Key Takeaways:
- The 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics are approaching, and Canada’s men’s hockey team is expected to be finalized in two weeks.
- The team will feature a mix of experienced players and young talent, with NHLers making up the majority of the roster.
- The roster debates are heating up, with several players vying for spots on the team.
- The team’s defense and goaltending are expected to be strong, with players like Cale Makar, Devon Toews, and Jordan Binnington leading the way.
- The Olympics will be a showcase for Canada’s depth and talent in men’s hockey.
Introduction to the Roster Debate
The 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics are just around the corner, and the excitement is building. With only two weeks to go before the final rosters are announced, the debate is heating up over who will make the cut for Canada’s men’s hockey team. As the deepest hockey country, Canada always inspires the most heated and fun roster debates. In this article, we will explore the final projections for Canada’s men’s hockey team, including the forwards, defensemen, and goaltenders.
Forwards: A Deep and Talented Group
The forwards are always a topic of discussion, and this year is no exception. Matt Larkin’s picks include Mark Stone, Connor McDavid, Brayden Point, Sidney Crosby, Nathan MacKinnon, Sam Reinhart, Brandon Hagel, Nick Suzuki, Mitch Marner, Macklin Celebrini, Mark Scheifele, Seth Jarvis, Brad Marchand, and Tom Wilson. Notably, Brad Marchand is back in the mix, and Anthony Cirelli is out. Suzuki’s strong season has earned him a spot on the shutdown third line. The biggest flex is trying to predict the actual team rather than which team Larkin would bring, and that’s why Marchand is back in the mix. The toughest cut is Connor Bedard, who has leveled up into borderline superstardom this season, but Canada is expected to bring only one of Bedard and Celebrini.
Forwards: Steven Ellis’ Picks
Steven Ellis’ picks for the forwards include Brad Marchand, Connor McDavid, Mitch Marner, Sidney Crosby, Nathan MacKinnon, Macklin Celebrini, Brayden Point, Mark Scheifele, Connor Bedard, Sam Reinhart, Nick Suzuki, Seth Jarvis, Mark Stone, and Tom Wilson. Ellis was early to the "Celebrini and Bedard should be on Canada’s roster" push, but he’s sick of the conversation. Canada’s crazy depth means this team is leaving all-star caliber players home by default, and that’s unavoidable. The biggest flex is Bedard, who absolutely deserves to be on the team. The toughest cut is Cirelli, who would have had a purpose on the team, but Canada can move someone like Bedard or Jarvis to center if needed.
Defensemen: A Strong and Mobile Group
The defensemen are also a topic of discussion, with Matt Larkin’s picks including Devon Toews, Cale Makar, Josh Morrissey, Evan Bouchard, Matthew Schaefer, Travis Sanheim, Jakob Chychrun, and Shea Theodore. The competition on defense feels wide open, and the last six weeks could produce significant changes in GM Doug Armstrong’s final choices. The biggest flex is Bouchard, who has earned his spot with his elite play. The toughest cut is Colton Parayko, who was easily Canada’s worst defenseman at the 4 Nations. Steven Ellis’ picks for the defensemen include Devon Toews, Cale Makar, Josh Morrissey, Thomas Harley, Shea Theodore, Travis Sanheim, Matthew Schaefer, and Colton Parayko. Ellis doesn’t see a weak defender on this team, and deciding who should be the eighth guy isn’t worth the energy.
Goaltenders: A Strong Trio
The goaltenders are also a crucial part of the team, with Matt Larkin’s picks including Jordan Binnington, Logan Thompson, and Mackenzie Blackwood. Thompson has transcended any concern over his previous Vegas Golden Knights chemistry problems with Canada assistant coaches Bruce Cassidy and Peter DeBoer. The biggest flex is adding Thompson but not making him the starter. Steven Ellis’ picks for the goaltenders include Jordan Binnington, Mackenzie Blackwood, and Logan Thompson. Ellis thinks both of the Colorado Avalanche’s goaltenders, Blackwood and Scott Wedgewood, have played well enough to earn spots on the team. The toughest cut is Wedgewood, who deserves to be on the team but might be left off due to the team taking two goalies from the same team.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics are shaping up to be an exciting event for Canada’s men’s hockey team. With a deep and talented group of forwards, a strong and mobile defense, and a strong trio of goaltenders, Canada is expected to be a top contender for the gold medal. The roster debates will continue until the final team is announced, but one thing is certain – Canada will be a team to watch in the Olympics.
