David Kirouac-Imagn Images

Hockey Canada Reveals First Six Players in 2026 Olympic Roster

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Jun 17, 2025 8:38 AM ET

Hockey Canada’s road to the 2026 Winter Olympics officially began Monday with the announcement of the first six players bound for a trip to Milano-Cortina next February.

With NHL stars again eligible for Olympic participation for the first time since 2014, Hockey Canada’s brass made a strong statement by selecting a veteran-heavy group with high-end skill and championship experience.

Edmonton Oilers superstar Connor McDavid and fellow Canadian legend and Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby lead the list.

McDavid is fresh off another 100-point campaign and is currently guiding the Edmonton Oilers through the Stanley Cup Final while facing a must-win Game 6 on Tuesday night.

Crosby, meanwhile, remains a cornerstone of Canada’s international legacy, returning for his third Olympics after winning gold in both 2010 and 2014.

6 players. 1 goal. Canada's preliminary roster for Milano Cortina 2026 is starting to take shape.#IIHF #Olympics #NHL #NHLPA @hockeycanada @olympics @nhl @nhlpa pic.twitter.com/KohSGXVhrC
— IIHF (@IIHFHockey) June 16, 2025

Also named were Colorado Avalanche duo Nathan MacKinnon at forward and Cale Makar on the blue line.

MacKinnon posted 116 points this past season and led all players in scoring at the 4 Nations tournament.

Makar, meanwhile, just captured his second Norris Trophy with a career-high 92 points last season.

Rounding up the first six players named to the roster are Tampa Bay Lightning forward Brayden Point and Florida Panthers forward Sam Reinhart.

Point earned his spot with another 40-goal season and two Stanley Cup rings to his name in the last five years.

Reinhart, who replaced Brad Marchand from last year’s preliminary list, has been key to Florida’s third consecutive trip to the Stanley Cup Final and was a Selke Trophy nominee this season.

The Olympic tournament will begin on February 11, 2026, with the gold medal game set for February 22. Canada will compete in Group A alongside Czechia, Switzerland, and France.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: