The 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics will showcase a mix of veterans and rising stars. With some of the youngest players in the world stepping onto hockey’s biggest stage.
From top projected draft picks to franchise cornerstones and rising NHL regulars, this year’s Olympic field includes an impressive group of young talent ready to make noise.
1) Alberts Smits, Team Latvia
Born December 2, 2007, Alberts Smits is just 18 years old. Making him the youngest player in the men’s tournament. He currently plays for Mikkelin Jukurit in Finland’s Liiga and is projected to be a potential top-five pick in the 2026 NHL Draft.
2) Macklin Celebrini, Team Canada
Born June 13, 2006, Macklin Celebrini became the youngest player ever selected to a Canadian Olympic roster featuring NHL talent. He’s in the midst of an outstanding second NHL season and entered the Olympic break ranked fourth in league scoring.
3) Oscar Fisker Molgaard, Team Denmark
Oscar Fisker Molgaard, born February 18, 2005, is known for his two-way game.
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Drafted by the Seattle Kraken in 2023, the 20-year-old forward began the season with the Coachella Valley Firebirds before earning a recall to the NHL roster.
4) Dalibor Dvorsky, Team Slovakia
Born June 15, 2005, Dalibor Dvorsky is 20 and the youngest skater on Slovakia’s Olympic roster. The 10th overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft by the St. Louis Blues, he recorded 15 points in 47 games during his rookie NHL season before the Olympic break.
5) Martin Neckar, Team France
Martin Neckar, born September 12, 2005, is one of France’s youngest representatives at age 20. He plays professionally in Switzerland with the SCL Tigers and EHC Chur and enters the tournament as France’s third goaltender.
6) Damian Clara, Team Italy
Born on January 13, 2005, Damian Clara is the 21-year-old starting goaltender for the host nation, Italy. Standing 6-foot-6, he made history in 2023 as the first Italian-born player drafted into the NHL, selected 60th overall by the Anaheim Ducks. He is currently under contract with Anaheim and playing on loan in the Swedish Hockey League.
7) Simon Nemec, Team Slovakia
Born February 15, 2004, Simon Nemec was selected second overall in the 2022 NHL Draft by the New Jersey Devils.
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The 21-year-old defenseman has developed into a top-pairing blue liner and a key piece of Slovakia’s emerging “Golden Generation.”
8) Juraj Slafkovský, Team Slovakia
Juraj Slafkovský, born March 30, 2004, is also 21 and arrives in Milan during a career-best NHL season. He posted 45 points (21 goals, 24 assists) in 57 games for Montreal prior to the Olympic break.
9) Tommy Purdeller, Team Italy
Born April 13, 2004, Tommy Purdeller is 21 and plays professionally for HC Pustertal in the ICE Hockey League. He’s regarded as one of the top Italian-born prospects currently playing in Europe.
10) Adam Gajan, Team Slovakia
Born May 6, 2004, Adam Gajan was selected by the Chicago Blackhawks in the second round (No. 35 overall) of the 2023 NHL Draft. He currently plays NCAA hockey at the University of Minnesota-Duluth and is part of Slovakia’s goaltending corps.
These rising stars are a glimpse into hockey’s future, and now they’ll get the chance to showcase their talent on one of the biggest stages the sport has to offer.
