The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan are shaping up to be a major moment for NHL players-and especially for a handful of New Jersey Devils stars who are eyeing the international spotlight. After years of watching from the sidelines, the NHL is finally sending its best to the Olympics again.
But as the countdown to Milan continues, there’s a growing sense of urgency-and not just from players eager to represent their countries. The venue itself is becoming a potential roadblock.
Let’s start with the Devils’ Olympic hopefuls. Nico Hischier is expected to wear the “C” for Switzerland, leading a strong group that includes teammate Timo Meier and defenseman Jonas Siegenthaler. It’s a homecoming of sorts for Swiss hockey, and this trio could make some serious noise on the Olympic stage.
Then there’s Jack Hughes, who’s working his way back from injury with an eye on donning the red, white, and blue alongside his brother Quinn. The Hughes brothers have long dreamed of playing together on Team USA, and Milan could be the stage where that dream finally becomes reality. In net, Jacob Markstrom is aiming to backstop Team Sweden, bringing veteran presence and poise to a roster with high expectations.
Across the league, players are buzzing. This will be the first time since Sochi 2014 that NHLers are officially back in the Olympic mix.
The 2018 and 2022 Games were filled with “what-ifs” and missed opportunities-Taylor Hall would’ve likely suited up for Team Canada in 2018, while a younger Nico Hischier could’ve made his international debut. And Jack Hughes, one of the league’s brightest young stars, missed his first chance in 2022.
Now, the door is finally open again.
The return of NHL players to the Olympics was supposed to mark the triumphant comeback of “best-on-best” international hockey. The 4 Nations Face-Off last year whetted the appetite, but Milan was always the main course. Unfortunately, there’s a problem-and it’s not on the ice, but under it.
The arena in Milan that’s set to host Olympic hockey isn’t ready. In fact, it’s already undergone modifications, including a reduction in the size of the ice sheet-now even smaller than the standard NHL surface.
The IIHF has signed off on the changes, but the NHL? Not so much.
And this isn’t just a minor concern. According to NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly, if the venue isn’t finished in time, NHL players won’t be going. Plain and simple.
“If there’s no rink completed, there’s no NHL players going to the Olympics,” Daly told Matt Larkin of Daily Faceoff.
That’s a hard line, and it’s coming at a time when the league and its players have already made sacrifices to make this Olympic appearance happen. As part of the most recent collective bargaining agreement, players gave up significant ground to ensure they’d have the chance to represent their countries in 2026. This matters to them-a lot.
From the league’s perspective, there’s more at stake than just a tournament. The NHL has grown increasingly wary of international events that it doesn’t control.
The 4 Nations Face-Off was a hit, and it was entirely under the NHL’s umbrella. That’s not the case with the Olympics, where the league has little say in logistics, revenue, or even player safety.
If Milan turns into a logistical nightmare, it could sour the NHL on future Olympic participation altogether.
For 2026, though, the league is essentially locked in. Pulling the plug now would be a massive blow to players, many of whom have spent years waiting for this chance. A last-minute withdrawal would spark serious backlash-not just from players, but from fans and federations around the world.
But when it comes to 2030? That’s a different conversation.
If Milan becomes a cautionary tale, the NHL could walk away from the next Winter Games without much resistance. The league has other options-controlled, profitable, and safer options like the 4 Nations tournament.
And if the Olympic experience turns sour, there may be little appetite to return.
So, if you’re a Devils fan-or just a fan of elite international hockey-soak it in. Watch Jack Hughes dazzle in a Team USA sweater.
Cheer on Hischier as he leads Switzerland into battle. Celebrate every sprawling Markstrom save for Sweden.
Because while 2026 might be a long-awaited return, it could also be the last Olympic ride for a while.
The players are ready. The fans are ready. Now, Milan just needs to be ready too.