NHL players are officially returning to the Winter Olympics. The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF), National Hockey League (NHL), and NHL Players` Association (NHLPA) have reached an agreement confirming participation in the 2026 Games in Milan, Italy. This marks the first time NHL players will compete in the Olympics since Sochi 2014.
The deal also includes potential participation in the 2030 Winter Olympics, which are scheduled to take place in the French Alps.
The IOC welcomes the agreement between the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF), the National Hockey League (NHL), and the National Hockey League Players` Association (NHLPA). This agreement will lead to the participation of all the best Ice Hockey players of the world in the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 and the Olympic Winter Games 2030. All the parties who were involved in coming to this agreement should be commended for this excellent result.
This landmark agreement is historic for the sport, allowing NHL players back on the global Olympic stage after more than a decade. Let`s explore the significance of this announcement.
NHL Players Haven`t Competed Since 2014
The last time NHL players were in the Olympics was 2014 in Sochi, where Canada won gold with a roster that included now-retired stars and some still active players like Sidney Crosby. Despite Crosby and a few others still playing, many of today`s biggest names in the NHL have never had the chance to represent their countries on the Olympic stage.
Players like Edmonton Oilers star Connor McDavid, Toronto Maple Leafs standout Auston Matthews, and Colorado Avalanche forward Nathan MacKinnon, who have been prominent figures in the league for years, will now get their first opportunity to compete in the Winter Olympics. Their participation is expected to significantly boost interest from even casual fans.
Building on the Success of the 4 Nations Face-Off
During the decade-long hiatus of NHL players from the Olympics, the inaugural 4 Nations Face-Off tournament offered a recent glimpse of international competition featuring the league`s top talent. This event allowed players to wear their home country`s jersey and compete for bragging rights.
The tournament, featuring Canada, Finland, Sweden, and the United States, proved highly entertaining. The opening game between the U.S. and Canada was notably intense, including multiple fights early on. The two rivals met again in a dramatic Championship Game, which Canada won 3-2 in overtime on a goal by Connor McDavid.
The success and high level of interest generated by the eight-day 4 Nations Face-Off strongly suggest that the return of NHL players to the Olympics in Milan will also capture widespread global attention and enthusiasm from hockey fans.
Opportunity for the United States to Pursue Gold
For the United States, the return of NHL players offers a significant opportunity to chase Olympic gold for the first time since the legendary “Miracle on Ice” in 1980 at Lake Placid. That amateur team famously defied expectations by defeating the heavily favored Soviet Union and went on to win gold.
Since that iconic victory, the U.S. men`s hockey team has not won an Olympic gold medal. They have reached the podium twice, earning silver medals in the 2002 Salt Lake City Games and the 2010 Vancouver Games.
While the final roster for 2026 is yet to be determined, the potential pool of American NHL players is considered one of the most talented and deep groups in recent history. This gives the United States a strong opportunity to be a top contender and potentially challenge for the gold medal in Milan.
Elton Marrow 
Torin Vale