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Team Canada, Team United States, Team Finland and Team Sweden officially unveiled their 25-player lineups for the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 on Wednesday.It marks the first occasion since the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia, that NHL players will once again take part in Olympic competition.Here’s what several of the players selected for their national teams had to say:
Joel Armia, Los Angeles Kings (Finland)
“It feels amazing. I’m honored to represent my country. Obviously, it’s great news. It’s going to be an excellent tournament. Being part of something like this, yeah, I definitely feel it’s a big achievement. We also have a really strong team, so it’s not about just showing up — we’re going there to win games.”
Jesper Bratt, New Jersey Devils (Sweden)
“This is a tournament you’ve dreamed about playing your entire life. Every scenario growing up, whether skating on an outdoor rink or playing street hockey, always ended with playing for Sweden at the Olympics, so this is a truly special moment. When I was younger, there weren’t many NHL games broadcast, so the main time you saw NHL players was when they played for Team Sweden. Those moments were huge and unforgettable, especially the gold medal in 2006 at the Torino Olympics. The 2014 Sochi Games were also incredibly special and bring back many memories, watching with my old teammates back home and my family. This is a very special day for me.”
Philip Broberg, St. Louis Blues (Sweden)
“I’m extremely honored. It’s a dream coming true. I’m very excited about it. … Before the season started, we set goals, and this was definitely one of them. I’m really excited for the opportunity I’m being given. It’s going to be a lot of fun.”
Leo Carlsson, Anaheim Ducks (Sweden)
“I’m super excited to be named to the Olympic team. It’s the biggest sporting event in the world. Obviously, some teams will feel different compared to others, but it’s a great opportunity for me. … I’m not really the new guy anymore, having played with a lot of these players at the World Championships this year as well.”
Rasmus Dahlin, Buffalo Sabres (Sweden)
“It means everything. That’s what you dream about as a kid. To have the chance to do it now, best against the best — the Olympics are the coolest experience you can have. It’s unbelievable.”
Drew Doughty, Los Angeles Kings (Canada)
“I honestly had no idea if I was going to make it. I worked my [rear end] off this summer — harder than I’ve ever worked in my life — to play well for the Kings, but especially to earn a spot on this team. Then, obviously, there was a bump in the road this season with the broken toe, and that made me start worrying again, because I felt I was playing well before that happened. Now I feel like I’m getting back to where I need to be to help the team.”
Jack Eichel, Vegas Golden Knights (United States)
“There are a few changes compared to the Four Nations roster, but for the most part I’m familiar with a lot of the guys on this team. It’s a great opportunity for us to prove ourselves. There are high expectations heading into the tournament. You have to go there and earn it. A lot of other teams believe they’re really good as well. We’re going in with pride on the line, and I’m excited. It’s going to be a great chance for us, and I’m looking forward to representing Team USA and the country.”
Brock Faber, Minnesota Wild (United States)
“It’s incredibly special. Obviously, it’s a dream come true. Having the chance to play best-on-best at the Olympics is one of the coolest things imaginable. I’m extremely grateful and excited for this opportunity. … The movie Miracle was definitely a staple in our house. I’ve probably watched that movie at least 100 times. We even had a TV screen in the back of the minivan, and that movie was always playing.”
Brandon Hagel, Tampa Bay Lightning (Canada)
“It honestly gives me chills. … Being able to play for the flag is a dream coming true. I never would have imagined it in a million years, and now I’m getting that opportunity. People believed in me enough to give me a chance to go try and win gold, represent the country, and wearing that flag on the front of the jersey means absolutely everything to me.”
Thomas Harley, Dallas Stars (Canada)
“I’m not sure I was really expecting to make the team, to be honest, especially after the way my season started. It was definitely a nice surprise. I love that the management showed faith in me to elevate my game and bring it to the level required for a tournament like this. … I think the level of competition and the speed at that tournament are extremely challenging, even more so than the NHL.”
Noah Hanifin, Vegas Golden Knights (United States)
“It’s definitely a very special moment when you receive that call. I’ve been fortunate enough to represent the United States in several tournaments before. This is the biggest stage of all, so it’s truly an honor. I’m obviously very happy for my family — my parents and my wife. It’s an incredible opportunity to go there, experience it, and play alongside the best players in the world.”
Roope Hintz, Dallas Stars (Finland)
“Of course, it feels great to be named to the team. One of the biggest honors you can achieve is playing for your country in the sport you love.”
Bo Horvat, New York Islanders (Canada)
“I wanted it badly. I wanted the opportunity to represent our country and wear the maple leaf. I was doing everything I could to help the Islanders win, while also making the decision difficult and leaving my mark on what I could offer Hockey Canada. Thankfully, it didn’t go unnoticed. Right now, it feels like a pretty surreal moment.”
Jack Hughes, New Jersey Devils (United States)
“I’m really excited to be part of this group and looking ahead to February and getting the chance to be involved with this team. When you get that call from (U.S. general manager) Billy (Guerin), it’s an amazing feeling. NHL players haven’t participated in the Olympics for a long time, so it truly feels like a dream come true. When Billy calls, it’s incredibly rewarding and brings a lot of happiness. It’s a great group of guys — many have played together before and a lot of them are friends — so it should be a really strong group off the ice, just like last year at the 4 Nations Face-Off. On the ice, it’s going to be a fast, competitive, and skilled team, and we’re all looking forward to it.”
