Team Canada's Olympic Roster for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan has been revealed, sparking immediate reaction and debate. While the team boasts incredible talent, including familiar names like Connor McDavid, Sidney Crosby, and Nathan MacKinnon, several notable players were left off the roster, leading to considerable discussion among fans and analysts. Here's a closer look at some of the most talked-about snubs:
Connor Bedard: Perhaps the most controversial omission is Connor Bedard. The young Chicago Blackhawks forward had 44 points in 31 games before a shoulder injury in December. Despite his impressive performance and status as a household name, he was left off the roster. General Manager Doug Armstrong stated that the decision was based on fit and roles, prioritizing experience, defensive responsibility, and physical presence. While Bedard's injury may have been a factor, the decision to exclude such a dynamic offensive talent is still hard to justify for many.
Sam Bennett: Fresh off back-to-back Stanley Cups and a Conn Smythe Trophy with the Florida Panthers, Sam Bennett's omission surprised many. He is physical and competitive, traits often valued by Team Canada in international play. While Bennett had a strong showing at the 4 Nations Face-Off, it wasn't enough to secure him a spot.
Evan Bouchard: The omission of Edmonton Oilers defenseman Evan Bouchard also raised eyebrows. While the team is bringing back the same defensive group from the 4 Nations Face-Off, some felt Bouchard deserved a spot.
Mark Scheifele: Despite a strong season with the Winnipeg Jets, Mark Scheifele was another notable snub. With 45 points in 37 games, Scheifele's offensive production wasn't enough to earn him a place in Canada's bottom-six. He was also considered a snub from the 4 Nations Face-Off roster.
Other players whose names have been mentioned as potential snubs include Zach Hyman, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Seth Jarvis, Matthew Schaefer, Wyatt Johnston and Jakob Chychrun.
The Team Canada roster features two players with previous Olympic experience: Sidney Crosby and Drew Doughty, both of whom played in the 2010 and 2014 Winter Olympics. Of the 25 players on the roster, 16 have won the Stanley Cup, and 19 were on Canada's team that won the 4 Nations Face-Off in February 2025. New additions to the team include Macklin Celebrini, Nick Suzuki, Bo Horvat, and Tom Wilson.
The team is considered to have a strong collection of forwards, led by Connor McDavid and Nathan MacKinnon. With the NHL returning to the Olympics for the first time since 2014, expectations are high for Team Canada to compete for a gold medal.
