Four Winnipeg Jets players-Kyle Connor, Connor Hellebuyck, Josh Morrissey, and Nino Niederreiter-made their mark at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy. With the NHL back in the mix for the first time since 2014, the tournament delivered plenty of drama and excitement. Let's dive into how these Jets performed on the grand international stage.
Kyle Connor (United States)
Kyle Connor's Olympic journey was a rollercoaster. Despite his elite offensive skills, he found himself off the scoresheet in the United States' first two games against Latvia and Denmark.
Consequently, he was benched for the remainder of the tournament. While he returns home with a gold medal, the experience was reminiscent of last year's 4 Nations Face-Off, where he faced similar challenges.
It seems the U.S. coaching staff, led by Mike Sullivan, has a quick trigger when it comes to Connor. Yet, with 25 goals and 64 points in 56 NHL games this season, Connor is poised to bounce back and continue his strong campaign.
Connor Hellebuyck (United States)
Connor Hellebuyck was the backbone of Team USA's gold medal triumph. His performance in the final was nothing short of spectacular, making 41 saves, many of them clutch, and even assisting on Jack Hughes’ overtime winner.
While Jets fans might wonder where this level of play was during past playoffs, Hellebuyck silenced critics with a tournament that saw him post a 5-0-0 record, a 1.18 GAA, and a .956 save percentage. His message to doubters was clear: he thrives on the big stage and knows the quality of his game.
Josh Morrissey (Canada)
Josh Morrissey faced a tough break, suffering an upper-body injury in Canada's opener against Czechia. Expected to play a key role on the blue line, his tournament was cut short after just 7:30 of ice time.
Despite efforts to return, Morrissey had to sit out, prioritizing the team's needs over personal ambition. It was another instance of bad luck for Morrissey, who also missed the 4 Nations final due to illness.
His absence was felt, but his commitment to the team was unwavering.
Nino Niederreiter (Switzerland)
Nino Niederreiter, a leader for Switzerland, had a memorable Olympic run. As an alternate captain and flag bearer, he finally found the net in the quarterfinal against Finland, marking his first Olympic goal.
Although Switzerland was eliminated in a 3-2 overtime loss, Niederreiter's pride in representing his country was evident. He expressed gratitude for the support and is ready to refocus on the NHL season, knowing there's still plenty of hockey left to play.
In the end, these four Jets showcased their talents and resilience on the world stage, each contributing to their teams in unique ways. As they return to their NHL duties, their Olympic experiences will undoubtedly fuel their drive for the remainder of the season.