Eight NHL players to watch at the upcoming Winter Olympics

The Winter Olympics will be kicking off in just over a week, and for the first time since 2014, NHL players will be taking part in the hockey tournament. 

Several of the league's top players will be competing in their first Olympic Games; 12 total teams will play in the men's tournament, with nearly 150 NHLers invited and several more NHL-affiliated players joining. Who should you keep an eye on? Let's take a look at one player from the top eight teams.

Canada: Connor McDavid, forward, Edmonton Oilers

While Team Canada features several superstars, such as Nathan MacKinnon, Sidney Crosby and Cale Makar, McDavid takes the spot as the NHL's best player. Since Dec. 1, McDavid has a whopping 56 points in 28 games, eight more than his next closest counterpart. He should be the top player in Milan.

United States: Quinn Hughes, defense, Minnesota Wild

Hughes started the season a bit slow due to trade rumors, but following his move from the Vancouver Canucks to the Minnesota Wild, he's been on a torrid pace. He has 26 points in 22 games with the Wild, and since the trade, leads the NHL in ice time with 28:11 TOI. After missing the Four Nations tournament with an injury, he'll be motivated to lead America's blue line this February.

Sweden: Lucas Raymond, forward, Detroit Red Wings

Team Sweden's been hit with a bit of an injury bug, with players like Leo Carlsson and Jonas Brodin unable to suit up. Luckily for them, Red Wings forward and leading Swedish scorer Lucas Raymond is ready to lead his team. With 58 points in 52 games, Raymond clears the next highest Swede, Mika Zibanejad, who has 49 points. At just 23 years old, he'll certainly be a top player at his first Olympics.

Finland: Miro Heiskanen, defense, Dallas Stars

Heiskanen has cemented himself as one of the NHL's best blueliners over the past few seasons. A fluid skater with great two-way play, he'll be leaned on for a Finnish defense that lacks a bit of depth. Another bonus for Heiskanen? He's expected to play with his current defense partner in Dallas, Esa Lindell. A familiar face should allow Heiskanen to feel very comfortable on Team Finland.

Czech Republic: David Pastrnak, forward, Boston Bruins

Pastrnak is the clear-cut best player for the Czechs and is the sixth-leading scorer in the NHL (69 points in 49 games). Although the Czechs may be a bit undermanned with just 12 NHLers on the roster, having one of the league's best forwards should help.

Switzerland: Roman Josi, defense, Nashville Predators

Another team lacking NHLers (just 10 total), Josi, a former Norris Trophy winner, is expected to anchor a defensive core for an upset-minded Swiss group. Despite lacking the offense he has in years past, Josi should get plenty of ice time and play in all scenarios for Team Switzerland.

Slovakia: Juraj Slafkovsky, forward, Montreal Canadiens

The former No. 1 overall pick hasn't quite lived up to expectations, but luckily for Team Slovakia, Slafkovsky has Olympic experience. In 2022, then-17-year-old Slafkovsky helped lead Slovakia to a bronze medal; as the tournament's top goal scorer, he was also named MVP.

Germany: Leon Draisaitl, forward, Edmonton Oilers

Draisaitl will play a big role for Germany on a team that also includes stalwart defenseman Moritz Seider and high-end center Tim Stutzle. A former Hart Trophy winner and one of the best players in the league, Draisaitl will have to do some heavy lifting for a group that has just four NHLers who have played more than 50 games this season.