It’s been 12 years since NHL players last suited up for the Winter Olympics, and now they’re back on the world stage at the 2026 Milano Cortina Games. For Team Germany, that means a chance to make some serious noise - and they’re bringing a mix of star power and rising talent to do it.
Of the 25 players on Germany’s finalized Olympic roster, nine are currently signed to NHL teams. And while the roster is filled with solid contributors, three names stand out as ones to watch when the puck drops: Leon Draisaitl, Moritz Seider, and Philipp Grubauer.
Leon Draisaitl - Edmonton Oilers
Let’s start with the headliner. Leon Draisaitl isn’t just Germany’s top player - he’s one of the most dominant forces in the entire NHL.
Through 53 games this season, the Edmonton Oilers forward has racked up 78 points, with 27 goals and 51 assists. That puts him fifth in the league in scoring, trailing only a handful of elite names - including his teammate Connor McDavid, who’ll be suiting up for Team Canada.
While Draisaitl won’t have the luxury of playing alongside McDavid in Italy, there’s a real possibility the two could meet in a high-stakes showdown later in the tournament. And if that happens, it’ll be must-watch hockey.
In December, Draisaitl became the first German-born player to reach 1,000 NHL points - a milestone that underscores just how impactful he’s been throughout his career. Despite his international experience, this will be his Olympic debut, and expectations are sky-high. Germany last medaled in 2018, and Draisaitl will be leaned on heavily to help replicate - or even surpass - that success.
Moritz Seider - Detroit Red Wings
On the blue line, Germany’s most reliable presence comes in the form of Moritz Seider, the lone NHL defenseman on the roster. At just 24 years old, Seider is already in his fifth NHL season, all with the Detroit Red Wings, who selected him sixth overall back in 2019. This season, he’s been a workhorse, logging an average of 25:32 per game - the most of his career - while putting up 37 points through 56 games.
Seider brings a well-rounded game to the ice. He’s physical, smart with the puck, and isn’t afraid to jump into the rush.
But he also plays with an edge, and that edge has led to 43 penalty minutes already this season - just shy of his career high. Germany will need him to stay disciplined if they want to make a deep run, especially since his minutes will likely spike even higher during the tournament.
Like Draisaitl, Seider was among the first six players named to the Olympic roster. He’s no stranger to international play - most recently representing Germany at the 2025 World Championship - but just like his star teammate, this will be his first Olympic appearance.
Philipp Grubauer - Seattle Kraken
In net, Germany is turning to a veteran presence in Philipp Grubauer. The Seattle Kraken goaltender was also one of the first six players locked in for the Olympic roster, and while his 2024-25 season was a rough one, he’s bounced back in a big way this year.
Last season, Grubauer struggled mightily, posting an 8-17-1 record and a .875 save percentage - the lowest of his NHL career. But this year, he’s flipped the script. Through 21 appearances (18 starts), he’s put together an 11-5-3 record and a .919 save percentage - his best mark since joining the Kraken.
That turnaround is even more impressive considering he entered the season behind Joey Daccord on the depth chart. But Grubauer has earned his share of the crease, and the tandem has become one of the more effective goalie duos in the league. That increased workload has sharpened his game, and now he’s stepping into the Olympic spotlight for the first time.
Grubauer may not have Olympic experience, but he’s no stranger to international play. He helped Germany punch their ticket to the 2018 Games by shutting down Latvia in the qualification tournament, and he most recently suited up for his country at the 2024 World Championship.
Germany’s roster may not be loaded with NHL superstars from top to bottom, but the presence of Draisaitl, Seider, and Grubauer gives them a legitimate foundation to build around. All three are playing some of their best hockey heading into the Games, and if they can carry that momentum into Milano Cortina, Germany could be a serious threat in the tournament - not just a feel-good story.
Keep an eye on this trio. They’re not just representing their country - they’re leading it.