What could Canada’s roster look like for the 2026 Olympics in Italy? pic.twitter.com/RFhLwgaM1u
– L’Antichambre (@Antichambre) February 3, 2024
![Olympic Games 2026: Here are the possible habs representatives](https://cdn.buminteractif.com/2024/02/Nick-Suzuki--744x450.jpg)
In short, in 2026, when Italy will be the host country, we’ll finally be able to see Nathan MacKinnon, Connor McDavid and Cale Makar represent Canada in this Olympic context.
Here’s what the L’Antichambre panelists think Team Canada’s roster will look like in 2026.
Obviously, Carter Hart doesn’t make this list, with the ÉCJ saga surrounding him.
Ron MacLean is a Sam Montembeault respecter pic.twitter.com/75ucOBISKY
– /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) February 3, 2024
If ever there were injuries in front of the net, Montreal’s Devon Levi could be a good candidate.
Otherwise, Kris Letang’s presence is highly unlikely, because in two years’ time, there’s a good chance he won’t be able to offer a high enough calibre of play to break into Canada’s line-up.
A Canadian team without Quebecers at the 2026 Olympics? https://t.co/LxyqxNBZGB
– TVA Sports (@TVASports) February 3, 2024
In short, we don’t see Nick Suzuki’s name, and frankly, with the Canadian forwards in the NHL, I’d be surprised to see the captain selected, but anything can happen between now and 2026.
Let’s talk about the other players in the Habs organization who have a chance to represent their country.
It’s going to be tough for CC22.
If we look a little further than the Habs’ current roster, we can think long-term with the Tricolore’s fine bank of prospects.
If the meteoric rise of American Lane Hutson is anything to go by, it wouldn’t be crazy to think that he could make the Olympics in 2026.
And let’s not forget the Canadian’s potential high draft pick, who could be good enough to make it. Macklin Celebrini or Ivan Demidov come to mind, but giant defenseman Anton Silayev can’t be ruled out either.
Otherwise, Austrians David Reinbacher and Vinzenz Rohrer have a very good chance of taking part in two years’ time, given the lack of elite players.
In fact, I think Reinbacher would be Austria’s best player, alongside Marco Rossi and Marco Kasper.
By doing a little research, I’ve tried to determine the four teams in the final qualifying phase with the best chance of taking part in the Olympics.
Austria is one of these four, but we mustn’t forget Slovakia, which can be very dangerous. Obviously, Juraj Slafkovsky is the first name that springs to mind, but the possibility of Filip Mesar being there cannot be ruled out.
In addition to these two habs hopefuls, Erik Cernak, Martin Fehérvary and Tomas Tatar are also part of the Slovak core.
It’s worth remembering that when he was 17, Slafkovsky took part in the Olympic Games and made a real splash. In fact, it was his performance at the Olympic tournament that earned him so many points, he was eventually drafted first overall by the Habs.
I still can’t believe it. He’s going to be very dominant if we’re patient with him in Montreal.
I’m going to give an honorable mention to France, as they have brothers Tim and Kevin Bozon. What’s more, there’s a good chance that their father, Philippe, will be their head coach. It would be great to see the Bozon family at the Olympic Games.
Until then, we’ll have to make do with the Four Nations Tournament in 2025. This international tournament will be held in Montreal and Boston.
Highlights
– Listen now.
Canadiens captain Nick Suzuki wore a microphone at the All-Star Game: https://t.co/ClOs6CsVFc
– TVA Sports (@TVASports) February 3, 2024
– A beautiful arrow launched by Pastrnak.
Bruins forward David Pastrnak on the four Maple Leafs winning the All-Star Game:
“Good for them. They needed some wins. They got one.”
And then he smiled.
– Dan Rosen (@drosennhl) February 4, 2024
– Listen now.
Nick Suzuki addresses the media live in Toronto following Saturday’s #NHLAllStar Game final.
Nick Suzuki is addressing the media live in Toronto following Saturday’s #NHLAllStar Game final.#GoHabsGo https://t.co/LMpDABhmRD
– Montreal Canadiens (@CanadiensMTL) February 3, 2024