Six Former Maple Leafs Set for Olympic Spotlight at Milano Cortina 2026
With NHL players officially back in the Winter Olympics mix after more than a decade away, hockey fans are finally getting the best-on-best tournament they’ve been craving. And for the Toronto Maple Leafs, the 2026 Games in Milano Cortina come with a special twist - not just because current stars like Auston Matthews (USA), William Nylander, and Oliver Ekman-Larsson (both Sweden) are suiting up for their countries, but because several familiar faces from Leafs seasons past are also heading to Italy.
Let’s take a closer look at six former Maple Leafs who’ve earned the call to represent their nations on the Olympic stage - a testament to the talent that’s passed through Toronto’s locker room over the years.
Denis Malgin - Team Switzerland
Denis Malgin’s time in Toronto may be remembered more for what the Leafs gave up than what they got - he was part of the 2020 trade with Florida that sent Mason Marchment the other way, a deal that’s aged poorly for the Leafs. But while his 31-game stint in Toronto yielded just two goals and four points, Malgin has found his stride back home.
Now 29, Malgin is thriving with Zurich SC in the Swiss National League, leading the team in scoring with 14 goals and 41 points through 41 games. That kind of production didn’t go unnoticed by Team Switzerland, who’ll look to Malgin for offensive spark in a tournament where every goal matters. He may not have made a lasting impact in Toronto, but he’s proving he still belongs on hockey’s biggest stage.
Pontus Holmberg - Team Sweden
Pontus Holmberg quietly exited Toronto this past offseason, but he hasn’t looked back. Now skating with the Tampa Bay Lightning, Holmberg has carved out a solid role in the NHL and is on pace for career highs across the board with nine goals and 17 points in 48 games.
That steady development earned him a spot on Team Sweden’s Olympic roster - a well-deserved nod for a player who’s been a model of consistency in Tampa’s bottom six. For Leafs fans, it’s hard not to wonder what Holmberg might’ve brought to Toronto’s depth lines this season, especially given the team’s ongoing search for reliable secondary scoring.
Martin Marincin - Team Slovakia
Martin Marincin’s time in Toronto was a rollercoaster, often marked by tough nights in the defensive zone and a fanbase quick to voice its frustrations. But since leaving the NHL, the 33-year-old has found a second life overseas.
Now a key part of Trinec Ocelari HC in the Czech league, Marincin has helped lead his club to three league titles in five seasons - a championship pedigree that likely played a role in his selection to Team Slovakia’s Olympic roster. He may not have been a fan favorite in Toronto, but his experience and recent success make him a valuable veteran presence for Slovakia.
Frederik Andersen - Team Denmark
Frederik Andersen was the backbone of the Leafs during their climb back into playoff relevance, starting 268 games and helping the club reach the postseason five straight times. His numbers in Toronto - 149 wins, a 2.79 goals-against average, and a .914 save percentage - speak to his impact during a pivotal stretch for the franchise.
Now with the Carolina Hurricanes, Andersen has struggled this season, posting a 7-10-5 record with a 3.26 GAA and .871 save percentage - the worst stats of his 13-year NHL career. But at 36, Andersen is still Denmark’s go-to guy in net, and his Olympic experience will be invaluable as he suits up for what could be his final international run.
David Kämpf - Team Czech Republic
David Kämpf didn’t crack the Leafs’ lineup to start the 2025-26 season, and that led to his trade to the Vancouver Canucks. In 34 games with Vancouver, he’s tallied two goals and four assists - modest numbers, but enough to earn him a spot on Team Czechia’s Olympic squad.
Kämpf was once a reliable piece of Toronto’s bottom six, especially in defensive matchups and penalty-kill situations. While his offensive upside has always been limited, his ability to play a structured game and win key faceoffs makes him a natural fit for the international stage, where roles are clearly defined and depth matters.
Mitch Marner - Team Canada
You knew this name was coming. Mitch Marner, once the heartbeat of Toronto’s power play and a fan favorite for his creativity and vision, is now donning the red and white for Team Canada.
Now with the Vegas Golden Knights, Marner had a slow start to the season but has found his rhythm, racking up 16 goals and 42 assists for 58 points in 57 games. That kind of production makes him an easy choice for Canada’s Olympic roster, where he’ll be expected to help drive offense and create chances alongside the country’s elite.
For Leafs fans, seeing Marner in another jersey still stings - especially considering how Toronto’s power play has sputtered at times this season. But with the maple leaf crest back on his chest, even the most jaded fans might find themselves cheering for No. 16 again, if only for a couple of weeks.
The Bigger Picture
While the Leafs’ current Olympic trio will draw plenty of attention, it’s the familiar names on other rosters that offer a unique lens into the franchise’s past. From under-the-radar contributors to former stars, these six players are a reminder of how careers evolve - and how international play can offer redemption, recognition, or one last ride on the global stage.
As the puck drops in Milano Cortina, don’t be surprised if a few of these ex-Leafs turn heads - and maybe even make fans in Toronto do a double take.