Canucks Players Named to 2026 Olympic Hockey Rosters

By Troy Tyrell | WBN News Vancouver | June 17, 2025
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VANCOUVER, B.C. — With the long-awaited return of NHL players to the Winter Olympics, national teams for Milano-Cortina 2026 are shaping up to be among the most talent-stacked in hockey history. As rosters begin to form, the Vancouver Canucks organization is earning global recognition with multiple current players already selected—and more expected to follow.

On Sunday, the first six players were announced for each country’s Olympic roster, and the buzz around the NHL was electric. For Canucks fans, the early selections brought pride and validation: Quinn Hughes, Teddy Blueger, and Arturs Silovs have officially been named to represent their countries on hockey’s biggest international stage.

🇺🇸 Quinn Hughes: Team USA’s Elite Playmaker

Quinn Hughes, the Canucks’ captain and recent Norris Trophy winner, was one of the first players named to Team USA. Joining superstars like Auston Matthews, Jack Eichel, and the Tkachuk brothers (Matthew and Brady), Hughes’ selection underscores his transformation into one of the league’s top defensemen.

“Hughes brings vision, puck control, and unmatched skating. He’ll quarterback the American power play,” said USA Hockey’s Director of Player Personnel, Jim Johannson Jr.

This is Hughes’ first Olympic appearance and marks a generational shift for the U.S. team—no longer just underdogs, but serious gold medal contenders.

🇱🇻 Latvia Doubles Down with Blueger and Silovs

Two Canucks will help power Latvia’s Olympic campaign. Veteran center Teddy Blueger and breakout goaltender Arturs Silovs were among Latvia’s first six named. Both were key contributors to Latvia’s historic bronze medal finish at the 2023 IIHF World Championships.

Silovs, in particular, is one to watch. He’s coming off a stellar postseason performance in Vancouver, gaining league-wide praise for his poise under pressure. Latvia’s head coach Harijs Vītoliņš called him “the backbone of our squad heading into Milan.”

Blueger, with his versatility and international experience, will likely serve as a two-way leader, handling penalty kills, faceoffs, and tough matchups.

🌍 Global Talent: A Who’s Who of NHL Stars

So far, the Olympic announcements have confirmed what many already suspected: hockey’s elite will be on full display in 2026.

Canada’s “Super Six” includes:

Connor McDavid
Sidney Crosby
Nathan MacKinnon
Cale Makar
Brayden Point
Sam Reinhart (a native of West Vancouver)

Sweden’s announcement features Gabriel Landeskog, William Nylander, Rasmus Dahlin, and Victor Hedman, while Finland’s top six includes Barkov, Aho, Rantanen, and Juuse Saros. Germany’s Leon Draisaitl and Tim Stützle also headline a surging roster, alongside defenseman Moritz Seider.

Czechia counters with David Pastrnak and Martin Nečas, while even emerging nations like Switzerland and Slovakia are expected to name NHL players to their final rosters.

🥅 Will Elias Pettersson Join Team Sweden?

Curiously absent from Sweden’s early list is Canucks superstar Elias Pettersson. But don’t be fooled—his exclusion from the first six doesn’t mean he won’t make the final roster.

Swedish media speculate he’s a lock for the top line once full teams are announced in January 2026. Pettersson has consistently ranked among the top Swedish point producers in the NHL and could pair seamlessly with Nylander or Landeskog in Milan.

🏒 A Global Showcase for the Canucks

For Vancouver fans, having multiple Canucks on different Olympic teams reflects the organization's rising profile. After a strong NHL playoff showing and the emergence of homegrown talent, Tsquared Personal Training’s home team is no longer flying under the radar.

“This is a huge milestone for the Canucks franchise,” says local hockey analyst Chris Bolton. “When your players are wearing different flags but the same team crest under their pads, it speaks volumes about your development pipeline.”

🔜 What Comes Next

Full Olympic rosters will be announced in January 2026, with training camps and pre-Olympic exhibitions beginning shortly after. The men’s hockey tournament kicks off on February 11, with gold medal hopes riding high across many nations.

Expect more Canucks to be named as final selections approach. Whether it’s Pettersson for Sweden, or even newcomers like Nils Höglander or Vasily Podkolzin making a late bid, Vancouver will be well represented in Italy.

By Troy Tyrell, Founder of Tsquared Personal Training
WBN Contributor | Community Builder | Mountain Biker | Advocate for Local Business & Fitness
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