As the hockey world gears up for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, the Chicago Blackhawks will be largely spectators when it comes to national team representation. Only one player from the roster is heading to Italy: Teuvo Teravainen, who will suit up for Team Finland. But while the Blackhawks' Olympic presence is light this time around, a deeper look reveals a handful of players who could be major factors by the time the Games return in 2030.
Connor Bedard: The Snub That Won’t Last
Let’s start with the obvious: Connor Bedard not making Team Canada in 2026 is a head-scratcher. Through 40 games this season, Bedard has racked up 49 points-an impressive leap forward that shows he’s not just living up to the hype, he’s accelerating past it. He’s already just three goals shy of matching his rookie total of 23, and he’s done it in half the games.
Despite that, Team Canada GM Doug Armstrong made it clear that Bedard wasn’t in serious consideration, even before a shoulder injury sidelined him for 13 games. That’s a tough pill to swallow for Blackhawks fans, especially when you consider the kind of offensive spark Bedard brings every time he’s on the ice.
Still, there’s a silver lining. If one of Canada’s forwards goes down before the tournament begins, Bedard’s name will likely be at the top of the replacement list.
And looking ahead to 2030, it’s hard to imagine a scenario where he’s not a lock. He’ll be 23, entering his prime, and some of Canada’s current veterans-Brad Marchand, Sidney Crosby, Mark Stone-will likely have aged out.
Bedard’s time is coming.
Artyom Levshunov: Waiting on a Country
Artyom Levshunov’s Olympic future is less about performance and more about politics. The 20-year-old defenseman, born in Belarus, would almost certainly be on his country’s Olympic roster-if Belarus were allowed to compete.
The IIHF recently announced that both Russian and Belarusian teams remain barred from international play for the 2025-26 season due to ongoing safety concerns. A decision on their potential return for 2026-27 is expected in May.
On the ice, Levshunov is still finding his footing. With just 69 NHL games under his belt, his development has had its ups and downs.
But let’s be honest-Belarus isn’t exactly a hockey superpower. Even if Levshunov doesn’t blossom into a top-pairing NHL defenseman, his current trajectory and pedigree likely make him a shoo-in for Belarus’ Olympic roster if and when they’re reinstated.
Spencer Knight: The Numbers Are There, the Timing Might Not Be
Spencer Knight is having a breakout year, no question. Through 35 games, he ranks third in both goals saved above average and goals saved above expected. Add in a .910 save percentage, and you’ve got a goaltender who’s finally starting to live up to his first-round billing.
The problem? Team USA’s goaltending depth is absurd.
Connor Hellebuyck, Jake Oettinger, and Jeremy Swayman form arguably the strongest trio in the tournament. Right now, there just isn’t room for Knight.
But fast-forward to 2030, and the landscape could look very different. Hellebuyck will be 35, and both Oettinger and Swayman will be entering their 30s.
Knight, on the other hand, will be 27-right in the sweet spot for a goaltender. If he continues this upward trend, he’ll be in serious contention for a spot on Team USA’s next Olympic roster.
This season doesn’t feel like a flash in the pan; it feels like the beginning of something more.
Teuvo Teravainen: One Last Run?
Teravainen is the lone Blackhawk headed to Milan, and he’s earned it. With 22 points in 46 games, he’s been a steadying presence on a young Chicago team. At 31, he’s still producing at a respectable clip, and Team Finland has long valued a mix of NHL and European talent.
Looking ahead to 2030, when Teravainen will be 34, the question becomes whether he can maintain this level of play. If he’s still contributing in the NHL, Finland could absolutely bring him back for one more Olympic run.
But whether he’s still wearing a Blackhawks sweater by then? That’s a little murkier.
Frank Nazar: The Long Game
Frank Nazar is already locked in with the Blackhawks long-term, having signed a seven-year deal with a $6.599 million AAV that kicks in next season. He’s trending in the right direction, but he’s not quite in the Olympic conversation-yet.
By 2030, Nazar will be 26, right in his athletic prime. If he continues to develop, he could find himself in the mix for Team USA.
The current U.S. forward group includes veterans like Brock Nelson, J.T. Miller, and Vincent Trocheck, all of whom may be past their prime by the next Olympic cycle.
That opens the door for younger, faster skaters like Nazar.
One thing to watch: Team USA GM Bill Guerin built this 2026 roster with size and physicality in mind. If that philosophy holds, Nazar-who leans more on speed and skill-might have to elevate his game even further to make the cut.
What’s Next
The men’s Olympic hockey tournament kicks off on February 11, with Teravainen and defending gold medalists Finland facing off against Slovakia, the bronze medalists from the last Games. The tournament runs through February 22, and while Blackhawks fans won’t see many familiar faces this time around, the future is bright.
From Bedard’s inevitable rise to Knight’s goaltending surge, Chicago’s young core is positioning itself not just for NHL relevance, but for international impact. The 2026 Games might be light on Blackhawk flavor-but 2030? That could be a very different story.