Current Canucks That Could Feature At The 2026 Winter Olympics
The NHL will send players to the Olympics for the first time since 2014.
Photo by Andrew Nelles-USA TODAY Sports - Current Canucks That Could Feature At The 2026 Winter OlympicsIt is official: NHL players will return to the Winter Olympics in 2026. The NHL, along with the IIHF, announced on Friday that an agreement had been reached to allow NHL players to participate in the 2026 and 2023 Winter Olympics. While the event is not for another two years, here is a look at current players within the Vancouver Canucks organization that could represent their countries in Milan.
USA
Team USA could be stacked with Canucks in 2026. Quinn Hughes is most likely a lock, while Thatcher Demko should be one of the three goaltenders on the roster. As for the forward group, J.T. Miller and Brock Boeser will be in the conversation as the US looks for their first men's Gold Medal since 1980.
Sweden
Based on Vancouver's current roster, two players could represent Tre Kronor in 2026. Both Elias Pettersson and Elias Lindholm have represented their country multiple times in the past and will be expected to play critical roles for Sweden at the next Olympics. With a star-studded group expected, Sweden will be looking to replicate the success they had the last time the Olympics were in Italy.
Latvia
The Canucks could have two Canucks on Team Latvia in 2026. First would be Teddy Blugers, who may be the captain, with the other being Artūrs Šilovs, who played a key role in the country's Bronze Medal win at the 2023 World Championship. A resilient team that is exciting to watch, they will be looking to win a game at the Olympics for the first time since 2014.
Czechia
On the blue line, Filip Hronek should play a significant role for Czechia in 2026. He has represented his country four times at the World Championship and will look to add to the Bronze Medal he captured in 2022. Like Sweden, Czechia will be looking to medal in Italy once again, as in 2006.
Russia
While Russia is currently banned from participating in IIHF tournaments, they are expected to be allowed to play at the 2026 Olympics. If so, one player that will be in consideration is Ilya Mikheyev. On pace to set a new career high in points with 40, he should provide some value in both the bottom six and on the penalty kill.
Switzerland
One of ten Swiss players currently in the NHL, Pius Suter, should represent his country for the second time. He was on Team Switzerland in 2018, where he was tied for the team lead with five points in four games. Based on the current projected roster, expect him to play a role in the middle six as Switzerland looks for their first medal since 1948.
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