The NHL is back in the Winter Olympics, and this time, it’s not just about national pride - it’s a showcase of some of the league’s biggest names and brightest prospects on the international stage. For fans of the Edmonton Oilers, there’s a lot to keep an eye on in Milano Cortina 2026. Whether it’s current superstars, rising talents, or familiar faces from seasons past, the Oilers' fingerprints are all over this Olympic tournament.
McDavid and Draisaitl Lead the Charge
Let’s start with the obvious headliners: Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. Two of the best players in the world, both wearing the “C” for their respective countries - McDavid for Canada and Draisaitl for Germany.
For McDavid, this is the long-awaited Olympic debut after NHL players missed the last two Games. He’s not just aiming to compete - he’s aiming for gold.
This is his chance to cement his legacy on the international stage, adding a major trophy to a résumé that’s already Hall of Fame bound.
Draisaitl, meanwhile, will be leading an underdog German squad with real belief. Germany has made noise in recent international tournaments, and with Draisaitl at the helm, they’re not just showing up - they’re coming to compete. And he won’t be alone.
Josh Samanski: A Prospect on the Rise
Joining Draisaitl on Team Germany is Oilers prospect Josh Samanski, who’s making his Olympic debut. It’s a big stage for the young forward, and he’s earned the shot after a recent NHL call-up that turned heads.
For Germany, Samanski could be a key piece not just in this tournament but in future international play. For the Oilers, it’s a glimpse into what might be coming down the pipeline.
Former Oilers All Over the Ice
Beyond the current roster, the Olympics are also a reunion of sorts for Oilers alumni. Seven former Edmonton players are suiting up for their countries, and each brings a unique story to the Games.
Dominik Kahun is back for his third Olympic appearance with Germany. Once a promising NHL forward, Kahun spent a season with the Oilers in 2020-21, where he logged 15 points in 48 games.
Since then, he’s carved out a solid career in Switzerland’s top league. He’s a veteran presence for Germany and still has the skill to make an impact.
Tobias Rieder, another German forward, had a brief but memorable stint with Edmonton in 2018-19. While he didn’t find the back of the net that season, he’s remained a key piece for Germany internationally. Now playing in the DEL, Rieder adds experience and depth to a German team looking to surprise.
Philip Broberg’s story is one of the more intriguing ones. The former first-round pick left Edmonton two years ago after signing an offer sheet with the St.
Louis Blues. Since then, he’s blossomed into a top-four defenseman - and in a twist of fate, he’s taken a spot on Team Sweden that might’ve gone to Oilers veteran Mattias Ekholm.
Broberg’s Olympic selection is a statement about how far he’s come since leaving Edmonton.
David Tomasek had a short run with the Oilers, just 22 games, but he’s found success in Europe and now gets the nod for Czechia’s Olympic squad. At 30, this is his first Olympics, and he’ll be looked at as a reliable depth option for a Czech team that’s always dangerous in tournament play.
Martin Marincin, a 2010 second-round pick by Edmonton, is back for his third Olympic Games with Slovakia. While his NHL career spanned stops in Edmonton and Toronto, Marincin has been a steady contributor in the Czech Extraliga in recent years. He brings size and experience to a Slovak team looking to build off their recent international momentum.
Patrick Russell is another familiar name for Oilers fans. The Danish winger played 59 games for Edmonton and has been a staple for Denmark in international play.
At 33, he’s a veteran presence on a Danish team that’s still building its hockey program. Russell’s leadership will be key for a squad looking to punch above its weight.
And then there’s Yohann Auvitu, who becomes part of history as France returns to the Olympic stage for the first time since 2002. Auvitu, now 36, played 33 games with the Oilers after a brief stint with the Devils. He’s one of just a handful of French players with NHL experience, and his presence alone is a huge boost for a French team trying to make a mark.
A Global Oilers Legacy
In total, 10 players with ties to the Oilers organization will be skating in Milano Cortina. That’s a testament to the franchise’s reach - both in terms of elite talent and the depth of its development tree. From McDavid chasing gold to former role players getting one more shot at international glory, the Olympics are offering a unique lens through which to view the Oilers’ past, present, and future.
Whether you're watching for the star power or the storylines, there’s no shortage of Oilers content in this year’s Winter Games. And who knows - maybe one of these players will deliver a signature Olympic moment that lives on long after the final buzzer.