The 2026 Olympic men’s hockey tournament is officially underway in Milan, and the world’s best are chasing gold. Among them: four Winnipeg Jets, each with a chance to make a serious impact on the international stage.
For three of them, this marks their Olympic debut - but all four are stepping into big roles for their respective countries. Let’s break down the key questions surrounding how each Jet might be deployed, and what kind of impact they could have with medals on the line.
Josh Morrissey: Top-Pair Talent, Second-Pair Assignment
Josh Morrissey is no stranger to carrying heavy minutes for the Winnipeg Jets - he’s averaging north of 24 minutes a night in the NHL - but things look a little different with Team Canada. Early practices suggest he’ll slot into the second defensive pair under head coach Jon Cooper, which makes sense when you consider the depth Canada boasts on the blue line. With Cale Makar and Devon Toews locked in as the top duo, Morrissey’s role may shift from centerpiece to complementary.
The bigger question is how Cooper plans to use him situationally. Morrissey is a staple on Winnipeg’s top power play unit, but so far, he hasn’t cracked Canada’s man-advantage groups.
That’s notable - especially in a tournament where Canada’s firepower and pace are likely to draw plenty of penalties. Fewer special teams minutes could cut into his overall ice time, but don’t expect him to be invisible.
Morrissey’s skating, puck movement, and offensive instincts are tailor-made for the Olympic-sized ice, and with teammates like Connor McDavid and Sidney Crosby around him, there will be no shortage of chances to make an impact. The question is: how will Cooper tap into the Calgary native’s strengths?
Connor Hellebuyck: Can the Reigning MVP Rebound?
Connor Hellebuyck enters the Olympics as the reigning Hart and Vezina Trophy winner - a rare double that speaks volumes about his dominance last season. He led the league with 47 wins, a sparkling 2.00 goals against average, and a .925 save percentage.
But this season? It’s been a bit more human.
His numbers - 2.79 GAA and .900 save percentage - are his lowest in five years.
Still, Team USA is expected to lean on him as their No. 1 netminder. Head coach Mike Sullivan has options - Jake Oettinger and Jeremy Swayman are both capable backups - but Hellebuyck’s big-game pedigree and competitive fire give him the inside track.
The Americans have arguably the best defensive group in the tournament, but they’ll need steady goaltending to make a serious run at gold. Hellebuyck doesn’t need to be perfect - but he does need to be closer to the MVP version of himself than the one we’ve seen so far this NHL season.
Can he flip the switch on Olympic ice?
Kyle Connor: A Sniper Searching for a Bigger Role
Kyle Connor is one of the NHL’s most dangerous scorers, but in Team USA’s early practices, he’s been skating on the third line with Dylan Larkin and Tage Thompson. That’s a trio with top-line talent, but it’s a curious spot for Connor, who thrives in open ice and offensive situations - not exactly the profile of a typical third-liner.
It’s worth noting that Mike Sullivan scratched Connor in the 4 Nations final last year - a decision that raised eyebrows, especially after the U.S. managed just two goals in a loss to Canada. Whether that history influences his deployment in Milan remains to be seen, but Connor will need to make the most of the minutes he gets.
If he catches fire, there’s a path back into the top six - and with his release and scoring instincts, it might not take much. But for now, he’s got work to do to earn Sullivan’s trust and ice time.
Can he rise above the role he’s been given and force the coach’s hand?
Nino Niederreiter: Switzerland’s Steady Hand in the Spotlight
Nino Niederreiter is no stranger to the international stage. He was Switzerland’s flag bearer at the opening ceremony, and he’s set to play a major role in what could be his final Olympic appearance. The veteran winger, now past the 1,000-game mark in the NHL, is expected to line up in the top six for head coach Patrick Fischer, alongside stars like Nico Hischier and Kevin Fiala.
Switzerland has quietly built a roster capable of making noise in Milan, but they’ll need Niederreiter to bring more than just leadership. He’s a proven scorer in international play, and if the Swiss are going to push into the medal rounds, he’ll have to be a consistent offensive presence.
With his experience, physicality, and net-front presence, Niederreiter is built for tournament hockey. The question is whether he can still deliver at a high level - and whether his contributions can help Switzerland punch above its weight.
There’s no shortage of storylines as the Olympic tournament unfolds, and the Jets’ contingent will be right in the thick of it. From Morrissey’s usage to Hellebuyck’s form, Connor’s role to Niederreiter’s impact - there’s a lot to watch. We’ll be tracking it all as the road to gold heats up in Milan.