With the Olympic Committee asking representatives to provide a list of their initial six players to represent their countries in the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Italy, it is opening up the discussion of whom from the Seattle Kraken will compete for a gold medal. Below, I will share my insight in who I believe has the best chance to "go for gold".
Locks
- Philip Grubauer (Germany) - This one is easy because Grubauer has already formally been announced as representative of Germany. After a noteworthy performance in this past World Championship where he had a fantastic .930 save percentage, Grubauer will look to be Germany's starting goaltender for the Olympic games.
- Eeli Tolvanen (Finland) - Tolvanen solidified himself as an offensive powerhouse for the Finland team in the recent IIHF World Championship with 7 goals and 2 assists in 8 games. Unless something goes very wrong, Tolvanen is a lock for 2026.
Good Chance
- Kaapo Kakko (Finland) - After finishing his best season in the NHL so far with 44 points, Kakko is in prime position to make a push for a roster spot for Finland as long as he can continue to build on the momentum.
- Brandon Montour (Canada) - Brandon Montour is good, but Canada is great. He played solidly during the IIHF World Championships with 9 points in 8 games along with 41 points for the Kraken this past season, but time will tell if he will crack a roster that is bound to have the largest pool of elite players.
It Could Happen
- Adam Larsson (Sweden) - Larsson has a shot to make the Sweden team, but will be competing against defenders such as Erik Karlsson, Victor Hedman, Rasmus Dahlin, among others for a roster spot. If he continues to play well, there is a chance he could be a pick with a solid veteran presence.
- Joey Daccord (USA) - Daccord continues to put up solid numbers with the Kraken along with posting a .919 save percentage in the most recent IIHF World Championship. The problem Daccord faces is the goalie depth that the USA has which is arguably the best in the world right now. His competition includes, but is not limited to names such as, Connor Hellebuyck, Jake Oettinger, Thatcher Demko, and Jeremy Swayman. The goaltender position is a finicky one and I believe the USA brass will go with whoever the hot hands are at the time to build the team.
Long Shots
- Matty Beniers (USA) - Matty needs to really turn some heads to be able to make the USA team. Going into his 4th full NHL season, Beniers will look to become more refined in his play, but along with Canada, the USA has a lot of depth, putting many other big names currently in front of him for a roster spot.
- Ryker Evans (Canada) - Like Montour, Ryker faces an uphill battle to make this team. Canada as alway will be stacked with star power. However, his youth and continued development could become a factor before the 2026 games.
Like anything, there are so many factors that will go into the construction of these teams, and with the games happening in February, there is time for things to shift and players to shine. It will be interesting to see how this Kraken team can compete for spots for their respective countries.
Let us know in the comments which Kraken players will make it to the Olympics in 2026.
Grubauer & Tolvanen photos by - Andy Glass