Olympic Hockey Takes Center Ice as NHL Hits the Break
With the NFL season officially in the books-congrats to Sam Darnold, Kenneth Walker, and the Seattle Seahawks for capping their run with a Super Bowl win-it’s time to shift focus to the ice. The 2026 men’s Olympic hockey tournament is about to get underway in Milan, and the early signs point to a tournament packed with star power, fresh faces, and no shortage of intrigue.
Olympic Hockey: Early Lines, Leadership, and Lineup Questions
Practices are underway for most national teams, and we’re already getting a taste of what the top lines and defensive pairings might look like. Team Canada wasted no time naming Sidney Crosby their captain, a move that feels as much about legacy as it does leadership. He’ll be flanked by alternate captains Cale Makar and another unnamed veteran presence, giving Canada a leadership group that blends experience with elite skill.
On the other side of the bracket, Team USA made it official: Auston Matthews will wear the “C” in Milan, with Matthew Tkachuk and Charlie McAvoy serving as alternates. Matthews has long been the face of American hockey, and this is another step in his evolution from superstar to standard-bearer.
Canada’s head coach, Jon Cooper, gave fans a first look at some potential line combinations during Sunday’s practice. The most eye-catching trio?
Young phenom Macklin Celebrini skating alongside Connor McDavid and Tom Wilson on the top line. That’s a fascinating blend of speed, skill, and physicality.
Meanwhile, the second line features Nathan MacKinnon centering Brad Marchand and Nick Suzuki-a mix of grit, playmaking, and two-way reliability. And then there’s the third line, anchored by Crosby with Mark Stone and Mitch Marner on the wings.
That’s not a “checking line” in the traditional sense-it's a line that can control the puck and tilt the ice in any matchup.
Team USA, meanwhile, is still fine-tuning. Jack Hughes’ role wasn’t immediately clear after the first day of practice, but Monday’s session gave more clarity. Expect Hughes to be a key driver of offense, likely playing in a top-six role where his creativity and edgework can thrive.
Sweden named Gabriel Landeskog captain over the weekend, a welcome sight after his long injury layoff. Victor Hedman and Erik Karlsson-also working their way back from injuries-will serve as alternates, giving the Swedes a veteran core that’s seen its share of big games.
Finland also locked in its leadership group, with Mikael Granlund as captain and Mikko Rantanen and Sebastian Aho as alternates. These are names that have carried Finland on the world stage before, and they’ll be asked to do it again in Milan.
Chicago Blackhawks Update: AHL All-Star Honors and a Trade Twist
Back home, the Chicago Blackhawks had a bit of a surprise last week. Turns out, the first-round pick they acquired from the Florida Panthers in the Seth Jones-Spencer Knight trade is top-ten protected-a detail that somehow flew under the radar for nearly a year. That’s a significant wrinkle, especially for a rebuilding team that’s been stockpiling assets.
In more positive news, Rockford IceHogs captain Brett Seney is heading to the AHL All-Star Classic, joining fellow Blackhawks prospects Kevin Korchinski and Nick Lardis. Seney’s been a steady presence in Rockford, posting 35 points (10 goals, 25 assists) in 41 games. The 29-year-old has been a leader on and off the ice, and his selection is a well-earned nod to his strong season.
Around the NHL: Trade Rumors, Playoff Hopes, and Roster Moves
With the NHL on pause for the Olympics, front offices are already looking ahead to the trade deadline. In Pittsburgh, GM Kyle Dubas has some decisions to make.
The Penguins are teetering on the playoff bubble, and adding the right piece or two could make all the difference. Whether that’s a puck-moving defenseman or a middle-six scoring winger remains to be seen, but the needs are clear.
In St. Louis, Robert Thomas is drawing interest-but prying him away won’t be cheap.
According to reports, the Blues are setting the bar high, perhaps even higher than the return Colorado got for Mikko Rantanen last season. Thomas is a foundational player, and unless a team is willing to part with a significant haul, he’s likely staying put.
Speaking of Colorado, Cale Makar’s Olympic nod as an alternate captain only adds to his growing resume. He’s become one of the most complete defensemen in the game-capable of breaking a game open with his skating and vision, while also anchoring a top pairing defensively.
And then there’s the playoff picture. The Buffalo Sabres, Detroit Red Wings, and Anaheim Ducks-three teams with the league’s longest active postseason droughts-are all in playoff position heading into the break.
There’s still a lot of hockey left to play, but fans in those cities have reason to believe again. For Buffalo and Detroit especially, this could be the year the rebuilds finally pay off.
What’s Next
The puck drops on Olympic hockey this Wednesday, and with rosters now set and practices underway, the stage is set for a tournament that could deliver some unforgettable moments. Between the return of NHL stars to the Olympics, the emergence of young talent like Celebrini and Hughes, and the high stakes for nations hungry for gold, there’s no shortage of storylines to watch.
So while the NHL takes a brief pause, hockey fans won’t have to wait long for the next chapter. Milan is calling-and the world’s best are ready to answer.