Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube was out of answers following his team's ugly 4-0 loss...

<p>Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube was out of answers following his team's ugly 4-0 loss to the Washington Capitals on Thursday.</p><p>"They played with more passion than we did tonight," Berube told reporters after the contest. "That's what it boils down to. It looked to me like they had way more urgency in their game, more passion in their game. That's the difference."</p><p>When asked to explain why the team was so flat, Berube deflected the blame to his players.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"Ask those guys, not me," he said.</p><p>Toronto was thoroughly outplayed from start to finish, controlling just 40% of the shot attempts and 38% of the expected goals at five-on-five despite trailing for the majority of the game, per <a href="https://www.naturalstattrick.com/">Natural Stat Trick</a>.</p><p>Berube loaded up the Leafs' top line with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10575" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10575">Matthew Knies</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4180" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4180">William Nylander</a> flanking <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5586" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5586">Auston Matthews</a>, but the trio was outshot 7-0 in just over seven minutes together at five-on-five.</p><p>Nylander, who has zero goals and four assists in his last eight games, also struggled to find reasoning for team's inconsistent play.</p><p>"I don't know, that's a tough question," he said.</p><p>Matthews blamed the loss on poor execution.</p><p>"We just made it so easy for them," the captain said. "Neutral zone was a highway for them to get through."</p><p>While the Maple Leafs only sit four points back of a playoff spot, they're also just one point ahead of the Eastern Conference's last-place teams - the Buffalo Sabres and Columbus Blue Jackets.</p>

COLUMBUS, OHIO - NOVEMBER 26: Head Coach Craig Berube of the Toronto Maple Leafs stands behind the bench in the first period of a game against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena on November 26, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio.

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Berube blames Leafs players for lack of passion in loss to Capitals

Edmonton Oilers goaltender Tristan Jarry departed Thursday's 3-1 win against the Boston Bruins wi...

<p>Edmonton Oilers goaltender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3109" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3109">Tristan Jarry</a> departed Thursday's 3-1 win against the Boston Bruins with an undisclosed injury.</p><p>He appeared to be in discomfort after sliding across the crease in the second period and immediately skated to the bench afterward. He did not return.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Tristan Jarry has come out of the game with an injury in just his 3rd start with the Oilers 🤕 <a href="https://t.co/qMcyCWxigu">pic.twitter.com/qMcyCWxigu</a></p>— Gino Hard (@GinoHard_) <a href="https://twitter.com/GinoHard_/status/2001830405507522802?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 19, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch said postgame that he isn't sure how serious the injury is.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Jarry was making his third start with the Oilers since being acquired in a trade with the Pittsburgh Penguins on Friday. Edmonton surrendered <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6553" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6553">Stuart Skinner</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3142" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3142">Brett Kulak</a>, and a 2029 second-round pick in exchange for Jarry and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/8624" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/8624">Sam Poulin</a>.</p><p>Jarry has won all three of his starts with the Oilers and owns a .906 save percentage in 17 appearances this season.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1766" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1766">Calvin Pickard</a> entered the game in relief of Jarry and stopped all 12 shots he faced.</p>

BOSTON, MA - DECEMBER 18: Pavel Zacha #18 of the Boston Bruins beats Tristan Jarry #35 of the Edmonton Oilers for the equalizer during a game between the Boston Bruins and the Edmonton Oilers on December 18, 2025, at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts.

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Jarry injured in Oilers' win vs. Bruins

The Washington Nationals are hiring Ani Kilambi as their new general manager, sources told ESPN's...

<p>The Washington Nationals are hiring Ani Kilambi as their new general manager, sources told <a href="https://x.com/JeffPassan/status/2001425424518140171">ESPN's Jeff Passan</a>.</p><p>The 31-year-old previously served as an assistant GM with the Philadelphia Phillies, overseeing the club's research and development department under president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski.</p><p>Kilambi joins a revamped and youthful Nationals front office led by 35-year-old Paul Toboni, who was hired as the team's president of baseball operations in September after working in the Boston Red Sox organization.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Washington fired its previous GM, Mike Rizzo, in July. Mike DeBartolo had been serving as the club's interim GM.</p><p>The Nationals finished last in the NL East with a 66-96 record in 2025. They've reportedly made starting pitcher <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12506" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12506">MacKenzie Gore</a> and shortstop <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12501" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12501">CJ Abrams</a> available for trade this winter.</p>

WASHINGTON, DC - JUNE 19: A view of a Washington Nationals baseball cap in the dugout during the game against the Colorado Rockies at Nationals Park on June 19, 2025 in Washington, DC.

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Report: Nationals hiring 31-year-old Kilambi as GM

The San Jose Sharks will release Michael Misa to Team Canada for the 2026 World Junior Championsh...

