Canada remains the gold-standard when it comes to men’s Olympic hockey, but their stranglehold on the sport isn’t as vice-like as it once was. This year’s roster is rich on talent, but there are some big questions about the team chemistry with the majority of the forward lines playing out of their natural position.
Meet Canada’s men’s Olympic hockey roster for Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games
Team Canada is loaded
Team Canada went for a roster that selected every best forward on offer, but it highlighted how few top-tier wings Canada has right now. Instead we have natural centers playing eight of the 12 forward spots, regardless of how you shake up the lines.
Here’s what I think Canada will bring to Milan in terms of their lines:
| LW | C | RW |
| Macklin Celebrini | Nathan McKinnon | Mitch Marner |
| Sidney Crosby | Connor McDavid | San Reinhart |
| Brad Marchand | Bo Horvat | Tom Wilson |
| Brandon Hagel | Nick Suzuki | Mark Stone |
| Reserves: | Anthony Cirelli | Brayden Point |
| LD | RD | |
| Devon Toews | Cale Makar | |
| Josh Morrissey | Shea Theodore | |
| Travis Sandheim | Drew Doughty | |
| Reserves: | Thomas Harley | Colton Parayko |
| Goalies | ||
| Logan Thompson | ||
| Jordan Binnington | ||
| Reserve: | Darcy Kuemper |
It’s the top line here that’s absolutely unbelievable. There’s a chance Canada could elect to make Connor McDavid as their true No. 1, but I think McKinnon slots in slightly better where he can set up Celebrini and Marner, whereas McDavid’s puck-dominant skills can shine alongside Crosby and Reinhart. There’s also an embarrassment of riches when it comes to the defense, where Canada will get to run the Avs’ line of Towes/Makar.
Team Canada is the favorite to win gold at +140, though USA isn’t far behind at +200.
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