The Colorado Avalanche are making significant strides in the NHL, raising questions about which of their players may represent their countries at the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy. With the roster deadline for all participating nations set for Wednesday, anticipation builds as teams finalize their selections. Canada will announce its Olympic roster on the morning of December 13, while the United States will reveal its team on “The Today Show” on December 15.
Several Avalanche players have already secured their positions on Olympic rosters. Notable names include Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar for Canada, Gabe Landeskog for Sweden, and Martin Necas for Czechia, who were announced as part of their countries’ initial selections in June. As the list of candidates expands, many fans are eager to discover who else might don their national colors.
Potential Candidates for Canada
Among the frontrunners to join the Olympic team from Canada is Devon Toews. Assuming he remains healthy, he is expected to pair with Makar, as they have already demonstrated strong chemistry during the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off, where Canada triumphed in every match they played together.
The goaltending situation is particularly compelling. Both Mackenzie Blackwood and Scott Wedgewood have emerged as top performers this season, making them worthy candidates for selection. Despite some struggles during the 2025-26 season, Jordan Binnington is considered a lock for the team, owing to his contributions in previous tournaments. Logan Thompson is another candidate; while he was absent from the 4 Nations, his solid performance last season with the Washington Capitals makes him a likely choice.
The competition for the final goaltending spot is tight, with Darcy Kuemper, a former Avalanche player, also in the mix. Both Blackwood and Wedgewood could serve as valuable additions to the team, bringing not just skill but also positive energy to the locker room.
U.S. and Other International Contenders
For Team USA, Brock Nelson has seen a resurgence this season and is making a strong case for inclusion. His ability to suppress goals adds value to the squad, complementing younger players with impressive statistics.
In Finland, Artturi Lehkonen is virtually guaranteed a spot, having been a consistent performer. His family can start making travel plans, as he was expected to be among the first selections. Joel Kiviranta is also a significant contender. Although his offensive production has dipped compared to last year, his reliability makes him a strong candidate for the Finnish team.
On the Czech team, Ivan Ivan is vying for a position, although his odds appear slim. Currently, he ranks 13th among Czech forwards in NHL games played, and while his defensive skills are commendable, improved offensive numbers in the AHL could bolster his chances.
As the Olympic roster announcements approach, the excitement surrounding the potential participation of Avalanche players continues to grow. With skilled athletes competing for limited spots, the upcoming weeks will be pivotal in determining which players will represent their countries on the world stage in February 2026.
