Key Takeaways
- Team Canada has announced its roster for the 2026 Olympic Men’s hockey tournament, including goaltenders Logan Thompson, Darcy Kuemper, and Jordan Binnington.
- Logan Thompson is the favorite to start in the opening game of the 2026 Olympics, with odds of -130 on FanDuel.
- Jordan Binnington, despite being a returning player, is not the favorite to start, with odds of +180.
- Darcy Kuemper is a longshot to start, with odds of +550.
- The starting goaltender for Team Canada’s first game will be determined by the player listed as the official starting goaltender at puck drop.
Introduction to the Goalie Selection
Now that Team Canada has a roster for the 2026 Olympic Men’s hockey tournament, one big question remains surrounding the goaltenders: Who will be the team’s starter? The team has added goaltenders Logan Thompson and Darcy Kuemper to their 25-man roster alongside returning 4 Nations Face-Off winner Jordan Binnington. TSN Hockey analyst Martin Biron has graded Canada’s goalie selections, providing insight into the team’s decision-making process. With the new additions to the team, it will be interesting to see how the goaltending situation plays out in the upcoming Olympics.
Analyzing the Goalie Selections
After a busy 2025 with Team Canada, Jordan Binnington headlines the trio of goalies selected for the 2026 Olympic games. Between the Four Nations and World Championship, Binnington started eight games for Canada last year, going 6-2 with a 1.81 goals-against average with a.925 save percentage. However, Binnington is not the favorite to be Canada’s Game 1 starter on FanDuel. This is surprising, given his impressive performance last year, but it may be due to his current season statistics, which are his worst since he was a 22-year-old rookie in 2015. Despite this, Binnington’s experience and past performance make him a strong contender for the starting position.
Logan Thompson: The Favorite to Start
Logan Thompson, the Washington Capitals goalie, has the shortest odds on FanDuel to start for Canada in the opening game of the 2026 Olympics. The 28-year-old played in four games for Canada in the 2022 World Championship, where the team took home silver. In 14 playoff starts for the Capitals, Thompson has a.918 save percentage with a 2.40 GAA. These statistics demonstrate Thompson’s ability to perform under pressure and make him a strong candidate to start for Canada. His experience in international competition and his current form make him a favorite among fans and analysts alike.
Darcy Kuemper: The Longshot
Darcy Kuemper, the 35-year-old goalie, is a +550 longshot in this market. The veteran goalie hasn’t played for Canada internationally since he appeared in eight games at the 2021 World Championships, helping Canada capture gold. While Kuemper’s experience and past success are notable, his lack of recent international experience and his age make him a less likely candidate to start. However, Kuemper’s presence on the team provides depth and experience, which can be valuable in a tournament setting.
Conclusion and Prediction
The starting goaltender for Team Canada’s first game will be determined by the player listed as the official starting goaltender at puck drop. While Logan Thompson is the current favorite, Jordan Binnington’s experience and past performance make him a strong contender. Darcy Kuemper, although a longshot, provides depth and experience to the team. Ultimately, the decision will depend on the team’s strategy and the goaltenders’ performance in the lead-up to the Olympics. Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see who will emerge as the starter for Team Canada in the 2026 Olympic Men’s hockey tournament.