With the Milano Cortina Olympics just around the corner, men’s hockey is set to take center stage - and the Colorado Avalanche are going to be well-represented when the puck drops.
Opening day action features Finland taking on Slovakia, followed by Sweden vs. Italy. That could mean as many as three Avs hitting Olympic ice right out of the gate: Artturi Lehkonen and Joel Kiviranta are suiting up for Finland, while longtime captain Gabe Landeskog will wear the Tre Kronor once again for Sweden.
In total, Colorado has eight players headed to the Games, and this isn’t their first rodeo on the international stage. These are seasoned competitors, many of whom have worn their country’s colors in some of the sport’s biggest tournaments.
Canada’s Core: MacKinnon, Makar, Toews
Let’s start with the trio anchoring Team Canada - Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar, and Devon Toews. All three played key roles in Canada’s title-winning run at the 4 Nations Face-Off last year, and they’re expected to be just as vital in this Olympic campaign.
MacKinnon brings a blend of speed and power that makes him a nightmare for opposing defenses. He’s no stranger to international play, having suited up for Canada at the World Juniors back in 2013 and multiple World Championships since. He was also part of the electrifying Team North America at the 2016 World Cup of Hockey - a squad that still lives in hockey lore.
Makar, one of the most dynamic defensemen in the world, made his international debut at the World Juniors in 2018 and has steadily built his résumé from there. His ability to control the game from the blue line is a major asset for Canada.
Toews, a steady presence on the back end, rounds out the Canadian Avalanche contingent. After his showing at the 4 Nations, he’s earned his place among Canada’s top defensemen and will play a key role in matching up against the world’s best.
Finland’s Two-Way Threats: Lehkonen and Kiviranta
Finland’s roster features two Avalanche forwards who know how to make an impact on both ends of the ice. Artturi Lehkonen is no stranger to wearing the Finnish crest - he played in back-to-back World Juniors in 2014 and 2015, and was part of the 4 Nations squad last year. His relentless forecheck and clutch scoring make him a perfect fit for Finland’s structured, disciplined style.
Joel Kiviranta, meanwhile, brings a bit of Olympic experience after representing Finland at the 2019 World Championships. He’s carved out a reputation as a hard-nosed, high-energy player - the kind of guy who can swing a game with a single shift.
Landeskog Returns for Sweden
Perhaps the most compelling storyline is the return of Gabriel Landeskog to international play. The veteran forward hasn’t appeared in a major tournament since the 2019 World Championships, and he missed the 4 Nations last year while working his way back from injury. But now he’s back - and back in a big way.
Landeskog’s international résumé is as deep as they come: World Juniors in 2010 and 2011, four World Championship appearances, a World Cup of Hockey in 2016, and of course, a silver medal from the 2014 Olympics - the last time NHL players took part in the Winter Games. His leadership and experience will be huge for a Swedish squad looking to make a deep run.
Other Avs Making Noise
Two more Avalanche players are set to represent their countries in Milano Cortina: Martin Necas for Czechia and Brock Nelson for Team USA.
Necas has been a regular for the Czechs over the years, with multiple World Championship and World Junior appearances under his belt. His speed and offensive creativity give Czechia a dangerous weapon up front.
Nelson, who joined Colorado after a long stint with the Islanders, brings a wealth of international experience to Team USA. He played in five World Championships and was part of the 4 Nations Face-Off squad that fell to Canada in the final. His versatility and veteran savvy make him a key piece of the American attack.
Olympic Pedigree Runs Deep
Here’s a quick look at the international track records of the Avalanche’s Olympic-bound players:
- Gabriel Landeskog (Sweden): World Juniors (2010, 2011), World Championships (2012, 2013, 2017, 2019), Winter Olympics (2014, 2026), World Cup of Hockey (2016)
- Nathan MacKinnon (Canada): World Juniors (2013), World Championships (2014, 2015, 2025), World Cup of Hockey (2016 - Team North America), 4 Nations Face-Off (2025), Winter Olympics (2026)
- Cale Makar (Canada): World Juniors (2018), 4 Nations Face-Off (2025), Winter Olympics (2026)
- Devon Toews (Canada): 4 Nations Face-Off (2025), Winter Olympics (2026)
- Artturi Lehkonen (Finland): World Juniors (2014, 2015), 4 Nations Face-Off (2025), Winter Olympics (2026)
- Joel Kiviranta (Finland): World Championships (2019), Winter Olympics (2026)
- Martin Necas (Czechia): World Juniors (2018, 2019), World Championships (2018, 2024, 2025), Winter Olympics (2026)
- Brock Nelson (USA): World Juniors (2011), World Championships (2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2024), 4 Nations Face-Off (2025), Winter Olympics (2026)
Bottom line: the Avalanche aren’t just sending players to the Olympics - they’re sending key contributors, leaders, and difference-makers. When the tournament kicks off, don’t be surprised if several Avs are right in the middle of the action, pushing their nations toward the podium.