Crosby, McDavid to once again rep Canada as initial 2026 Olympic rosters unveiled

While summer is just getting underway, some hockey fans are already getting excited for the winter as countries participating in hockey at the upcoming Olympics announced the first six players on their rosters.

For Canada, the first half dozen skaters include Sidney Crosby (Pittsburgh Penguins), Nathan MacKinnon (Colorado Avalanche), Cale Makar (Colorado Avalanche), Connor McDavid (Edmonton Oilers), Brayden Point (Tampa Bay Lightning) and Sam Reinhart (Florida Panthers).

“We are excited to announce the first six players who will represent Canada at the 2026 Olympic Winter Games next February, as these are six world-class players and leaders that are deserving of this recognition,” said Doug Armstrong, team GM.

“Sidney, Nathan, Cale, Connor, Brayden and Sam provide a strong foundation for a successful team and have been proven winners at all levels of their professional and international careers, and we look forward to all six being key contributors to our team as we look to accomplish our goal of winning Olympic gold.”

2026 will mark the first time since 2014 that NHL players will compete in hockey at the Winter Olympics and a few countries got a teaser of what is to come by watching the 4 Nations Face-Off this past February.

“I am honoured to be named one of the first six players for Canada’s men’s hockey team at the 2026 Olympics alongside Nathan, Cale, Connor, Brayden and Sam, as all five are incredible players and leaders,” Crosby said.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to represent Canada at the Olympics, as I know how much pride comes with wearing the Maple Leaf on the international stage.”

The other 11 preliminary rosters included a trio of Canucks as Teddy Blueger and Artūrs Šilovs are set to represent Latvia and Canucks captain Quinn Hughes was named to the US roster.

The 12-team tournament will take place from Feb. 11 to 22 and Canada is in group ‘A’ with Czechia, Switzerland and France.

“We are thrilled to welcome NHL players back to the Winter Olympics,” said International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) president Luc Tardif.

“For the IIHF, this is a major step in showcasing ice hockey at its highest level on the world stage.”

Complete rosters will be announced at the beginning of the new year.