Top 15 NHL Players in the 2026 Winter Olympics Featuring Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl and More

The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano-Cortina have officially brought NHL players back to the global stage for the first time since 2014. The tournament got underway on February 11, 2026, with the preliminary round already in full swing.

With the world’s best competing once again, here’s a look at the top 15 NHL stars to watch, featuring Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and more.

1) Connor McDavid – Team Canada

Connor McDavid is the Edmonton Oilers captain and the NHL’s current top scorer, making his long-awaited Olympic debut as an alternate captain for Canada.

2) Nathan MacKinnon – Team Canada

A powerhouse forward for the Colorado Avalanche, MacKinnon is a core member of the Canadian squad favored for gold.

3) Auston Matthews – Team USA

The Toronto Maple Leafs star was named captain of Team USA, leading their quest for their first Olympic gold since 1980.

4) Leon Draisaitl – Team Germany

Serving as Team Germany’s captain and flag-bearer, Draisaitl is the highest-scoring German-born player in NHL history.

2026 TEAM CANADA MEN’S OLYMPIC HOCKEY

– RULES OF ENGAGEMENT

– OFFICIAL SCHEDULE pic.twitter.com/HJjpPqJWJK

— -OAD’s -B.W. (@OADSBW) February 12, 2026

5) Cale Makar – Team Canada

Considered the premier puck-moving defenseman in the world, the Avalanche star serves as an alternate captain for Team Canada.

6) Sidney Crosby – Team Canada

The legendary 38-year-old Penguins captain leads Canada once again, seeking his third career Olympic gold medal.

7) Jack Eichel – Team USA

The Vegas Golden Knights center is a key offensive weapon for the American top six in his first Olympic appearance.

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8) David Pastrnak – Team Czechia

A prolific sniper for the Boston Bruins, Pastrnak is the offensive focal point for a dangerous Czech team.

9) Quinn Hughes – Team USA

The dynamic Minnesota Wild defenseman provides elite playmaking for the American blue line.

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10) Connor Hellebuyck – Team USA

The reigning Vezina and Hart Trophy winner was named the starting goaltender for Team USA’s opener.

11) Mikko Rantanen – Team Finland

An elite offensive force for the Colorado Avalanche, Rantanen is tasked with leading the Finnish attack.

12) Matthew Tkachuk – Team USA

A back-to-back Stanley Cup champion with the Florida Panthers, Tkachuk serves as an alternate captain for Team USA.

13) William Nylander – Team Sweden

The Maple Leafs winger is a primary scorer for a Swedish team that opened the tournament with a win over Italy.

14) Sebastian Aho – Team Finland

One of the NHL’s most complete two-way centers, Aho leads a disciplined Finnish squad.

15) Mika Zibanejad – Team Sweden

Zibanejad is serving as a key offensive contributor for Team Sweden. He recorded one goal and one assist in a 5-2 victory over the host nation, Italy.