For the first time in over a decade, NHL players are heading back to the Winter Olympics-and for Bruins fans, there’s plenty to be excited about.
The 2026 Winter Games in Milan-Cortina will mark the return of the NHL’s best to the Olympic stage, a long-awaited reunion since the league last sent players to Sochi in 2014. That year, Bruins center Patrice Bergeron helped power Team Canada to gold, his second Olympic title. Now, a new generation of Bruins talent is ready to chase that same glory.
This time around, Boston is sending a strong contingent: eight current Bruins players and one top prospect will represent five different countries. Only three NHL teams-the Lightning, Wild, and Panthers-are sending more players to Milan-Cortina. That’s a testament not just to the Bruins’ international depth, but to the franchise’s continued presence on hockey’s biggest stages.
Bruins Players Headed to Milan-Cortina
Let’s break down who’s suiting up and where they’ll be playing:
United States
- Jeremy Swayman, G
- Charlie McAvoy, D
Swayman and McAvoy will anchor Team USA’s back end, bringing a combination of poise, physicality, and elite puck movement. McAvoy, in particular, is expected to log heavy minutes as a top-pair defenseman, while Swayman could be in the mix for the starting job in net.
Czechia
- David Pastrnak, RW
- Pavel Zacha, C/W
Pastrnak, one of the NHL’s most electrifying scorers, will be the face of Czechia’s offense-and its flag bearer at the Opening Ceremony. Zacha, his Bruins linemate, adds versatility and two-way skill to the Czech lineup.
Sweden
- Elias Lindholm, C
- Hampus Lindholm, D
The Lindholm duo brings veteran savvy to a Swedish team that’s always a medal threat. Elias will be counted on in key faceoff situations and special teams, while Hampus offers steady play and elite skating from the blue line.
Finland
- Henri Jokiharju, D
- Joonas Korpisalo, G
Jokiharju and Korpisalo round out the Bruins' NHL representation. Finland always plays a disciplined, structured game-and both players fit that mold perfectly.
Latvia
- Dans Locmelis, C (Prospect)
Locmelis, a promising Bruins prospect, will gain invaluable experience on the Olympic stage. Latvia has a reputation for punching above its weight, and Locmelis could be a breakout name to watch.
Olympic Format: What You Need to Know
The tournament structure has a few key wrinkles:
- Points System: Teams get 3 points for a regulation win, 2 for an OT or shootout win, 1 for an OT/shootout loss, and 0 for a regulation loss.
- Overtime Rules:
- Preliminary rounds: 5-minute, 3-on-3 OT, followed by a shootout if needed.
- Elimination rounds (except gold medal game): 10-minute, 3-on-3 OT, then shootout.
- Gold medal game: Unlimited 20-minute, 3-on-3 OT until someone scores-no shootout.
The use of NHL-sized rinks will also be a factor. Unlike past Olympics, where the larger international ice surface changed the style of play, the 2026 tournament will be played on the smaller, tighter NHL dimensions. That should favor players accustomed to the North American game-like the Bruins’ crew.
And don’t expect any gloves to drop-fighting is strictly prohibited under Olympic rules.
Key Preliminary Round Games Featuring Bruins Players
Here’s a look at some of the must-watch matchups featuring Boston’s Olympic representatives (all times ET):
Wednesday, Feb. 11
- Slovakia vs. Finland, 10:40 a.m.
(USA Network)
- *Sweden vs.
Italy*, 3:10 p.m. (USA Network)
Thursday, Feb. 12
- Czechia vs. Canada, 10:40 a.m.
(USA Network)
- *Latvia vs.
United States*, 3:10 p.m. (USA Network)
Friday, Feb. 13
- Finland vs. Sweden, 6:10 a.m.
(USA Network)
- *France vs.
Czechia*, 10:40 a.m.
Saturday, Feb. 14
- Sweden vs. Slovakia, 6:10 a.m.
- Germany vs. Latvia, 6:10 a.m.
(CNBC)
- *Finland vs.
Italy*, 10:40 a.m. (USA Network)
- United States vs. Denmark, 3:10 p.m.
(USA Network)
Sunday, Feb. 15
- Switzerland vs. Czechia, 6:10 a.m.
(CNBC)
- *Denmark vs.
Latvia*, 1:10 p.m. (CNBC)
- United States vs. Germany, 3:10 p.m.
(USA Network)
Each team plays three games in the preliminary round. All 12 teams move on to the single-elimination bracket, but the top four get a bye straight to the quarterfinals-so every point matters.
Medal Round Schedule
Here’s how the knockout stage shakes out:
- Qualification Playoffs: Tuesday, Feb. 17
- Quarterfinals: Wednesday, Feb. 18
- Semifinals: Friday, Feb. 20
- Bronze Medal Game: Saturday, Feb. 21
- Gold Medal Game: Sunday, Feb. 22 at 8:10 a.m. ET (NBC)
Bruins Legacy at the Olympics
The Bruins have a proud Olympic history. Bergeron brought home gold in both 2010 and 2014, while P.J.
Axelsson won gold with Sweden in 2006. That’s three straight Olympics with NHL participation where a Bruins player stood atop the podium.
Could Boston make it four-for-four? With this kind of talent spread across multiple medal-contending nations, it’s very much in play.
As the puck drops in Milan-Cortina, Bruins fans will have plenty of reasons to wake up early, tune in, and cheer loud. The Black and Gold are going global-and they’re chasing gold, too.