As the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano-Cortina approach, excitement builds around the participation of NHL players for the first time in 12 years. Among those heading to Italy are three Detroit Red Wings players: captain Dylan Larkin (Team USA), defenseman Moritz Seider (Team Germany), and forward Lucas Raymond (Team Sweden). Here are four bold predictions for how these players might perform on the Olympic stage.
1. Lucas Raymond Will Lead Team Sweden in Scoring: Despite a talented Swedish forward group including names like William Nylander and Filip Forsberg, Lucas Raymond is poised to become Sweden's offensive leader in the tournament. Raymond's strong NHL season, coupled with his international experience, positions him as a key offensive contributor for the Swedes. His playmaking abilities and goal-scoring touch will make him a valuable asset, potentially on Sweden's top line. He already has the most points of any Swedish-born player on the Olympic roster.
Bonus Super Specific Prediction: Raymond will score 9 points in 6 games, including a 4 point game against Italy.
2. Moritz Seider Will Be Germany's Biggest X-Factor: The young defenseman is expected to play a pivotal role for Team Germany, mirroring his importance to the Red Wings. Seider will likely log significant ice time, exceeding 20 minutes per game, and quarterback the power play. His performance will be crucial for Germany to challenge higher-seeded teams. Seider also served as team captain in the 2025 IIHF World Championship.
3. Dylan Larkin Will Thrive in a Middle-Six Role for Team USA: While Larkin has the ability to take on a top-line role, he will most likely be deployed in a middle-six role for Team USA. His versatility and two-way play make him valuable in various situations, including the penalty kill. Larkin's leadership qualities could also make him a candidate for a captaincy role. He most recently played for the US at the 4 Nations Face-Off.
4. At Least One Red Wings Player Will Win a Medal: With Raymond playing a key role for Sweden, Seider anchoring Germany's defense, and Larkin contributing to Team USA, there's a strong possibility that at least one of these players will return to Detroit with an Olympic medal. Sweden, with Raymond leading the charge, is a strong contender to medal for the first time since 2014. The United States, with its depth and balanced roster, is also a team to watch.
The Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 promise to be an exciting event for hockey fans, and the performances of Dylan Larkin, Moritz Seider, and Lucas Raymond will undoubtedly be a focal point for Red Wings fans. Their contributions to their respective national teams will be crucial as they compete for a coveted spot on the podium.