While most of the Buffalo Sabres will be enjoying a well-earned break in February, three of their top talents are packing their bags for Italy - and not for a vacation. Rasmus Dahlin, Tage Thompson, and Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen are headed to the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina, where they’ll represent Sweden, the United States, and Finland respectively in the return of NHL players to Olympic ice for the first time since 2014.
Let’s break down what this means for each player and their national teams as the puck drops on February 11.
Rasmus Dahlin: Sweden’s Backbone on the Blue Line
Rasmus Dahlin isn’t just heading to Italy - he’s doing so as one of Sweden’s foundational pieces. The Sabres captain was named to the national team back in June, one of the first six players selected, and it’s easy to see why. He’s the only one of the Sabres trio with prior Olympic experience, having suited up for Sweden in two games back in Pyeongchang 2018 - and that was before he even played an NHL game.
Fast forward to now, and Dahlin is no longer the wide-eyed teenager soaking in the Olympic atmosphere. He’s matured into one of the league’s most complete defensemen, and his recent showing at last year’s 4 Nations Face-Off - where he chipped in a goal across three games - was a reminder of his ability to rise to the occasion on the international stage.
Dahlin grew up idolizing Swedish legends like Erik Karlsson and Victor Hedman. Last year, he got to play alongside them. This year, he’s ready to lead.
Tage Thompson: USA’s Big-Game Threat
For Team USA, the forward group is stacked - but Tage Thompson still managed to carve out a spot, and he earned it the hard way. While some big-name American scorers were left off the roster, Thompson’s recent body of work was too strong to ignore. His clutch overtime goal against Switzerland at the 2025 IIHF World Championship certainly didn’t hurt, either.
When the call finally came from Team USA GM Bill Guerin, Thompson described it as a “sigh of relief” mixed with “a bunch of different emotions.” It’s a dream that started when he was a kid - and now, it’s real.
Thompson brings size, skill, and a sniper’s touch to the U.S. lineup. He’s the kind of player who can tilt a game with one shift, and on Olympic ice, that kind of presence is invaluable. Keep an eye on him - he’s already shown he can deliver in the biggest moments.
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen: Finland’s Quiet Force in Net
Goaltending is always a critical piece of any Olympic run, and Finland has no shortage of options. But Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen has played himself into the conversation in a big way this season.
He didn’t see any action during the 4 Nations Face-Off last year, but his 2025-26 campaign has been a breakout. A strong December helped vault him into the upper tier among Finnish NHL goaltenders - no small feat considering the country’s depth at the position.
Now, he joins a Finnish squad that already features established names like Juuse Saros and Kevin Lankinen. But Luukkonen has the tools to earn his ice time.
He’s calm in the crease, technically sound, and riding a wave of confidence. For him, the Olympics represent more than just another tournament - it’s the culmination of a lifelong dream.
“I think a lot of it, even playing hockey in the NHL, how big of a privilege that is,” Luukkonen said. “And now getting to go to the Olympics, it’s huge. I’m just really, really excited.”
Men’s Olympic Hockey Schedule - Milano Cortina 2026
Here’s a look at the full men’s hockey schedule for the 2026 Winter Olympics. All games will be broadcast on NBC networks and streamed on Peacock.
Wednesday, Feb. 11
- Slovakia vs. Finland - 10:40 a.m.
(Santagiulia Arena)
- **Sweden vs.
Italy** - 3:10 p.m. (Santagiulia Arena)
Thursday, Feb. 12
- Switzerland vs. France - 6:10 a.m.
(Santagiulia Arena)
- **Czechia vs.
Canada** - 10:40 a.m. (Santagiulia Arena)
- Latvia vs. United States - 3:10 p.m.
(Santagiulia Arena)
- **Germany vs.
Denmark** - 3:10 p.m. (Rho Arena)
Friday, Feb. 13
- Finland vs. Sweden - 6:10 a.m.
(Santagiulia Arena)
- **Italy vs.
Slovakia** - 6:10 a.m. (Rho Arena)
- France vs. Czechia - 10:40 a.m.
(Santagiulia Arena)
- **Canada vs.
Switzerland** - 3:10 p.m. (Santagiulia Arena)
Saturday, Feb. 14
- Sweden vs. Slovakia - 6:10 a.m.
(Santagiulia Arena)
- **Finland vs.
Italy** - 10:40 a.m. (Santagiulia Arena)
- Germany vs. Latvia - 6:10 a.m.
(Rho Arena)
- **USA vs.
Denmark** - 3:10 p.m. (Santagiulia Arena)
Sunday, Feb. 15
- Switzerland vs. Czechia - 6:10 a.m.
(Santagiulia Arena)
- **Canada vs.
France** - 10:40 a.m. (Santagiulia Arena)
- USA vs. Germany - 3:10 p.m.
(Santagiulia Arena)
- **Denmark vs.
Latvia** - 3:10 p.m. (Rho Arena)
Tuesday, Feb. 17 - Qualification Playoffs
- 6:10 a.m. (Santagiulia Arena)
- 6:10 a.m. (Rho Arena)
- 10:40 a.m. (Santagiulia Arena)
- 3:10 p.m. (Santagiulia Arena)
Wednesday, Feb. 18 - Quarterfinals
- 6:10 a.m. (Santagiulia Arena)
- 8:10 a.m. (Rho Arena)
- 10:40 a.m. (Santagiulia Arena)
- 3:10 p.m. (Santagiulia Arena)
Friday, Feb. 20 - Semifinals
- 10:40 a.m. (Santagiulia Arena)
- 3:10 p.m. (Santagiulia Arena)
Saturday, Feb. 21 - Bronze Medal Game
- 2:40 p.m. (Santagiulia Arena)
Sunday, Feb. 22 - Gold Medal Game
- (Time TBA)
The Olympic stage is set, and for Dahlin, Thompson, and Luukkonen, it’s a chance to showcase their skills on hockey’s biggest international platform. Whether it’s anchoring a blue line, firing a game-winner, or shutting the door in net, these Sabres are ready to chase gold - and they’re bringing Buffalo’s spirit with them to Milano Cortina.