The Dallas Stars are making their presence felt on the world stage this February, with seven players lacing up for their respective countries at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. And if you’re a Stars fan, there’s plenty to be excited about-especially when you realize that more than half of them are suiting up for the same squad: Team Finland.
Let’s start with the Finns, who open the men’s ice hockey tournament in the preliminary round against Slovakia. Finland enters the Olympics as the defending gold medalists, and while the roster has seen some changes, it’s built around chemistry-and Dallas is a big part of that formula.
Finnish Core: Stars on the Rise
Miro Heiskanen is the veteran of the Finnish Stars contingent, and the only one with prior Olympic experience. He skated in PyeongChang back in 2018, where Finland finished sixth.
Now, eight years later, he returns as a projected first-line defenseman-an anchor on the blue line with the poise and puck control that have become his calling cards in Dallas. Heiskanen’s ability to dictate pace and transition the puck cleanly out of the zone could be a major asset as Finland looks to defend its title.
Joining him on the back end is Esa Lindell, making his Olympic debut. Lindell is expected to pair with Heiskanen on the top defensive unit, and that’s good news for Finland.
The two have logged significant minutes together in Dallas, and that familiarity could be a difference-maker when the games tighten up. Their style is complementary-Heiskanen brings the finesse and offensive upside, while Lindell offers a steady, physical presence.
Together, they form a well-balanced duo that knows how to handle high-pressure matchups.
Up front, Mikko Rantanen is stepping into a leadership role as an alternate captain. He’s been on a tear this NHL season, with 20 goals and 49 assists in 54 games, and now he’ll carry that offensive momentum into his first Olympic Games. Rantanen’s vision and scoring touch make him a go-to weapon, and Finland will be counting on him to lead the attack.
Roope Hintz, another Olympic debutant, is expected to skate on the top line with Rantanen and team captain Mikael Granlund. Hintz brings speed, size, and two-way reliability-traits that should translate well to the Olympic ice. His chemistry with Rantanen and familiarity with the Finnish system give that top line a real chance to be one of the most dangerous units in the tournament.
Beyond Finland: More Stars on the Ice
Outside of the Finnish contingent, Radek Faksa will represent the Czech Republic. While he’s likely to slot in on the lower lines, Faksa’s role shouldn’t be overlooked.
He’s a faceoff specialist and a key penalty killer-skills that tend to shine in tight international games where special teams can swing momentum. The Czechs finished ninth in the last Olympics, and if they’re aiming for a deeper run this time, players like Faksa will need to make an impact in the trenches.
Team Canada will feature Thomas Harley on its blue line. He’s projected to play on the third defensive pair in his Olympic debut.
Harley’s smooth skating and ability to move the puck under pressure could give Canada some extra depth on the back end. He may not get top-pairing minutes, but don’t be surprised if he earns more ice time as the tournament progresses.
And then there’s Jake Oettinger, who’s in the mix for Team USA. While he likely won’t be the starter, Oettinger remains a valuable depth option in net.
With a .897 save percentage and 23 wins in 37 games this NHL season, he’s proven he can step in when needed. In a tournament where one hot goalie can change everything, having a reliable option like Oettinger waiting in the wings is a luxury for the Americans.
Big Stage, Bright Lights
The Olympics are a different beast. The pressure is higher, the spotlight is brighter, and every shift carries weight.
For these seven Dallas Stars, it’s a chance to represent their countries, elevate their games, and bring that experience back to the NHL. Whether it’s Finland’s top-line firepower, the Czech Republic’s grind-it-out game, Canada’s defensive depth, or the U.S. goalie rotation, the Stars are woven into the fabric of this tournament.
And if the early projections hold, don’t be surprised if a few of these names are still skating when the medals are handed out.