Kaapo Kakko, Seattle Kraken (Finland)
“There aren’t that many Finnish players in this league, so we all kind of know each other. We’ve played together before, understand the style, and have had many of the same coaches for a long time. You know almost everyone. It starts with the under-16 national team and continues through the years. Even since I’ve been here, I’ve played with Team Finland a few times, so we already know what we need to do out there.”
Erik Karlsson, Pittsburgh Penguins (Sweden)
“It’s obviously a huge honor. It feels great. I’m very happy and excited, and I’ve been looking forward to this for a long time.”
Clayton Keller, Utah Mammoth (United States)
“I’m super excited. (U.S. general manager) Bill Guerin FaceTimed me twice and I missed both calls. We were getting ready for practice on Long Island when (Mammoth GM) Bill Armstrong came in and said, ‘Check your phone.’ I was hoping that was a good sign, and yeah, I honestly didn’t know what to say. It means so much to me. I’ve worked extremely hard, and anytime you get the chance to represent your country, it’s the best feeling in the world.”
Adrian Kempe, Los Angeles Kings (Sweden)
“It’s absolutely a dream come true to make the Olympics. With the Four Nations tournament, nobody really knew what to expect from it. … For me personally, I’m extremely excited, very proud, and really looking forward to it. We’re only about a month away now, so it’s starting to feel real. It’s nice seeing all the rosters get announced. You don’t immediately start talking to everyone, but we all know each other well from before and from past experiences, so it’s great to see the team come together.”
Darcy Kuemper, Los Angeles Kings (Canada)
“Growing up, whether it was playing on an outdoor pond or out on the road playing street hockey, you’re always imagining yourself playing in the Olympics. I think every kid in Canada dreams of wearing the maple leaf in that environment, so it’s a tremendous honor.”
Kevin Lankinen, Vancouver Canucks (Finland)
“I used to watch the Olympics all the time growing up. I remember watching Teemu Selanne, Saku Koivu, and all of my heroes back then. Even the Vancouver Olympics in 2010 were a huge deal, along with Torino in 2006 — all of those memories stick with you. Being able to be part of that now, and especially because it’s the Olympics and only happens every four years — and even more so this time with NHL players involved — makes it a once-in-a-lifetime event.”
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, Buffalo Sabres (Finland)
“It’s a massive thing and a huge honor. This is something every hockey player dreams about — getting the chance to represent your country at the Olympics. It’s truly a dream come true. … I’m really excited to be part of it.”
Olli Maatta, Utah Mammoth (Finland)
“It means a lot to me. I think tournaments like this are always a great experience. The quality of hockey is going to be extremely high. … Honestly, I believe we might have one of the best generations Finland has right now. When you look at the top players we have, it’s impressive how talented they are in this league. They’re not just middle-of-the-pack players — they’re elite, and we have a lot of skill, which makes it very exciting.”
Auston Matthews, Toronto Maple Leafs (United States)
“Yeah, it’s exciting. You start looking at Canada’s roster and the other teams that are being announced. It definitely feels exciting. It feels like it’s coming up fast — only about five or six weeks away now. I’m definitely eager to see how everything shapes up. It’s a really exciting time.”
Connor McDavid, Edmonton Oilers (Canada)
“I’m excited that it’s getting closer. With the roster announcement today, it makes everything feel more real. You start imagining the faces that will be there with you, being on the same team and playing together. I’m really looking forward to it.”
Josh Morrissey, Winnipeg Jets (Canada)
“This is absolutely a dream come true. I remember watching the Olympics in 2002 in Salt Lake City, then in 2006, 2010, and 2014 — especially 2010. I was at the age where Sid (Crosby), Jarome (Iginla), and Drew (Doughty) were heroes of mine. … Getting that call this morning was very emotional. It’s such a special opportunity and a tremendous honor. There are so many incredible players in Canada, and competing with them for a spot makes this even more meaningful. It’s something I take a lot of pride in.”
Brock Nelson, Colorado Avalanche (United States)
“I feel incredibly fortunate. This is definitely a dream coming true — something you imagine as a kid. For me, it’s even more special because of my family history, with my grandfather having played for the U.S. team in 1960. Growing up in Warroad, with so many Olympians coming from such a small town, makes being part of this really meaningful.”
Jake Oettinger, Dallas Stars (United States)
“This is something I’ve wanted my entire life. Finally getting that call is one of the greatest moments I’ve ever experienced. It’s as big as it gets. In my mind, winning a Stanley Cup is No. 1, and an Olympic gold medal is No. 2. I’ve been fortunate to represent Team USA in a few different events, and those have been some of the best memories of my hockey career, so this feels like that times ten.”
Elias Pettersson, Vancouver Canucks (Sweden)
“It’s special. I’m very honored and extremely excited for when the time comes. Obviously, winning gold is what we’re aiming for. It won’t be an easy path to get there, but that’s the goal we have in mind.”
Rickard Rakell, Pittsburgh Penguins (Sweden)
“Obviously, I’m super excited. It’s a dream come true for me to have the opportunity to play in the Olympics and represent my country. I couldn’t be more excited.”
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