<p>The San Jose Sharks will release <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/16334" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/16334">Michael Misa</a> to Team Canada for the 2026 World Junior Championship on Wednesday, according to <a href="https://www.sportsnet.ca/world-juniors/article/sharks-to-release-michael-misa-to-team-canada-for-world-juniors/">Sportsnet's Sam Cosentino</a>.</p><p>Misa was listed on Canada's initial camp roster Dec. 8 but hasn't participated thus far. Hockey Canada listed Misa as day-to-day Friday, but Sharks head coach Ryan Warsofsky told reporters Tuesday that the forward is healthy and the team wanted him in San Jose to work with the organization's training staff upon returning from his AHL conditioning loan.</p><p>San Jose selected Misa second overall in the 2025 NHL Draft. He's tallied a goal and two assists in seven games with the Sharks.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Misa, who led the CHL with 134 points last season, was a controversial omission from Canada's 2025 world junior team, which lost in the quarterfinals for the second consecutive year.</p><p>Canada opens its tournament Dec. 26 against Czechia.</p>

SAN JOSE, CA - OCTOBER 28: Michael Misa #77 of the San Jose Sharks looks on between periods of a NHL game against the Los Angeles Kings on October 28, 2025 at SAP Center at San Jose in San Jose, CA.

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Report: Sharks releasing Misa to Canada's WJHC team

The Toronto Maple Leafs are among the teams showing interest in Calgary Flames defenseman Rasmus ...

<p>The Toronto Maple Leafs are among the teams showing interest in Calgary Flames defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4723" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4723">Rasmus Andersson</a>, reports <a href="https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/video/2025/12/16/insider-trading-interest-picks-up-on-rasmus-andersson/">TSN's Pierre LeBrun</a>.</p><p>The Maple Leafs reportedly attempted to trade for Andersson at the 2025 trade deadline but were unsuccessful.</p><p>Andersson is a pending unrestricted free agent with a $4.55-million cap hit. The Flames could conceivably receive a larger return for Andersson if he inks an extension with the team that acquires him, and Toronto is one of the destinations Andersson would consider signing with, LeBrun adds. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Current Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving drafted Andersson in 2015 while running the Flames' hockey operations department, and he signed the right-shot defenseman to his current contract, which is set to expire this summer.</p><p>Andersson, 29, has recorded 22 points in 33 games with the Flames this season while averaging a team-high 24:08 per contest. He notched a career-high 50 points in 2021-22.</p><p>Toronto has been without its top two right-shot defensemen, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1685" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1685">Chris Tanev</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4643" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4643">Brandon Carlo</a>, for the majority of the season due to injuries.</p><p>The Maple Leafs enter Tuesday's slate five points out of a playoff spot. They own only one first-round pick over the next three drafts.</p><p>The Flames are second-last in the NHL and expected to be sellers at the trade deadline. Andersson is their most prominent pending UFA.</p><p>The Vegas Golden Knights, Ottawa Senators, Columbus Blue Jackets, and Los Angeles Kings also reportedly showed interest in Andersson during the summer. Vegas was reportedly Andersson's preferred destination at the time.</p>

CALGARY, CANADA - DECEMBER 08: Rasmus Andersson #4 of the Calgary Flames skates from the bench after scoring on the Buffalo Sabres during the game at the Scotiabank Saddledome on December 08, 2025 in Calgary, Alberta.

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Report: Maple Leafs interested in Flames' Andersson

Quinn Hughes isn't ruling out the possibility of sticking with the Minnesota Wild for the long ha...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7960" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7960">Quinn Hughes</a> isn't ruling out the possibility of sticking with the Minnesota Wild for the long haul.</p><p>Hughes is signed through next season before he can become an unrestricted free agent in 2027. He's eligible to sign an extension July 1.</p><p>"Extremely open-minded," Hughes told reporters Sunday when asked if he would be to willing to stay in Minnesota beyond his current contract. "They've got an amazing core."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Wild will be able to offer Hughes an eight-year contract with a league minimum base salary and the rest in signing bonuses this summer. Under the new CBA beginning September 2026, signing bonuses will be capped at 60% of a player's average annual value and contract length for a player re-signing will be capped at seven years.</p><p>While that certainly gives the Wild an upper hand over the league's other 31 teams, Hughes added that Minnesota's devotion to hockey makes it an attractive place to play.</p><p>"Minnesota being so close to Michigan and just the state of hockey and the passion here," he said. "Seeing how the fans reacted to me as well in warmups."</p><p>The Minnesota crowd gave Hughes a standing ovation prior to Sunday's game - a 6-2 win over the Boston Bruins in which Hughes scored a goal and logged a team-high 26:55 in his debut.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Yeah, <a href="https://twitter.com/mnwild?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@mnwild</a> fans are going to love Quinn Hughes. <br><br>Listen to the crowd on his starting lineup call! 🔊 <a href="https://t.co/u4yY1UqBou">pic.twitter.com/u4yY1UqBou</a></p>— NHL (@NHL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NHL/status/2000345920605458493?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 14, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Hughes also commended the aggressiveness of Wild general manager Bill Guerin.</p><p>"I've got a lot of time for Billy for 'sacking up' and making the deal like he did and how he valued me," Hughes said. "There are other teams that probably could've thrown in certain packages like that too, but at the end of the day they didn't want to do that, or they didn't want to trade two or three assets from their team like Billy did. I'll remember that. That means a lot to me that Billy did that."</p><p>The New Jersey Devils, Detroit Red Wings, New York Rangers, Carolina Hurricanes, and Buffalo Sabres were reportedly among the other teams to reach out to the Vancouver Canucks about Hughes. Many considered the Devils - where Hughes' brothers <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/8594" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/8594">Jack</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10579" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10579">Luke</a> play - the favorite to land the 2024 Norris Trophy winner.</p><p>Minnesota acquired Hughes in a blockbuster trade with Vancouver on Friday, sending <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9215" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9215">Marco Rossi</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/12756" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/12756">Liam Ohgren</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/15175" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/15175">Zeev Buium</a>, and a first-round pick the other way. Buium, the centerpiece of the return package, also scored in his Canucks debut Sunday.</p>

