When you ask John LeClair if Team USA has a chance to beat Canada in a potential gold medal showdown at the 2026 Winter Olympics, you’d better be ready for a passionate response. The former Flyers star and two-time Olympian didn’t just answer the question-he practically leapt through the phone.
“Have a chance? Are you kidding me?”
LeClair shot back, clearly taken aback by the mere suggestion that Team USA might be a longshot. And to be fair, he’s got a point.
Sure, Canada enters Milano Cortina as the favorite, gunning for its third straight Olympic gold. With a roster that could feature the likes of Sidney Crosby, Connor McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon, and Cale Makar, the Canadian lineup reads like a who’s who of hockey royalty. But LeClair sees the Americans as every bit their equal-and he’s not alone.
After watching Team USA’s dominant 5-1 win over Latvia, LeClair came away impressed with the depth, structure, and energy the Americans brought to the ice. And while Latvia isn’t Canada, the performance was a clear signal that the U.S. isn’t just here to participate-they’re here to contend.
“All four lines, all six D, I thought everyone played well,” LeClair said. “Canada’s got a good team, we all know that. But the odds (against the U.S.) should only be about 50-50 in my eyes.”
It’s not just patriotic optimism. The American roster is loaded with firepower and grit.
Auston Matthews brings elite scoring and two-way play. Jack Eichel, now thriving in Los Angeles, adds another layer of offensive danger.
Then you’ve got the Tkachuk brothers-Matthew and Brady-who bring a mix of skill, edge, and leadership that’s tailor-made for international play. And on the back end, Zach Werenski might be playing the best hockey of his career, anchoring what could be the most balanced U.S. blue line in decades.
LeClair knows what it takes to compete on this stage. He was part of the U.S. squad in Nagano in 1998 and again in Salt Lake City in 2002, where the Americans made a run to the gold medal game. He’s seen the evolution of USA Hockey firsthand, and he believes this group has the tools to make a serious run.
Back home in Philadelphia, LeClair’s still heavily involved in the game as a special advisor to the Flyers. That gives him a front-row seat to watch three current Olympians with ties to the organization: defenseman Travis Sanheim (Canada), goaltender Dan Vladar (Czechia), and defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen (Finland).
Sanheim, in particular, has caught LeClair’s eye.
“What jumps off the page is Travis’ speed,” he said. “He skates extremely well.
Usually in a competition like the Olympics, skating becomes a priority. He’ll be a big bonus back there.
I think they’re going to rely on him at some point in this tournament.”
As for Vladar, he might just be the Flyers’ unsung hero this season. After stepping into the starting goaltender role, he’s been lights out-and LeClair isn’t shy about saying it.
“There’s no question he’s been our MVP,” LeClair said. “Without ‘Vlady’ we would be in a much worse place now.
He’s been tremendous. He’s done everything we’ve asked and more.
Some nights he keeps us in games when we’re getting outshot two-to-one. He’s been remarkable.
The guy gives us a chance to win every night.”
It’s not just the players getting valuable Olympic experience. Flyers head coach Rick Tocchet is serving as an assistant on Team Canada’s staff under Jon Cooper. That means he’s getting a chance to work closely with Sanheim in a best-on-best setting-an opportunity LeClair believes will pay dividends down the stretch.
“I believe Toc’s and Sanheim’s relationship will be nothing but stronger for this,” LeClair said. “Going through moments like this in your career builds a huge bond.”
The Flyers came out of the gates strong this season but hit a rough patch before the Olympic break. With a five-year playoff drought hanging over the franchise, the final stretch of the season will be crucial. LeClair knows it’s going to take more than just talent to get there.
“We’ve shown in the first half we can be a top-tier team, a playoff team,” he said. “I think we’re going to need a lot of help, a lot of guys to stay healthy.”
And the break? That’s a wild card.
“It’s going to be interesting to see how some guys react to the time off,” LeClair added. “Not everyone comes back from a break the same way. Hopefully our guys come back and pick up where they left off, get a push and we make the playoffs.”
LeClair sees the Flyers trending in the right direction under Tocchet, even if the road hasn’t always been smooth. After three years of the John Tortorella era, the team needed a fresh voice-and Tocchet’s approach seems to be resonating.
“Having a different voice than ‘Torts’-he did do a great job of instilling a lot of things in these guys,” LeClair said. “But I think it was time for a new voice.
“I think the way Toc is approaching each game as far as preparation, it’s given these guys a chance to succeed and excel. I think it’s a big reason why we had such a great start. That’s why we’re still in the hunt.”
So, back to that original question: Does Team USA have a chance against Canada?
If you ask John LeClair, he won’t just say yes-he’ll tell you to buckle up. Because in his eyes, this American squad isn’t just capable of hanging with the best. They’re ready to win the whole thing.