Avalanche Fans Have a Global Dilemma as Eight Players Head to the 2026 Winter Olympics
The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan are officially underway, and for Colorado Avalanche fans, the tournament brings more than just international pride - it brings a full-on identity crisis. With eight Avs players suiting up for four different countries, the question isn’t just who will win gold - it’s who do you root for when your favorite players are scattered across the globe?
Let’s break it down.
Four Flags, One Locker Room
Team Canada is stacked, as usual, and Avalanche fans will recognize some familiar firepower wearing the red and white. Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar, and Devon Toews are all suiting up for the Maple Leaf.
That’s a top-line center, a Norris-level defenseman, and one of the steadiest blueliners in the league - all representing the same national squad. If you're a Canadian Avalanche fan, this is a dream.
For everyone else? It's a little more complicated.
Then there's Brock Nelson, who’s lacing them up for Team USA. While he’s not the flashiest name on the roster, he brings grit and experience.
And let’s not forget Czechia’s own Martin Kaut, who’s earned his spot among the country's top talents. Meanwhile, Sweden gets a major boost with Gabriel Landeskog - rib injury and all - set to captain the team with his trademark poise and leadership.
And yes, Finland. Artturi Lehkonen and Joel Kiviranta are both in the mix, but it’s Mikko Rantanen who draws the most attention - and the most mixed emotions - from Avs Nation.
After a rocky end to last season, Rantanen’s place in fans’ hearts isn’t quite as secure as it once was. Still, there’s no denying the talent he brings to the ice.
Bottom line: Avalanche fans will be watching a lot of Olympic hockey. But once the knockout rounds begin, they’ll have to pick a side - and that won’t be easy.
Balancing Rest and Rhythm
While eight players are chasing gold, the rest of the Avalanche roster is back home - and that opens up the age-old debate: is this Olympic break a blessing or a curse?
On one hand, rest is valuable. The NHL grind is relentless, and a midseason pause can be just what the doctor ordered, especially for players nursing minor injuries or dealing with fatigue. But there’s also the risk of rust, especially for those not staying game-ready while their teammates are battling it out in Milan.
Head coach Jared Bednar isn’t worried. He told the Denver Gazette that he trusts his guys - especially veterans like Landeskog, Necas, and Toews - to know their bodies and make smart decisions about their workload.
“These guys are adults who can be trusted to make the right call,” Bednar said. “They’re also professional athletes who know their bodies and what they’re capable of.”
It’s a delicate balance. Players in Milan will be pushed to a playoff-level intensity, while their teammates rest and reset. Come March, we’ll find out which approach pays off.
MacKinnon’s Golden Opportunity
Few players enter this tournament with more on the line than Nathan MacKinnon. He’s already an NHL MVP, a Stanley Cup champion, and a perennial All-Star.
But the Olympic gold medal? That’s the one box he hasn’t checked - yet.
There’s an added layer of symbolism here. MacKinnon’s boss, Joe Sakic, led Team Canada to gold in 2002, cementing his legacy as one of the game’s greats. Now MacKinnon has a chance to follow in those footsteps - and maybe even carve out a moment of his own Olympic lore.
He’s already coming off a dominant showing at the 4 Nations Tournament, where he earned MVP honors. If he can replicate that performance on the Olympic stage and lead Canada to gold, it’ll be hard for even the humble MacKinnon to downplay what it means.
Could we hear echoes of Bob Cole’s legendary call? “It is Nathan MacKinnon, scores, Naaathan MacKinnon.” Don’t rule it out.
The Finland Factor: A Polarizing Plotline
And then there’s Finland.
For years, they’ve been a fan-favorite underdog - a team that plays disciplined, team-first hockey. That identity remains intact, and with players like Lehkonen and Kiviranta, there’s plenty for Avs fans to cheer for.
But Mikko Rantanen’s presence complicates things. After last year’s playoff exit, his relationship with the Avalanche fanbase took a hit.
Some fans still back him without hesitation. Others?
Not so much.
Still, there’s no denying Finland’s potential. They’ve got the talent, the structure, and the hunger. If they go on a run, Rantanen will be a big reason why.
What’s Next?
For now, Avalanche fans get to enjoy the rare thrill of watching their favorite players battle it out on the world stage. But as the tournament heats up, loyalties will be tested.
Will it be MacKinnon and Makar bringing home gold for Canada? Will Landeskog lead Sweden on a deep run?
Can Rantanen win back some hearts with a heroic showing for Finland?
No matter how it shakes out, one thing’s for sure: the Avalanche are well represented in Milan. And when the Olympic dust settles, they’ll return to Colorado with battle-tested stars - and maybe a few shiny medals to show for it.