We are back for our final of our final 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics roster projections, and it is for Team Canada. We have brought you other countries, such as Sweden, and this will make the second for Team Canada following our Team USA template. So, let’s get into it.
Some chat based on one of the #TeamCanada management’s last meetings before the team is named. #MilanoCortina2026 #HockeyCanada #Bedard #Celebrini #Wilson #NHL@LastWordOnPuckhttps://t.co/OMFtQ9lQpO
— Levi Pike (@SensFanTheLevi) December 19, 2025
Team Canada’s 2026 Olympics Roster Projections Starting With the Forwards
We have covered multiple articles on the roster pieces already. Here is our forward group. We have included the statistics games played, goals, assists, and a points for each of the players. Furthermore, we know you are all wondering, but that works out to an average of 1.22 points-per-games played. We took the 14 forwards’ average goals and average assists per games played, and added them together. It would be curious how that adds up for the other roster projections. Injuries aside, if you play for an average of 1.22 Pts/GP, playing a total of 75 games, that works out to 91 points.
Shout out to Sidney Crosby. Eighth all-time on the NHL’s points list and the franchise leader for the Pittsburgh Penguins occurred just last night.
We will say, not everyone may agree with the hierarchy of the lines. Such as, thinking that Sam Reinhart is a top liner. However, Reinhart has a career high of 57 goals and two Stanley Cup Championships in the past two-plus years. He is a very efficient scorer and would, in all likelihood, play well in that spot.
One surprise omission on forward is Sam Bennett. He is the reigning Conn Smythe trophy winner, it almost seems like an automatic selection for the Canadian criteria of roster selection and player prioritization. In contrast, we thought his play so far in 2025-26 was enough to leave him off. Agree or disagree.
Okay any surprises? Not really. Bedard’s timing of his current injury is unfortunate, but he has played great.
Let’s Stand Up to the D
There has been rumblings that the defence would be the same as the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off. There is a player that would be a mistake to leave off the roster, given his play. One comment is that Jakob Chychrun is an athlete, just as well suited for linebacker, mid. No cap. Noah Dobson may be seen as another. His skating and defensive play, is something to behold. Never estimate a young, shut down guy. Colton Parayko was there once, too.
Defence:
- Makar – Toews
- Morrissey – Dobson
- Harley – Parayko
- Chychrun – Doughty
We do think that given Drew Doughty’s confidence and legendary status gets him on the team. He has multiple Stanley Cup and Olympic Golds in his mantlepiece. Not unheard of, but rarer since 2010. Crosby along with Jonathan Toews and Duncan Keith were our count of the only ones of that select group. Others add to the group when adding years, but only those four players for that exact run. Remarkable.
- Theodore
- Rielly
- Sanheim
- Weegar
- Schaefer
- Bouchard
The rest of the blueliners that, we will call it on the bubble, are worthy selections. Shea Theodore is a definite front-runner for the role. He is a Stanley Cup Champion and did win on Canada in the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off tourney. In any sense, he could easily make it. Travis Sanheim was on the 4 Nations team, and plays a ton each night in Philadelphia. Moreover, he isn’t a wrong choice for general manager Doug Armstrong and crew. Matthew Scahefer’s speed and dynamic play has us all forgetting he is an 18-year-old rookie.
Finally, Goaltending
We want a strong Colorado Avalanche connection. That helps us to close the gaps on the goaltenders. Mackenzie Blackwood, Logan Thompson, and Jordan Binnington are our selections. We know the list of honourable mentions. Oddly enough, Scott Wedgewood was initially one of the top candidates, Adin Hill, Sam Montembeault, Darcy Kuemper, and also, again, early in the season Jet Greaves of the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Yes, the other goalies have worthy cases, including some with Stanley Cup pedigree. That’s not to mention the snubs of 4 Nations guys Hill and Montembeault. But in the world of, Team Canada, goaltending, and a combination of the two of those, what have you done for me lately takes on a new meaning.
Canada is happy with their selection. Their team is coming off a 2025 victory. Before that, it was a long while. Notwithstanding, Team Canada has won the 2016 World Cup of Hockey, 2014 Sochi Olympics, and 2010 Vancouver Olympics. So, they have a four tournament streak going. With the constraints of a best-on-best tournament. Remember, the roster is planned to be announced on December 31st. Canada opens the Olympics on February 12th versus Czechia.
Main Photo Credit: David Kirouac – Imagn Images