Hockey Canada has made a significant announcement regarding its preliminary roster for the men's hockey team heading to the 2026 Milan Olympics. Connor McDavid, the Edmonton Oilers' superstar, leads a group of six elite players, including Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar from the Colorado Avalanche, Sidney Crosby of the Pittsburgh Penguins, Brayden Point of the Tampa Bay Lightning, and Sam Reinhart from the Florida Panthers. General manager Doug Armstrong expressed excitement about these world-class athletes, emphasizing their vital roles as leaders and contributors in pursuit of Olympic gold.

This marks the return of NHL players to the Olympic stage since the 2014 Sochi Games, where Canada triumphed over Sweden in the finals. The upcoming Olympic tournament is set to commence on February 11, showcasing a 12-country competition. McDavid and the other players are coming off strong performances, with McDavid recently clinching the championship at the 4 Nations Face-Off against the USA, highlighting their readiness for the Olympic challenge.