Five NHL players who surprisingly merit Olympic team consideration

The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan are fast approaching, and excitement is building across the NHL for its return to the Games for the first time since Sochi in 2014.  

Last year’s 4 Nations Face-Off tournament sizzled, but it was just the appetizer for the Winter Games (Feb. 6-22). 

Six players have already been selected to represent each country, and many others are shoo-ins to join them; however, plenty of difficult decisions remain, particularly given the tremendous play from unexpected players to start the 2025-26 season. 

Here's who merits Olympic consideration. (All statistics are through Sunday's play):  

Defenseman Matthew Schaefer, New York Islanders | Canada

In only 23 games, Schaefer has shattered expectations, producing 15 points (seven goals, eight assists) and emerging as one of the best defensemen in the game. 

The fact that the 18-year-old’s name is even in conversation to make Team Canada shows that, and while it remains unlikely that he’ll be selected, Schaefer will be at the forefront of Canadian hockey for years to come. 

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

The rebuild is over in Anaheim (14-7-1), which is first in the Western Conference, and a focal point in that turnaround is its goal-scoring winger. After the 2024 saga that sent him from Philadelphia to Anaheim, Gauthier has settled in and is finally playing like the No. 5 pick he was in 2022.

Team USA was lacking youth on its 4 Nations roster, but the 21-year-old aims to change change that for Milan. Gauthier has shown off his elite skill, shot and speed and scored 26 points (13 goals, 13 assists) in 22 games this season. 

Center John Tavares, Toronto Maple Leafs | Canada

Plenty of youngsters are putting themselves on the map, but don’t forget about the old guard. Tavares has played extremely well, tallying 27 points (12 goals, 15 assists) in just 22 games. Not bad for a 35-year-old.

Many had written the veteran off after his down 2023-24 campaign, but he is one of the more consistent players in the league this season. Plus, he has Olympic experience, having played on Canada's gold medal-winning team in Sochi in 2014. 

Center Emil Heineman, New York Islanders | Sweden

Heineman is another Islander who’s has a chance to go to Milan. He was more of an afterthought in the offseason trade that sent defenseman Noah Dobson to Montreal, but his play has him looking like an integral piece to the puzzle.

In 23 games, Heineman has already racked up 15 points (nine goals, six assists), just three points shy of his career high from last season.  

Goalie Scott Wedgewood, Colorado Avalanche | Canada

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) appear to have locked up the first two spots, leaving Wedgewood as the best candidate for No. 3 goalie. 

Wedgewood plays for the NHL’s best team (16-1-5) and has impressive stats (13-1-2, 2.09 GAA, .918 save percentage and three shutouts). He should be a no-brainer.