Calgary Flames defenseman MacKenzie Weegar has received an invitation to Team Canada's National Teams Orientation Camp, marking a significant step towards potentially representing his country at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy. The camp, scheduled for August 26–28 in Calgary, will evaluate a select group of NHL defensemen for Canada's national roster.
Weegar, 31, is coming off a strong season with the Flames, where he recorded 8 goals and 47 points in 81 games, along with a +18 rating while playing top-pair minutes. He was also considered for the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off team. Weegar's consistent performance and leadership qualities have also positioned him as a potential future captain for the Flames. The Flames acquired Weegar in the 2022 offseason as part of the Matthew Tkachuk trade. He is currently under contract with the team through the 2030-31 season, with a cap hit of $6.25 million.
Weegar has previously represented Canada at the 2025 IIHF Men's World Championship, where he demonstrated his ability to adapt to different systems and roles. This experience on international ice further strengthens his case for an Olympic roster spot.
However, securing a spot on the Canadian Olympic team will be a challenge, as the competition for defensive positions is fierce. The list of invitees includes top Canadian defensemen such as Cale Makar, Drew Doughty, Aaron Ekblad, Josh Morrissey, and Evan Bouchard. Some expect Cale Makar, Devon Toews, Josh Morrissey, and Thomas Harley to be locks for the team, leaving very few spots for other defensemen. With only eight defensemen typically making the final Olympic roster, Weegar will need to distinguish himself during the orientation camp and the upcoming NHL season.
Other defensemen competing for a spot include Colton Parayko, Shea Theodore, and Travis Sanheim. Making Team Canada is always a difficult task, especially on defense where there is a lot of talent. Despite the competition, Weegar's invitation to the orientation camp indicates that Hockey Canada is seriously considering him for the Olympic team. A strong start to the 2025-26 season could significantly improve his chances.
