The chase for Olympic gold is officially on in Milan, and this time, the NHL is back in the mix.
For the first time in over a decade, NHL players are suiting up for their countries at the Winter Games - and the Nashville Predators are well represented. Four active Preds are hitting the ice on the international stage, while one more is playing a crucial role behind the scenes.
Leading the way is team captain Roman Josi, who’s wearing the “C” not just for Nashville, but for Switzerland as well. Josi’s leadership and elite two-way play make him a cornerstone for the Swiss squad, and his presence alone could be a difference-maker in a tournament where experience and poise under pressure often separate contenders from pretenders.
Joining him in Milan are Filip Forsberg, Erik Haula, and Juuse Saros - all making their Olympic debuts. Forsberg is skating for Sweden, while Haula and Saros are suiting up for Finland. It’s a special moment for all three, getting the chance to represent their countries on one of the sport’s biggest stages.
And while he’s not lacing up skates, Predators Head Athletic Trainer Kevin Morley is also in Milan, serving as a trainer for Team USA. It’s a testament to the respect Morley commands around the league and the trust placed in him by one of the tournament’s most high-profile teams.
As for the format, it’s a 12-team sprint to the podium. Each team will play three preliminary games in group play before the field shifts into a single-elimination playoff bracket.
The Bronze Medal Game is scheduled for February 21, with the Gold Medal showdown set for February 22 at 7 a.m. CT.
Fans can catch the action across NBC’s family of networks and on Peacock, with schedules also available via the NHL app.
So how are the Preds doing so far?
On February 11, Juuse Saros got the call in net for Finland’s tournament opener. He stopped 21 shots, but Finland came up short in a 4-1 loss to Czechia. It wasn’t the start Saros or the Finns were hoping for, but there’s still plenty of hockey left to play - and if there’s one thing we know about Saros, it’s that he doesn’t stay down for long.
Later that day, Filip Forsberg and Team Sweden opened their campaign with a strong showing, skating to a 5-2 win over Italy. Forsberg, known for his offensive creativity and nose for the net, adds firepower to a Swedish team that’s always a threat in international play.
With more games on the horizon and elimination rounds looming, the pressure’s only going to ramp up from here. But for Josi, Forsberg, Haula, and Saros, this is exactly the kind of stage they live for - high stakes, national pride, and a shot at Olympic glory.
Let the games begin.