Mar 19, 2023; Tampa, Florida, USA; New Jersey Devils left wing Jesper Brett (63) celebrates with defenseman Damon Severs (28), center Nico Hischier (13), right wing Timo Meier (96) and defenseman Kevin Bahl (88) after a goal during the second period at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Morgan Tencza-Imagn Images Morgan Tencza-Imagn Images

Devils Feeding Switzerland’s First Six Players for 2026 Olympics

Originally posted on Breakaway on SI | By Jacob Punturi | Last updated Jun 16, 2025 8:19 AM ET

The New Jersey Devils should be referred to as the New Jersey Swiss Devils for the next few months. As the 2026 Olympic Winter Games approach, the participating countries are sharing the first few players on their roster.

With the announcement of Switzerland’s first six players, it was easiest to just check the Devils’ roster. Three players from the team, forwards Nico Hischier and Timo Meier, as well as defenseman Jonas Siegenthaler were among the first six players selected. Joining them are Nashville Predators captain Roman Josi, Los Angeles Kings’ scorer Kevin Fiala, and Winnipeg Jets veteran Nino Niederreiter.

Olympic update: Switzerland's preliminary roster is taking shape with the first 6 names announced.#IIHF #Olympics #NHL #NHLPA @SwissIceHockey @olympics @nhl @nhlpa pic.twitter.com/QkAUsCGVOi
— IIHF (@IIHFHockey) June 16, 2025

There’s no doubting the improvement the Swiss roster has witnessed over the past few years. The country has been a perimeter team in terms of competing, but their star power is finally at a level that can match a variety of other countries. With the super powers of the tournament like Canada, the United States and Sweden standing as favorites, there are a group of countries, particularly the Swiss, Latvia, Finland and Germany, that could all surprise the tournament and snare a medal.

The Swiss are hoping that the New Jersey connection is a strong start for their roster. Having Hischier and Meier together gives Switzerland a top-notch pairing for their first line, allowing someone like Fiala or Niedereiter to slot into the second line and balance their scoring. Hopefully with a few more key additions, Switzerland is able to march into the 2026 Olympic Winter Games and ear the country's first olympic medal in hockey since 1948.

This article first appeared on Breakaway on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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