The 2026 Winter Olympics men's ice hockey tournament in Milano Cortina, Italy, features the return of NHL players after a 12-year absence, with Canada and the United States emerging as top favorites. Odds list Canada at +130 and the USA at +190, while expert analyses highlight deep rosters and goaltending strengths for both nations. Preliminary games begin on February 11, 2026.
The 2026 Winter Olympics men's hockey event marks the NHL's return to Olympic competition since the 2014 Sochi Games, bringing over 150 top players to represent their countries. Hosted in Milano Cortina, Italy, the tournament includes 12 nations, with Canada entering as the odds-on favorite at +130 according to FanDuel Sportsbook, followed closely by the USA at +190, Sweden at +500, and Finland at +1000.
Expert Matt Severance, on a 26-12 roll with NHL money-line picks this season, predicts the United States to at least medal at -330 odds. He notes the USA's last Olympic medal was silver in 2010 Vancouver, with historical golds in 1960 and 1980. Severance emphasizes the impact of NHL participation, boosting American chances after a 12-year gap.
Power rankings from Fansided place Canada and the USA in the 'gold medal or bust' category. Canada's projected lineup features stars like Connor McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon, Sidney Crosby, and Cale Makar, with Jordan Binnington in net. The roster's depth includes Mitch Marner, Sam Reinhart, and Drew Doughty, though some question goaltending stability.
The USA counters with Auston Matthews as captain, alongside Jack Eichel, Matthew Tkachuk, and Tage Thompson up front, and a strong defense led by Quinn Hughes and Charlie McAvoy. Connor Hellebuyck anchors the goal, supported by Jeremy Swayman and Jake Oettinger, providing superior netminding depth per The Hockey News analysis. A pre-Olympic poll saw 20 of 24 voters favoring Canada, but four picked the USA, citing balanced talent and last year's near-miss in the 4 Nations Face-Off.
Other contenders include Sweden's balanced NHL-heavy roster with William Nylander and Elias Pettersson, and Finland's medal defense with Mikko Rantanen and Juuse Saros. Longshots like Czechia boast David Pastrnak and Lukas Dostal, while host Italy relies on young goaltender Damian Clara. The tournament's structure offers early matchups in groups, setting the stage for intense knockout play.
