The Milano–Cortina Winter Olympics are shaping up to mark a turning point for international ice hockey, as the sport’s biggest names prepare to return to the Olympic stage for the first time in more than a decade. With the United States and Canada naming rosters stacked with elite NHL talent, anticipation is building that the tournament could reclaim its status as one of the Games’ marquee events.
For years, the absence of NHL players cast a shadow over men’s Olympic ice hockey. Since the league last allowed participation in 2014, fans were left without the chance to see the world’s best players compete under their national flags. The 2018 and 2022 tournaments went ahead without NHL stars, producing spirited competition but lacking the star power that once defined Olympic hockey.
That changes in Italy. The National Hockey League’s decision to allow players to participate has opened the door for a new generation of Olympic moments — and both North American powerhouses are seizing the opportunity. The United States has assembled a roster built around some of the league’s most dynamic talents, including Auston Matthews, Jack Eichel and Quinn Hughes. Together, they represent a blend of scoring prowess, speed and modern defensive skill that reflects how the game has evolved.
Canada, meanwhile, is leaning on a mix of proven legends and generational superstars. Veterans like Sidney Crosby bring leadership and Olympic pedigree, while Connor McDavid and Nathan MacKinnon add unmatched speed and offensive creativity. The combination underscores Canada’s intention to reassert its dominance on the sport’s biggest international stage.
The return of NHL stars is about more than just medals. For the Olympics, it restores a level of prestige and global interest that had waned in recent editions. For ice hockey itself, it offers a rare chance to showcase the sport’s highest level to audiences beyond traditional hockey nations. Younger fans around the world, many of whom have never seen NHL players at the Olympics, will be introduced to the speed, skill and intensity that define today’s game.
The stakes are especially high for the United States, which has emerged as a consistent challenger to Canada in international competition. With a roster packed with players in their prime, the Americans enter the tournament as legitimate gold-medal contenders, hoping to convert talent into long-awaited Olympic success.
As the Milano–Cortina Games approach, excitement is building not only among fans but also within the hockey community. The long hiatus from Olympic participation has only heightened expectations. With NHL stars once again wearing national jerseys, the men’s ice hockey tournament has the potential to deliver unforgettable moments — and perhaps spark a renewed global surge in interest for the sport.