As the calendar turns toward late January 2026, the excitement for the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics is reaching a fever pitch. For the first time since the 2014 Sochi Games, NHL superstars are set to return to the world’s biggest stage. With the Opening Ceremony scheduled for Feb. 7 and the men’s ice hockey tournament puck drop on Feb. 11, national teams are keeping a nervous eye on the medical tent while celebrating mid-season surges from their star players.
Here is a comprehensive look at the news, notes, and stats shaping the road to Italy.
Team Sweden: Defensive Depth Tested
The “Tre Kronor” are currently navigating a mix of promising recoveries and frustrating setbacks on their blue line.
Victor Hedman’s Return: Sweden received a massive boost as 35-year-old Victor Hedman returned to the ice. Following elbow surgery on Dec. 15, the Tampa Bay Lightning captain is moving closer to full game speed. Hedman, who captained Sweden at the 4 Nations Face-Off, is the frontrunner to wear the “C” in Milano Cortina.
Blue Line Reinforcements: Along with Hedman, defensemen Ryan McDonagh and Emil Lilleberg have resumed skating, providing stability for the Lightning and relief for Sweden’s coaching staff.
The Carlsson Watch: In Anaheim, the status of young phenom Leo Carlsson remains in doubt. Carlsson underwent a procedure to treat a Morel-Lavallee lesion (a soft-tissue injury) in his left thigh. Swedish coach Sam Hallam is giving the Ducks center—who leads his team with 44 points—another week to gauge his recovery before making a final roster decision.
Nylander and Brodin: Groin and lower-body injuries have sidelined William Nylander and Jonas Brodin, respectively. Both are considered “week-to-week,” putting a spotlight on their availability as the Olympic break looms.
Canada’s roster is a “who’s who” of NHL scoring leaders, and the internal competition for the league’s scoring title is a perfect preview of the firepower they will bring to Italy.
The 85-Point Race:Connor McDavid and Nathan MacKinnon are currently deadlocked for the NHL scoring lead with 85 points each. MacKinnon recently hit the 1,100 career point milestone, while McDavid is currently on a scorching 20-game point streak.
Veteran Consistency:Sidney Crosby continues to defy age, reaching the 50-point mark for the 19th time in his 21 seasons. His leadership will be pivotal as he seeks his third Olympic gold medal.
The Injury Front: Canada is monitoring Brayden Point (week-to-week) and Bo Horvat, though Horvat is expected to return to the Islanders’ lineup by Jan. 24. Tom Wilson is also nearing a return for the Capitals after missing seven games.
Team USA: Momentum and Motivation
The Americans are entering the Games with several of their most dangerous weapons finding their rhythm at just the right time.
Matthew Tkachuk’s Debut: After missing the start of the season following surgery for a torn adductor and sports hernia, Matthew Tkachuk logged nearly 21 minutes in his season debut on Jan. 19. Tkachuk noted that while the first period felt “strange,” he felt back to normal by the third—a terrifying prospect for Group Stage opponents.
The Matthews Factor:Auston Matthews has exploded for 10 goals and 17 points since Dec. 27. His recent “hot streak” has kept the Maple Leafs in the win column and solidified his role as the premier goal-scorer for the U.S.
Tage Thompson’s Surge: Thompson is playing some of the best hockey of his career, highlighted by a recent five-point game against Montreal. He enters the Olympics on a six-game point streak.
Team Latvia: Goaltending Showcase
Latvia will rely heavily on their NHL-caliber netminding to cause upsets in Milano Cortina.
The Pittsburgh Duel: In a unique preview, Team Latvia’s two primary goalies, Arturs Silovs (8-6-7) and Elvis Merzlikins (7-7-1), recently faced off in the NHL. While their stats vary, both have shown the ability to steal games on the international stage.
Roster Loss: Unfortunately, Latvia will be without Rodrigo Abols, who suffered a severe lower-body injury on Jan. 18. He will be replaced on the Olympic roster by Rihards Bukarts.
Key Upcoming Dates:
Feb. 7: Opening Ceremony
Feb. 11: Men’s Hockey Tournament Starts
Feb. 12: Team USA vs. Team Latvia (Group Play)
With less than a month to go, the “Milano Cortina Buzz” is only going to grow as players fight to stay healthy and reach peak performance for the most anticipated hockey tournament in over a decade.
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