Canada and the United States top Olympic men's hockey gold medal betting odds

The return of NHL players to the Olympic men’s hockey tournament for the first time since 2014 has reignited excitement, with Canada emerging as the clear favorite at +115 odds to claim gold at DraftKings Sportsbook.[1][2] The United States sits close behind at +175, setting the stage for a potential classic rivalry in Milano Cortina. Sportsbooks anticipate a massive influx of betting action, fueled by the NHL’s involvement and the recent success of events like the 4 Nations Face-Off.

American books report over 95% of the handle on Canada and the USA, with the public leaning slightly toward the Americans due to the plus-money value. Early sharp money has nudged Canada’s favoritism wider. As our coverage of Olympic hockey odds ahead of Milan Cortina 2026 highlights, this tournament promises high stakes from the opening faceoff.

Gold medal futures breakdown

Canada’s odds reflect their deep roster of NHL stars and historical dominance, having won gold in the last two Olympics with professionals allowed. At +115, they offer solid value for bettors confident in their preliminary-round prowess.

The USA at +175 draws heavy public support, especially as underdogs in a sport where American fans love backing their squad. “Anytime you’re going to get the U.S. with a plus in any sport where the American public believes that this team can win, we’re going to see the most money there,” DraftKings Sportsbook director Johnny Avello told ESPN.[2]

Sweden (+650) and Finland (+1000) represent strong European challengers, with Sweden’s balanced attack and Finland’s defensive grit making them viable knockout-stage threats.[1][3]

Longer shots include Czechia and Switzerland at +2500 each, while Germany at +5000 could surprise as a dark horse.

Here’s the latest DraftKings odds for gold medal winner:

These lines have held steady across major books like FanDuel and BetMGM, with minor fluctuations from sharp action.[4][5]

Betting trends and sportsbook insights

BetMGM and DraftKings report the USA narrowly edging Canada in handle percentage, despite Canada’s shorter price. Caesars head of hockey Karry Shreeve noted that early sharper money widened Canada’s lead.

BetMGM trading manager Christian Cipollini welcomes action on underdogs like Sweden, Finland, and Czechia, which have seen some speculative bets. Senior trader Matthew Rasp flagged Germany as a potential value play at +5000.

The 4 Nations Face-Off final between the USA and Canada last year became one of the most-bet hockey games in legal betting history, priming bettors for Olympics fever.

Shreeve estimates 60-80% of Winter Olympics wagering could land on hockey, driven by narratives and rivalries. Books are rooting for both favorites to advance deep before a potential clash.

Public sentiment mirrors past Olympics, where NHL stars elevate interest. For more on futures like these, check our 2026 championship parlay picks.

Opening games set the tone

Canada kicks off as -500 moneyline favorites over Czechia on Thursday, February 12, in a Group A matchup that could preview playoff intensity.[6] The Czechs boast NHL talent but face a talent-laden Canadian squad.

The USA enters as massive -2400 favorites against Latvia later that day, aiming for a statement win in Group A.[6] Latvia’s underdog status won’t deter American bettors piling on.

These openers align with the full preliminary schedule, running February 11-17, leading to quarterfinals on February 19.

Heavy favorites like these often see parlay action, but upsets in Olympics hockey add unpredictability.

Visit FanDuel’s Olympics hockey futures page for live moneyline updates on these games.

Dark horses and storylines to follow

Beyond the favorites, Sweden’s blend of speed and skill positions them for a medal run, while Finland defends their 2022 gold with a smothering style.

Czechia and Switzerland offer knockout potential, with Switzerland’s precision play upsetting bigger nations before. Germany’s organization could spark a Cinderella story, as noted by BetMGM traders.

Rivalries like Canada-USA or Sweden-Finland could drive handle surges. Shreeve emphasized day-by-day narratives: “It’ll just truly be day-by-day to see if some narratives can’t get formed that really drive the general interest for the public.”

NHL stars like Auston Matthews captaining the USA add star power.[7]

For deeper previews, ESPN’s Olympic hockey betting odds coverage breaks down rosters and matchups.

Canada and the USA look primed for gold-medal contention, but the Olympics’ single-elimination format rewards momentum and goaltending. Bettors should monitor underdog value amid public heavy favorites, with storylines poised to boost engagement. Whether it’s a Canada-USA final or a surprise semifinalist, this tournament shapes up as betting gold—expect records to tumble as NHL talent shines on the biggest stage.