Oilers’ Olympic Snubs Could Spark a Post-Break Surge
As the men’s hockey tournament heats up at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy, there’s a trio of Edmonton Oilers quietly watching from afar - and likely doing so with a mix of pride and frustration. Zach Hyman, Evan Bouchard, and Mattias Ekholm weren’t selected to represent their countries, despite strong cases to be made for all three. And while they’re not skating on Olympic ice this month, that snub might just be the fuel the Oilers need for a serious push down the stretch.
Hyman, Bouchard, and Ekholm Have Something to Prove
Let’s be clear: these aren’t fringe NHLers hoping to catch a break. Hyman has been a relentless engine for the Oilers’ top six, Bouchard has blossomed into one of the league’s more dynamic offensive defensemen, and Ekholm brings the kind of poise and shutdown ability that championship blue lines are built on.
So while they’re not in Milan, they’re not exactly on vacation either - not mentally, at least. You can bet there’s a “prove them wrong” edge simmering beneath the surface. That kind of motivation, combined with some much-needed rest, could be a game-changer for the Oilers as they gear up for the final stretch of the season.
No One Likes Getting Left Off the Team
Getting snubbed stings. And for players like Hyman and Bouchard, who likely envisioned themselves donning the Maple Leaf this February, it’s a tough pill to swallow.
Hyman’s north-south game and relentless forecheck would’ve fit seamlessly into Team Canada’s high-tempo system. He’s the kind of player who doesn’t need the puck to make an impact - a coach’s dream in tournament play.
Bouchard, meanwhile, never even seemed to be in the conversation, which is puzzling. With Josh Morrissey going down in Canada’s opener against Czechia, the absence of a puck-moving, offensively gifted defenseman became glaring. Bouchard’s ability to quarterback a power play and deliver in high-pressure moments - something he’s done repeatedly in the Oilers’ recent playoff runs - would’ve been a valuable asset.
Ekholm’s Absence from Team Sweden Raises Eyebrows
Then there’s Mattias Ekholm. Sweden’s blue line has long been a strength, but leaving Ekholm off the roster?
That’s a head-scratcher. He’s still one of the most reliable Swedish defensemen in the game, capable of logging big minutes and anchoring a pairing against top competition.
Reports out of Sweden suggest head coach Sam Hallam is facing mounting criticism for his lineup decisions - not just for omitting Ekholm, but for how he’s managing the players he did bring. If Sweden continues to struggle to generate offense and maintain structure, the decision to leave Ekholm at home is going to be one that lingers.
Olympic Action Highlights Oilers’ Global Talent
While Hyman, Bouchard, and Ekholm are watching from the sidelines, several of their teammates are making noise on the Olympic stage. Connor McDavid is, unsurprisingly, putting on a show.
He’s in the midst of what might be his most dominant stretch of hockey to date and is flirting with the Olympic scoring record. For a player who’s already redefined excellence in the NHL, this is just another level.
Leon Draisaitl and Josh Samanski have also stepped up for Team Germany, though their road just got tougher after a 4-3 loss to Latvia. If they can’t find a way to upset Team USA in the prelims, their Olympic run could be over sooner than expected.
A Silver Lining for the Oilers?
Here’s the thing - while McDavid, Draisaitl, and others are logging heavy minutes in high-stakes games, Hyman, Bouchard, and Ekholm are getting a rare breather. And for a team that stumbled into the Olympic break looking a bit worn down, that rest could be a blessing in disguise.
The Oilers return to action on February 25 against the Ducks, and don’t be surprised if these three come out flying. There’s nothing quite like being overlooked to sharpen a player’s focus. If Hyman’s driving the net with extra purpose, if Bouchard’s letting the puck fly with a little more fire, and if Ekholm’s locking down the defensive zone like a man on a mission - well, now you know why.
This team has Stanley Cup aspirations, and getting three key players back with fresh legs and something to prove could be exactly what they need to hit another gear. The Olympic snub may have stung in the moment, but for the Oilers, it might just be the spark that ignites a championship run.