Olympic men's hockey in Milan-Cortina 2026

NHL players are returning to the Olympic stage after missing the past two Winter Games, setting up a best-on-best men’s hockey tournament at the Milan-Cortina Olympics. The action kicks off on February 11, 2026, following the opening ceremonies on February 6. Twelve teams will compete in three groups, with the top teams advancing through qualification playoffs, quarterfinals, semifinals, and medal games.

Canada, the United States, Finland, Sweden and others bring stacked rosters loaded with current NHL stars. While some lineups remain forthcoming, early announcements highlight superstars like Connor McDavid, Auston Matthews and Nathan MacKinnon. Fans can expect intense rivalries, especially between traditional powers like Canada and the USA.

Tournament groups and format

The men’s tournament features three groups of four teams each, playing a round-robin schedule before playoffs. Group A includes Canada, Switzerland, Czechia and France. Group B pits Finland against Sweden, Slovakia and host Italy. Group C has the United States facing Germany, Latvia and Denmark.

The top team from each group, plus the best fourth-place finisher, earns a bye to the quarterfinals on February 18. The remaining eight teams play qualification games on February 17 to fill out the bracket. Semifinals follow on February 20, with the bronze medal game on February 21 at 2:40 p.m. ET and gold on February 22 at 8:10 p.m. ET.

This structure ensures high-stakes matchups early, building drama toward the medal round. Historical Olympic success favors Canada and Sweden, but the NHL contingent levels the field. Recent news from Hockey Canada confirms the schedule aligns with IIHF standards.

Arena construction concerns in Milan have raised eyebrows, as detailed in coverage of delays at the Sant’Giulia rink (Milan-Cortina 2026 Olympic hockey arena readiness delay threatens Winter Games preparations). NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly noted that unsafe ice would keep players home. Still, organizers insist preparations are on track.

The format rewards consistency in the groups while giving underdogs a shot via qualifiers. Expect tactical battles, with powerhouses pacing themselves for playoffs.

Preliminary round schedule

All times are Eastern, starting with Group B on Wednesday, February 11. Slovakia faces Finland at 10:40 a.m., followed by Sweden versus Italy at 3:10 p.m.

Thursday, February 12 shifts to Group A: Switzerland vs. France at 6:10 a.m. and Czechia vs. Canada at 10:40 a.m. Group C opens with Latvia vs. USA and Germany vs. Denmark, both at 3:10 p.m.

Friday, February 13 features Finland vs. Sweden and Italy vs. Slovakia at 6:10 a.m., then France vs. Czechia at 10:40 a.m. and Canada vs. Switzerland at 3:10 p.m.

The round-robin wraps on Sunday, February 15, with key clashes like USA vs. Germany at 3:10 p.m.

Saturday’s games include Sweden vs. Slovakia and Finland vs. Italy in the morning, Germany vs. Latvia and USA vs. Denmark later. These early tilts could define seeding.

Standout rosters: Canada and USA

Canada boasts a powerhouse forward group, including Sidney Crosby, Connor McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon and rookies like Macklin Celebrini. Defensemen Cale Makar and Drew Doughty anchor the blue line, with Jordan Binnington in net. As noted in recent announcements, Celebrini’s inclusion adds youthful fire to veterans (Celebrini joins star-studded Team Canada roster).

The USA counters with Auston Matthews leading forwards like Jack Eichel, the Tkachuk brothers and Jack Hughes. Defenders Quinn Hughes, Charlie McAvoy and Noah Hanifin provide mobility, backed by Connor Hellebuyck. Recent roster news emphasized 4 Nations Face-Off standouts, omitting some like Chris Kreider (U.S. picks 4 Nations-heavy Olympic roster, minus Kreider, Fox).

Both teams blend prime talent with depth, promising fireworks in Group C crossovers. Canada’s experience edges early projections, but USA’s speed could upset.

Sweden and Finland also unveiled strong lineups. Sweden features William Nylander, Elias Pettersson and Victor Hedman, with Filip Gustavsson in goal. Finland counters with Roope Hintz, Miro Heiskanen and Juuse Saros (Finland, Sweden unveil men’s hockey rosters for Winter Games). Group B shapes as a Scandinavian showdown.

France fields non-NHLers like Pierre-Edouard Bellemare, facing tough odds.

Key storylines to follow

NHL participation marks a thaw after COVID disruptions, with commissioner Gary Bettman calling rink delays “disappointing” (Bettman: Slow construction of Milan Cortina rink ‘disappointing’). A full preview highlights the return’s impact (Hockey returns to the Olympics: A preview of Milan Cortina 2026).

Rivalries renew, from Canada-USA to Nordic battles. Young stars like Celebrini test themselves against Crosby-era icons.

Injuries or form dips could shake rosters before final cuts. Broadcast details will emerge closer to February, likely via NBC/Peacock in the US.

The tournament promises redemption arcs and new heroes amid Olympic pressure.

This best-on-best showcase could redefine international hockey legacies. With NHL stars converging in Italy, medals will go to the teams balancing skill, grit and luck. Watch for upsets from hosts Italy or dark horses like Czechia as the February frenzy unfolds.