It’s been a long time coming, but Olympic men’s hockey is finally set to deliver what fans have been craving for years - best-on-best competition on the world’s biggest stage. With opening puck drop just days away, teams are hitting the ice for early practices, giving us a first glimpse at potential line combinations. And if these early looks hold, we’re in for a tournament packed with star power, intriguing chemistry experiments, and some serious national pride.
Let’s break down what we’re seeing so far from the top contenders.
Team Canada: A Blend of Generational Stars and Grit
Canada wasted no time reminding the world just how deep their talent pool runs. Connor McDavid is centering the top line, flanked by 18-year-old phenom Macklin Celebrini and physical power forward Tom Wilson.
It’s an eye-catching trio - McDavid’s speed and vision, Celebrini’s high IQ and finishing touch, and Wilson’s edge and net-front presence. It’s a line that can burn you in transition and wear you down in the corners.
Behind them, the second line features Brad Marchand, Nathan MacKinnon, and Nick Suzuki - a combination that brings relentless pace, skill, and two-way responsibility. Marchand’s playoff pedigree and MacKinnon’s north-south explosiveness could be a nightmare for opposing defenses.
Then there’s the third line, and it’s a beauty: Mark Stone, Sidney Crosby, and Mitch Marner. That’s three elite hockey minds on one line. Expect surgical puck movement, defensive responsibility, and a ton of offensive zone time.
Bo Horvat centers the fourth line with Sam Reinhart and Brandon Hagel - a trio built for depth scoring and responsible minutes. Horvat’s leadership and faceoff prowess give this line real value in key situations.
On the blue line, Cale Makar and Jonathan Toews (yes, that’s Toews playing defense - a different Jonathan Toews) are slotted as the top pair, with Josh Morrissey and Colton Parayko forming a solid second unit. Shea Theodore and Travis Sanheim round out the third pair, giving Canada a mix of puck movers and physicality on the back end.
Team USA: Skill, Speed, and a Whole Lot of Grit
The Americans are rolling out a top line that’s as bold as it is balanced: the Tkachuk brothers - Brady and Matthew - on the wings, with Jack Eichel down the middle. That’s a line built for chaos in the best way. Eichel brings the elite skill and skating, while the Tkachuks bring the edge, net-front presence, and offensive touch.
The second line of Matt Boldy, Auston Matthews, and Jake Guentzel is all about finesse and finish. Matthews is the centerpiece, capable of changing a game with a single shot, while Boldy and Guentzel can both create and convert.
On the third line, Luke Hughes joins Dylan Larkin and Tage Thompson - a trio that brings speed, creativity, and size. The fourth line of Brock Nelson, Vincent Trocheck, and Clayton Keller gives the U.S. some serious scoring depth.
Defensively, Quinn Hughes is paired with Charlie McAvoy - a dynamic duo with elite puck-moving ability and shutdown potential. Jaccob Slavin and Brock Faber form a rock-solid second pair, while Zach Werenski and Noah Hanifin round out a mobile, defensively responsible blue line.
JT Miller is listed as an extra forward - a luxury piece who could slot in anywhere if needed.
Team Sweden: Depth and Discipline with a Dash of Star Power
Sweden’s lineup is as structured and skilled as you’d expect. The top line of Filip Forsberg, Joel Eriksson Ek, and William Nylander brings a mix of scoring and shutdown ability. Forsberg and Nylander can both light the lamp, while Eriksson Ek is one of the best two-way centers in the game.
Jesper Bratt, Elias Lindholm, and Lucas Raymond form the second line, offering speed and playmaking. The third line features Elias Pettersson on the left wing with Mika Zibanejad at center and Rickard Rakell on the right - a trio that could easily be a top line on most teams.
Gabriel Landeskog, Alexander Wennberg, and Adrian Kempe round out the forward group, giving Sweden a fourth line with leadership and scoring touch.
On defense, Victor Hedman and Rasmus Dahlin headline a top pairing that oozes elite talent. Gustav Forsling and Erik Karlsson make up the second pair - two more puck movers who can tilt the ice. Oliver Ekman-Larsson and Rasmus Andersson round out a deep, experienced blue line.
Team Finland: Quiet Confidence and Defensive Precision
Finland’s always been about structure, and this year’s lineup is no different. Kevin Lankinen is backing up Juuse Saros, who’s expected to carry the load in net - just like he did during the Four Nations tournament.
Up front, the top line of Mikael Granlund, Roope Hintz, and Mikko Rantanen brings experience, speed, and scoring punch. Artturi Lehkonen, Sebastian Aho, and Teuvo Teravainen form a second line that’s as defensively responsible as it is offensively capable.
The third line of Eetu Luostarinen, Anton Lundell, and Kaapo Kakko gives Finland a young, high-upside group, while Eeli Tolvanen, Erik Haula, and Joel Armia round out a physical, hard-working fourth line.
On defense, Esa Lindell and Miro Heiskanen are a shutdown pair with offensive upside. Niko Mikkola and Rasmus Ristolainen bring size and grit, while Olli Maatta and Henri Jokiharju provide steady, reliable minutes on the third pair.
Team Czechia: Underrated and Ready to Surprise
Czechia’s top line of Martin Necas, Tomas Hertl, and David Pastrnak has the potential to be one of the tournament’s most dangerous. Pastrnak is a game-breaker, and with Necas and Hertl setting the table, this line could do real damage.
The second line of Ondrej Palat, David Kampf, and Ondrej Kase brings a more grinding, two-way approach. Palat’s playoff experience and Kampf’s defensive reliability make this a solid matchup line.
Roman Cervenka, Lukas Sedlak, and Tomas Tomasek form the third line, while Matej Stransky, Radek Faksa, and Dominik Kubalik round out the forwards.
On the back end, Filip Hronek and Radim Simek are the top pair, with Michal Kempny and Radko Gudas providing physicality on the second. David Spacek and Jan Rutta complete the D corps.
Team Latvia: Grit, Heart, and a Few Familiar Names
Latvia’s top line features Teddy Blueger centering Zemgus Girgensons and Sandis Vilmanis - a trio that’s going to play hard, finish checks, and try to create chaos in the offensive zone.
The second line of Eduards Tralmaks, Dans Locmelis, and Nikolajs Dzierkals adds some youth and scoring potential, while Anri Ravinskis, Kristians Krastenbergs, and Kaspars Daugavins form a rugged third line. The fourth line of Rudolfs Balcers, Oskars Batna, and Rihards Bukarts brings more of the same: tenacity and heart.
On defense, the top pair of Uvis Balinskis and Kristians Rubins will log heavy minutes. Martins Smits and Ralfs Freibergs form the second pair, with Kristaps Zile and Janis Jaks rounding out the group.
In net, Arturs Silovs is backing up Elvis Merzlikins - a tandem that could steal a game or two if they get hot.
Germany: Reichel Representing
Lukas Reichel, a name familiar to Canucks fans, is on Germany’s second line, skating alongside Nico Sturm and Josh Samanski. It’s a group that could bring some offensive push behind the top unit.
The puck drops on February 11 at 7:40 AM PST, with Finland taking on Slovakia in the tournament’s opening game. If these line combinations are any indication, we’re in for a showcase of elite talent, national pride, and high-stakes hockey. Buckle up - Olympic hockey is back, and it’s bringing the best of the best with it.