McDavid, Draisaitl Already Making Olympic Headlines Ahead of Puck Drop
The puck hasn’t dropped yet in Milano Cortina, but two of the NHL’s brightest stars are already making waves at the 2026 Olympic Winter Games. Edmonton Oilers cornerstones Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl are stepping into the spotlight early-and not just because of what they’re expected to do once the tournament begins.
Let’s start with McDavid. On Sunday, Hockey Canada officially unveiled its leadership group for the men’s national team, and it’s a trio that screams star power.
Sidney Crosby will wear the ‘C’-no surprise there, given his long-standing leadership pedigree on the international stage. McDavid and Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar will serve as alternates, rounding out the same leadership core that guided Canada during last year’s 4 Nations Face-Off.
This isn’t just a ceremonial nod for McDavid. He was front and center during Canada’s first practice session on Sunday, skating alongside San Jose’s Macklin Celebrini and Washington’s Tom Wilson. It’s a line that blends generational talent, youthful energy, and physical edge-a combination that could create real matchup headaches for opposing defenses.
McDavid also took reps on Canada’s top power-play unit, a group that reads like an All-Star ballot. He joined Crosby, Makar, Nathan MacKinnon, and Sam Reinhart-five players who can tilt the ice every time they hop over the boards. If chemistry develops quickly, this unit has the potential to be the most dangerous in the tournament.
Canada opens its Olympic campaign on Thursday against Czechia, with puck drop set for 8:40 a.m. MT. While the roster is stacked from top to bottom, all eyes will be on how this leadership group sets the tone-on and off the ice.
As for Leon Draisaitl, he’s already carved out his own moment of Olympic history before even taking a shift. On Friday, the German forward was named one of Team Germany’s flag bearers for the opening ceremony, a distinction voted on by his fellow athletes. It’s a testament to his status not just as a hockey star, but as a national sporting icon.
Ski jumper Katharina Schmid carried the flag at a remote event in Predazzo, while Draisaitl took center stage in Milan, proudly representing his country in front of the world. It was a moment that underscored just how important he is to Germany’s Olympic hopes-not just in hockey, but across the entire delegation.
Draisaitl and Team Germany hit the ice Thursday afternoon at 1:10 p.m. MT, opening their tournament against Denmark. While Germany may not have the same depth as traditional powerhouses, Draisaitl’s presence gives them a legitimate game-changer every time he’s on the ice.
With the tournament just days away, both McDavid and Draisaitl are already setting the tone in different ways. One is helping lead a Canadian juggernaut expected to contend for gold.
The other is carrying the hopes of a nation, both as a player and as a symbol. The games haven’t started yet-but the stars are already shining.