Anticipation builds for the return of NHL players to the Olympics at the 2026 Milano Cortina Games, following a successful 4 Nations Face-Off tournament. The tournament featured teams from the United States, Canada, Finland, and Sweden, and the Olympic roster expands to include ten nations vying for gold. The U.S. revealed its first six players, including standout talents like Jack Eichel and Auston Matthews, while Charlie McAvoy was chosen over Jaccob Slavin, a notable decision given Slavin's Norris Trophy ranking.

The tournament takes place from February 5-22, with the NHL pausing to allow players to participate instead of hosting an All-Star Game.

Auston Matthews, Brady and Matthew Tkachuk, Quinn Hughes, Jack Eichel, and Charlie McAvoy have been named as the first six players on the U.S. Olympic men’s hockey team for the 2026 Milan Cortina Games. This young core aims to secure the U.S.'s first Olympic title since the iconic 1980 Miracle on Ice. Each player, all under 28, will be making their Olympic debut. The remaining roster will be finalized closer to the Games, which commence on February 6.

Quinn Hughes, a standout defenseman from the Vancouver Canucks and the oldest of the group, is the reigning Norris Trophy winner. Meanwhile, Jack Eichel, a forward for the Vegas Golden Knights, is set to showcase his skills on an Olympic stage after a storied career. The Tkachuk brothers, representing the Ottawa Senators and Florida Panthers, add family history to the squad as the first siblings on the U.S. Olympic team since 1998. Matthews, who holds the title as the most prolific American goal scorer in NHL history, will also make his Olympic debut, bringing his scoring prowess to the roster. With a mix of talent and youthful energy, this team is poised to make a significant impact on the international stage.

The Ottawa Senators finally returned to the playoffs for the first time since 2017, marking a significant milestone in their rebuilding effort. Despite a valiant playoff run that ended in a heartbreaking Game 7 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins in the Eastern Conference Final, the Senators showcased their promising young core led by captain Brady Tkachuk, Tim Stutzle, Thomas Chabot, and Jake Sanderson. General Manager Steve Staios made impactful offseason moves, bringing in veterans like Linus Ullmark and David Perron, along with Ottawa native Claude Giroux, who faces uncertainty as he enters free agency.

With the Senators holding $18.6 million in cap space, Giroux's future is a pressing concern. The team aims to strike a balance between veteran presence and youthful talent moving forward. Additionally, Adam Gaudette's successful season may have earned him a more lucrative contract elsewhere, potentially pricing him out of Ottawa. Drake Batherson's absence from media during the break-up day raises questions about his status with the team, especially after a solid 68-point season. Meanwhile, the acquisition of Fabian Zetterlund adds depth, but further negotiations loom as the Senators plan to solidify their roster for the upcoming season.

The Ottawa Senators finally returned to the playoffs for the first time since 2017, marking a significant milestone in their rebuilding effort. Despite a valiant playoff run that ended in a heartbreaking Game 7 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins in the Eastern Conference Final, the Senators showcased their promising young core led by captain Brady Tkachuk, Tim Stutzle, Thomas Chabot, and Jake Sanderson. General Manager Steve Staios made impactful offseason moves, bringing in veterans like Linus Ullmark and David Perron, along with Ottawa native Claude Giroux, who faces uncertainty as he enters free agency.

With the Senators holding $18.6 million in cap space, Giroux's future is a pressing concern. The team aims to strike a balance between veteran presence and youthful talent moving forward. Additionally, Adam Gaudette's successful season may have earned him a more lucrative contract elsewhere, potentially pricing him out of Ottawa. Drake Batherson's absence from media during the break-up day raises questions about his status with the team, especially after a solid 68-point season. Meanwhile, the acquisition of Fabian Zetterlund adds depth, but further negotiations loom as the Senators plan to solidify their roster for the upcoming season.