It has been a long time since NHL players have represented their country at the Olympics, but for the first time since 2014, they will be able to do so in the 2026 Winter Olympics. Twelve countries have qualified for the Olympics, and they are: Canada, Czechia, Switzerland, France, Finland, Sweden, Slovakia, Italy, the United States, Germany, Latvia, and Denmark. It was also announced that each country has selected six players [https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/olympic-hockey-roster-tracker-first-players-named/] who have already received a roster spot. 2 Kings players have already made their country's respective roster: Adrian Kempe for Sweden and Kevin Fiala for Switzerland. But a few players from the Kings have been selected for their country's Olympic Orientation camp. But some have been snubbed. QUINTON BYFIELD The 23-year-old forward had a good year with the Kings, registering 23 goals, 31 assists for 54 points in 81 games. His play earned him an invitation to Team Canada's orientation camp [https://www.hockeycanada.ca/en-ca/team-canada/men/olympics/2026/road-to-italy/orientation-camp]. Byfield is the third-youngest player invited to the camp. The two other players who are younger than him are Connor Bedard and Macklin Celebrini. Byfield, while still young, has already played 5 NHL seasons and has some playoff experience as well, so if Team Canada wants to insert some youth, Byfield is an excellent option. DREW DOUGHTY The second King to be invited to Team Canada's Orientation camp [https://www.hockeycanada.ca/en-ca/team-canada/men/olympics/2026/road-to-italy/orientation-camp]is Drew Doughty. Doughty had a rough start last year, as during preseason, he fractured his ankle, which kept him sidelined until January 29th. He then represented Canada in the 4-Nations tournament, where he played four games, registering one assist. With Team Canada having to make some tough decisions on their defensive core, Doughty brings experience, grit, and leadership, which could be reasons why Canada chooses him for the final roster. ADRIAN KEMPE One of the Kings players has already been granted a spot on his country's team. Kempe will be representing Sweden in the upcoming 2026 Olympics. His play last season shows just how elite Kempe is not only for the Kings but also for Sweden. In the regular season, Kempe registered 35 goals, 38 assists for 73 points. Additionally, Kempe had 1 goal in 3 games for Sweden during the 4-Nations tournament. With Kempe being selected already, it could allow him to play an impactful role for Sweden. KEVIN FIALA Kevin Fiala is the second king to be granted a spot with his respective country, as he will be representing Switzerland for the 2026 Olympics. Fiala last season had 35 goals, 25 assists for 60 points in 81 games. Fiala is coming off a career high in goals, and he will look to continue that for the Kings, but also for Switzerland as they look to secure a medal. DARCY KUEMPER Darcy Kuemper is coming off one of his best seasons of his career. Kuemper came 3rd last season in Vezina voting, only behind Hellebuyck and Vasilevsky. With Doughty and Byfield being invited to Canada's orientation camp, many thought Kuemper would be considered for the goaltender position. But Canada elected to bring Jordan Binnington, Adin Hill, and Sam Montembeault. If you were to compare all four goalies' stats, Kuemper has more shutouts, the lowest goals against average, and the highest save percentage. Kuemper not being considered for a potential spot is a snub, as he is statistically the better goalie. With the 2026 Olympics happening in February, we will be seeing at least 2 Kings play for their country, and there is a possibility we will see 2 Kings players on Team Canada.
