NHL players have arrived in Milan, Italy, marking the league's return to the Winter Olympics after a 12-year absence. Several teams announced their captains, including Sidney Crosby for Canada and Auston Matthews for the United States. Practices began with Sweden hitting the ice first at Milano Santagiulia Arena.
The excitement built as NHL stars touched down in Milan on Sunday, February 8, 2026, ahead of the men's hockey tournament at the Milano Cortina Olympics. This marks the first Olympic participation for the league since the 2014 Sochi Games, following opt-outs in 2018 and COVID-related absences in 2022. Early arrivals included Czech goaltender Lukas Dostal, who practiced solo earlier in the week, joking, “What would I do in Anaheim, shoot the puck to the boards and try to stop it myself? It probably wouldn’t really work."
Canada named Sidney Crosby as captain, with Connor McDavid and Cale Makar as alternates. Crosby, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, expressed enthusiasm: “Connor and Cale, along with our entire group, provide incredible leadership, and I am happy to represent Canada together on the same team." The United States selected Toronto Maple Leafs star Auston Matthews as captain, joined by alternates Matthew Tkachuk and Charlie McAvoy. General manager Bill Guerin praised their prior success at the 4 Nations Face-Off.
Sweden appointed Colorado Avalanche forward Gabriel Landeskog captain, who overcame a recent upper-body injury sustained on January 4 to join the team. Alternates are Victor Hedman and Erik Karlsson. Coach Sam Halam highlighted Landeskog's journey: “The symbolics of Gabe’s journey coming into the tournament, where he has been, what he has done, I know that the rest of the team respects him a ton.”
Finland turned to Anaheim Ducks center Mikael Granlund as captain, stepping in for injured Aleksander Barkov. Alternates are Mikko Rantanen and Sebastian Aho. Granlund, a veteran with two World Championship golds, called it “a big honor.”
Group play begins Wednesday, February 11, with Sweden facing host Italy at 3:10 p.m. ET. Teams like Switzerland, led by Roman Josi, enter with confidence from recent World Championship silvers, aiming for their first Olympic medal since 1948. The tournament features 12 nations, blending NHL talent with international experience in a best-on-best format.
