Nino Niederreiter Looks to Spark Switzerland’s Olympic Push with All-Around Role
When the puck drops in Milano-Cortina, Nino Niederreiter won’t just be representing Switzerland - he’ll be leading the charge in more ways than one. The veteran winger is carrying his country’s flag into the 2026 Winter Olympics, and with that comes the weight of expectation and opportunity.
Despite a challenging NHL season with the Winnipeg Jets - where he’s posted just 19 points through 55 games and is tracking for a career-low 28 - Niederreiter is stepping into the Olympic spotlight with a clean slate and a chance to reset. And make no mistake: Switzerland is counting on him to be a difference-maker.
A Central Role for Switzerland
Niederreiter is expected to log big minutes in Milano, anchoring Switzerland’s second line as the right wing. He’ll be skating alongside Sven Andrighetto - the former Colorado Avalanche forward now playing for the Zurich Lions - and center Denis Malgin. That trio is tasked with doing the dirty work: taking on tough matchups, driving play, and providing the kind of secondary scoring that can swing a tournament.
But it’s not just five-on-five where Niederreiter will be leaned on. He’s set to play on the second power play unit, working with Andrighetto again and Pius Suter of the St.
Louis Blues. Christoph Bertschy (HC Fribourg-Gottéron) and JJ Moser (Tampa Bay Lightning) round out the unit on the blue line.
It’s a group with offensive upside and enough experience to be dangerous when given time and space.
Defensively, Niederreiter’s responsibilities grow even larger. He’s part of Switzerland’s top penalty kill unit alongside Devils captain Nico Hischier, with Moser and Jonas Siegenthaler - another New Jersey blueliner - anchoring the back end. That’s a lot of trust placed in Niederreiter, who will be skating in all situations and likely against top international talent.
A Swiss Team with Bite
Switzerland may not be a favorite on paper, but this group could quietly cause problems. They’ve got depth, structure, and a physical edge that tends to translate well in short tournaments. Niederreiter - with his blend of size, experience, and two-way play - is expected to be right in the middle of it all.
This isn’t unfamiliar territory for him. He’s played in big international games before, and even with his NHL numbers down this season, he’s still the kind of player who can rise to the moment. Whether it’s finishing a big shift on the forecheck, killing off a crucial penalty, or finding the net when his team needs it most, Niederreiter has the tools to impact the game in a variety of ways.
The Road Ahead
Switzerland opens its Olympic campaign early Thursday morning against France (5:10 a.m. CT), a matchup they’ll be expected to control.
But things get real in a hurry - just over 24 hours later, they’ll face powerhouse Canada in a marquee Friday afternoon clash (2:10 p.m. CT).
The round-robin wraps up Sunday morning against Czechia (5:10 a.m. CT), another squad with legitimate medal aspirations.
It’s a tough group, but also a proving ground. And for Niederreiter, this tournament isn’t just about redemption - it’s about leadership. He’s not just wearing his country’s colors; he’s helping define what they mean on the Olympic stage.