As the puck drops in Italy for the start of the Olympic men’s hockey tournament, several Carolina Hurricanes are set to play pivotal roles for their respective national teams. With opening games already underway and lineups beginning to take shape, there’s plenty to unpack - from familiar reunions to leadership nods and potential lineup snubs. Here's a breakdown of what’s been happening with the Canes' Olympic representatives as the tournament gets rolling.
Aho Wears the 'A' - and Might Reunite with a Familiar Face
Sebastian Aho is the first Hurricane to hit the Olympic ice, suiting up for Finland in their opener against Slovakia. Over the weekend, Aho was officially named an alternate captain for the Finnish squad, joining Mikko Rantanen in support of captain Mikael Granlund. It’s a well-earned honor for Aho, who wore the "A" during the 4 Nations tournament and continues to be a key figure in Finland’s leadership core.
But what’s really turning heads - especially among Caniacs - is the possibility of a reunion with Teuvo Teravainen. Early line combinations from Finnish practices suggest Aho may be centering a line with his former Hurricanes running mate, with Colorado’s Artturi Lehkonen rounding out the trio.
If that holds, it would reunite the most productive scoring duo in Hurricanes franchise history - a tandem that knows each other’s tendencies inside and out. Chemistry won’t be an issue.
Aho is also expected to log big minutes on Finland’s top power-play unit. While his penalty-kill usage might be minimal in this tournament, there’s no doubt he’ll be leaned on heavily in key offensive situations. Finland’s coaching staff clearly trusts him - and for good reason.
Andersen Ready to Backstop Denmark, Ehlers to Lead the Charge
Denmark hasn’t revealed much about their pre-tournament preparations, but a few things seem clear - starting with who’s likely to carry the offensive load. Nikolaj Ehlers is expected to headline Denmark’s top line, potentially flanked by Lars Eller and Oliver Bjorkstrand. That trio represents three of the most productive Danish players in NHL history, and if Denmark is going to make any noise in this tournament, it’ll likely be through them.
On the back end, Frederik Andersen is poised to handle the bulk of the work between the pipes. His performance during Olympic qualifying was instrumental in Denmark punching their ticket to Italy, and he’s once again expected to be the backbone of this squad. Andersen has been spotted in full national gear during practices, and we’ve now gotten a look at his new Olympic mask - a sharp design that blends Danish pride with personal flair.
Jarvis on the Outside Looking In for Canada - For Now
Canada has kept things relatively quiet in terms of lineup decisions, but their first official practice offered a glimpse into where players might slot in - and it wasn’t the best news for Seth Jarvis. The Hurricanes forward, a late addition to the Canadian roster, was one of just two skaters (along with Florida’s Sam Bennett) not included in the primary line rushes.
That doesn’t necessarily mean Jarvis won’t dress, especially given the international rule allowing teams to dress 20 skaters (as opposed to the NHL’s 18). But at least for the opener, it looks like Jarvis could be the odd man out.
The good news? The team seems loose and in high spirits, and with a long tournament ahead, lineups can - and often do - change quickly.
Slavin Reunites with Faber, Not Hughes - and That’s Interesting
Team USA has been a bit more transparent with their practice pairings, and Jaccob Slavin was back alongside Brock Faber during the team’s first skate. The duo found success together during the 4 Nations tournament, so the reunion makes sense - even if it raised a few eyebrows.
Some expected Faber to be paired with his Minnesota Wild teammate Quinn Hughes, but Hughes instead skated with Charlie McAvoy. That leaves Slavin in a familiar role: the steady, shutdown presence tasked with neutralizing top offensive threats. It’s the same job he’s excelled at in Carolina - when healthy - and it’s one he takes pride in.
While Slavin may not be the flashiest name on the scoresheet, don’t be surprised if he chips in offensively as the tournament progresses. And with Team USA likely to mix and match defensive pairings as they feel things out, there’s a chance we see Slavin alongside a few different partners before the medal rounds arrive.
As the Olympic tournament begins to take shape, the Hurricanes’ international representatives are already making their presence felt - whether it’s through leadership roles, top-line responsibilities, or quietly anchoring the blue line. With plenty of hockey still to be played, keep an eye on how these familiar faces continue to impact the games on the world’s biggest stage.