Hockey's biggest stage is back - NHL players locked in for Olympics 2026
The strongest will play at the Olympics (photo: x.com/NHL)
The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) has signed a final agreement with the National Hockey League (NHL) and the NHL Players' Association regarding participation in the 2026 Olympic Games, which will take place in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy, according to the official IIHF website.
Return after 12 years
The 2026 Olympics will be the first tournament in 12 years to feature the world's best hockey players since 2014. The NHL did not release players for the 2018 and 2022 Games due to disagreements with the IOC and the IIHF.
"This is a tremendous day for international ice hockey and for fans across the globe. We are pleased to confirm that NHL players will be participating in the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026," said IIHF President Luc Tardif.
The agreement also paves the way for NHL players to participate in the 2030 Olympics, which are planned to be held in the French Alps.
Who will play at the Olympics?
Twelve national teams will take part in the 2026 Olympic Games:
- Denmark
- Italy
- Canada
- Latvia
- Germany
- Slovakia
- USA
- Finland
- France
- Czech Republic
- Switzerland
- Sweden
Team USA was the first of the participating countries to announce a preliminary roster featuring NHL players. The list includes Jack Eichel, Quinn Hughes, Auston Matthews, Charlie McAvoy, as well as brothers Brady and Matthew Tkachuk.
The 2026 Olympic Games will be held from February 6 to 22. Ice hockey competitions will start on February 11. The tournament promises to be one of the strongest in history.
