With the NHL allowing their players to compete in the upcoming Winter Olympics, Team Canada has the chance to assemble a star-studded roster in pursuit of the gold medal. Connor McDavid, Sidney Crosby, and Nathan MacKinnon have already been selected, but there are still many spots open. Connor Bedard and Brad Marchand will have an opportunity to make the cut.
Both the Chicago Blackhawks sensation and the Florida Panthers veteran were invited to Canada’s orientation camp which will decide the country’s 25-man roster for the 2026 Games, to be held in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo in Italy in February.
The camp, to be held from August 26-28 in Calgary, will include a total of 42 NHL players, including those who were already named to the Canadian roster for Milano Cortina 2026.
Apart from Crosby, MacKinnon, and McDavid, Tampa Bay Lightning center Brayden Point, Florida Panthers forward Sam Reinhart, and Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar were also selected for the Olympic team.
Connor Bedard #98 of the Chicago Blackhawks skates against Brad Marchand #63 of the Boston Bruins during the third period of the Bruins home opener at TD Garden on October 11, 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts.
Bedard and Marchand among countless Canadian stars in contention for the Olympics
Bedard and Marchand present two different types of candidates for the roster, with the Blackhawks gem offering youth and potential for a team that won’t lack in veteran players, whereas the Panthers star could add to the locker room’s experience. Marchand would also bring his winning mentality, having recently won the Stanley Cup for the second time in his decorated career.
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However, they will probably need to bring their A-game as Canada’s orientation camp will gather countless NHL stars. In fact, 22 of the invitees already helped Canada succeed with their 4 Nations Face-Off win in February.
For instance, Marchand’s Panthers teammate Sam Bennett―who was among Canada’s scorers alongside MacKinnon and McDavid in the 4 Nations Face-Off final against Team USA―will also fight for a spot in the Olympics.
Bedard won’t be the only young player looking to stand out, with San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini also invited to the camp. We’ll have to wait and see whether one of these No. 1 picks ultimately earn a spot. Now let’s take a look at all 42 NHL players invited to Canada’s orientation camp in August.
Canada’s orientation camp roster
Forwards:
- Connor Bedard, Chicago Blackhawks
- Sam Bennett, Florida Panthers
- Quinton Byfield, Los Angeles Kings
- Macklin Celebrini, San Jose Sharks
- Anthony Cirelli, Tampa Bay Lightning
- Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins
- Brandon Hagel, Tampa Bay Lightning
- Bo Horvat, New York Islanders
- Zach Hyman, Edmonton Oilers
- Seth Jarvis, Carolina Hurricanes
- Wyatt Johnston, Dallas Stars
- Travis Konecny, Philadelphia Flyers
- Nathan MacKinnon, Colorado Avalanche
- Brad Marchand, Florida Panthers
- Mitch Marner, Vegas Golden Knights
- Connor McDavid, Edmonton Oilers
- Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Edmonton Oilers
- Brayden Point, Tampa Bay Lightning
- Sam Reinhart, Florida Panthers
- Mark Scheifele, Winnipeg Jets
- Mark Stone, Vegas Golden Knights
- Nick Suzuki, Montreal Canadiens
- John Tavares, Toronto Maple Leafs
- Robert Thomas, St. Louis Blues
- Carter Verhaeghe, Florida Panthers
- Tom Wilson, Washington Capitals
Connor Bedard in action with the Blackhawks (left) and Brad Marchand during a game with the Panthers.
Defensemen:
- Evan Bouchard, Edmonton Oilers
- Noah Dobson, Montreal Canadiens
- Drew Doughty, Los Angeles Kings
- Aaron Ekblad, Florida Panthers
- Thomas Harley, Dallas Stars
- Cale Makar, Colorado Avalanche
- Brandon Montour, Seattle Kraken
- Josh Morrissey, Winnipeg Jets
- Colton Parayko, St. Louis Blues
- Travis Sanheim, Philadelphia Flyers
- Shea Theodore, Vegas Golden Knights
- Devon Toews, Colorado Avalanche
- MacKenzie Weegar, Calgary Flames
Goalies:
- Jordan Binnington, St. Louis Blues
- Adin Hill, Vegas Golden Knights
- Sam Montembeault, Montreal Canadiens
The 2026 Winter Olympics are drawing nearer
The men’s ice hockey event at the 2026 Winter Olympics will kick off with preliminary games on February 11. The road to the final will take little more than a week, with the gold medal game set for February 22.
With NHL players allowed to compete in the Olympics for the first time since Sochi 2014, it will be interesting to see whether Team Canada’s pool of talent proves enough to emerge victorious.
SurveyWill Marchand and Bedard make the cut?
Will Marchand and Bedard make the cut?
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Teams usually take 14 forwards, eight defensemen, and three goalies to the Olympics. Needless to say, Canada doesn’t lack in strong options to complete its roster.
