. MacKenzie Weegar will be a casualty of the Calgary Flames’ poor season, I predict. On the whole, this blueline looks quite a bit more mobile than what Canada trotted out for the 4 Nations.

Biggest flex: Back aboard the Bouchard train? Hey, he’s earned it. I was a Bouchard supporter to begin with, but even his critics should realize he’s playing elite hockey right now. He and partner Mattias Ekholm have the best 5-on-5 on-ice scoring chance share on the Edmonton Oilers. I also leaned into recency bias with the Chychrun add; hey, he’s producing at close to a Norris Trophy level this season, can play both sides and mixes size with goal-scoring ability.

Toughest cut: Maybe I’ll look silly for repeatedly omitting Colton Parayko given he made the 4 Nations squad and is a St. Louis Blue and thus has Armstrong’s respect. But Parayko was easily Canada’s worst defenseman at the 4 Nations. There are simply better players available.

Also considered: Thomas Harley, Colton Parayko, Drew Doughty, MacKenzie Weegar, Noah Dobson, Brandon Montour

DEFENSEMEN (8) – Steven Ellis’ picks

IN: None
OUT: None

I don’t see a weak defender on this team. Deciding who should be the eighth guy isn’t worth the energy it takes, in my opinion. Every player has a role – it’s hard to argue against any of them. So, I left this group the way it is.

Biggest flex: I think Harley is a bigger question mark than he was a few months ago (the injury didn’t help), but I like his game enough to keep him around. If they took him off for Jakob Chychrun or Drew Doughty, I would totally understand, though.

Toughest cut: Would Armstrong really leave his own guy off? I don’t think so, and that’s why I feel like Parayko will make it, but Chychrun won’t. Chychrun is having a monster year, but I can’t imagine them messing with the 4 Nations crop to choose an American-born defender who hasn’t represented Canada at any point during his pro career (he played in various junior tournaments, though).

Also considered: Jakob Chychrun, Evan Bouchard, Drew Doughty, MacKenzie Weegar

GOALTENDERS (3) – Matt Larkin’s picks

IN: Logan Thompson
OUT: Adin Hill

ENOUGH. Thompson has transcended any concern over his previous Vegas Golden Knights chemistry problems with Canada assistant coaches Bruce Cassidy and Peter DeBoer. Adin Hill is hurt, Binnington and Sam Montembeault have been terrible and Thompson is the Vezina Trophy frontrunner. I don’t care if there’s bad blood; your goalie’s influence on the dressing room can’t be that big when the room has Sidney Crosby and Nathan MacKinnon in it. Bring the goalie who has been Canada’s best for the past 14 months.

Biggest flex: Is it a flex for me to add Thompson but not make him the starter? Baby steps. Binnington earned the net in the 4 Nations Final overtime. He gets the first start. Thompson likely takes over as the No. 1 before the Olympics are up.

Toughest cut: Darcy Kuemper is right in the mix, assuming he’s OK after getting hurt on a collision Monday night. He finished third in the 2024-25 Vezina vote and has maintained a high standard of play this season. Based on overall performance since the start of last season, he’s a better pick than Binnington.

Also considered: Darcy Kuemper, Adin Hill, Scott Wedgewood

GOALTENDERS (3) – Steven Ellis’ picks

IN: Logan Thompson
OUT: Adin Hill

Who I like, and who I think Canada likes, aren’t the same. I absolutely think both of the Colorado Avalanche’s goaltenders – Blackwood and Scott Wedgewood – have played well enough to earn spots on this team. Blackwood has proven he can be better for longer, so he’s on this team. And like Matt, not taking Thompson, despite the reported riffs between him and DeBoer, just can’t be justified at this point.

Biggest flex: Just read Matt’s flex. I could see Canada taking Thompson and just keeping him in the press box if the drama is truly that big of a deal. But from a pure performance standpoint, Thompson can’t be left off at any cost.

Toughest cut: Wedgewood deserves to be here. His numbers are great, and he’s a big reason why the Avs have been as dominant as they have been. I have a hard time believing they’d take two goalies from the same team, but that’s just me.

Also considered: Scott Wedgewood, Darcy Kuemper, Adin Hill