ST PAUL, MINNESOTA - DECEMBER 14: Quinn Hughes #43 of the Minnesota Wild skates against the Boston Bruins in the second period at Grand Casino Arena on December 14, 2025 in St Paul, Minnesota. The Wild defeated the Bruins 6-2.

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Hughes 'extremely open-minded' to staying with Wild long term

Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer claims he has no interest in leaving the Crimson Tide despite spe...

<p>Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer claims he has no interest in leaving the Crimson Tide despite speculation linking him to Michigan's coaching vacancy.</p><p>"My family and I are very happy in Tuscaloosa and remain extremely grateful for the support of president (Peter) Mohler, (athletic director) Greg Byrne, the board, and so many others," DeBoer said in a statement issued Sunday. "We have an incredible opportunity in front of us, so my sole focus is on Alabama Football and our preparations to play Oklahoma in the College Football Playoff.</p><p>"I have not spoken and have no interest in speaking with anyone else about any other job. I am fully committed to this program and look forward to continuing as the head football coach at the University of Alabama."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>DeBoer is in his second season as Alabama's head coach since taking over for the legendary Nick Saban. The Crimson Tide finished the 2025 regular season with a 10-3 record and earned a berth in the College Football Playoff as the No. 9 seed.</p><p>The 51-year-old previously coached at Fresno State and Washington for two years apiece. </p><p>Michigan is without a full-time head coach following the program's dismissal of Sherrone Moore on Wednesday.</p>

ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 06: Head coach Kalen DeBoer of the Alabama Crimson Tide looks on during the SEC Championship Game between the Georgia Bulldogs and the Alabama Crimson Tide on December 06, 2025, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Ga.

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DeBoer reaffirms commitment to Alabama, has 'no interest' in other jobs

Edmonton Oilers captain and Team Canada Olympian Connor McDavid isn't concerned that the ice surf...

<p>Edmonton Oilers captain and Team Canada Olympian <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4560" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4560">Connor McDavid</a> isn't concerned that the ice surface for the Milan Cortina Games will be over 3 feet shorter than the standard NHL rink.</p><p>"I don't care," McDavid told reporters Saturday. "Not a big deal."</p><p>He said he's more concerned about the quality of the surface.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"Obviously, you want the ice to be good, you'd like the ice quality to be good," he added. "The size of it doesn't matter."</p><p>All hockey games in Milan will be played on ice sheets of 196.85 feet by 85.3 feet - over 3 feet shorter than the standard 200 foot by 85 foot NHL rink. The difference in length is expected to be made up in the neutral zone so the offensive zones will match NHL dimensions.</p><p>The main arena in Milan has yet to be completed, though it's reportedly on track to be ready before the Olympics begin. The men's hockey tournament starts Feb. 11, shortly after the women's tournament gets underway Feb. 5.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Quick peek at the main arena in Milan. Obviously, a lot of work needs to get done. The NHL sounded positive earlier this week at BOG meetings the work will get done in time for the Olympics. <a href="https://t.co/58UXkwmDFd">pic.twitter.com/58UXkwmDFd</a></p>— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) <a href="https://twitter.com/DarrenDreger/status/1999526664733126948?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 12, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>McDavid was one of six players named to Canada's men's Olympic hockey team in June. He enters Saturday second in NHL scoring with 48 points in 31 games this season.</p>

EDMONTON, CANADA - DECEMBER 9: Connor McDavid #97 of the Edmonton Oilers skates during the first period of the game against the Buffalo Sabres at Rogers Place on December 9, 2025, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

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McDavid: Smaller Olympic ice 'not a big deal'

Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has won just about everything he possibly coul...

<p>Oklahoma City Thunder star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/60411" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/60411">Shai Gilgeous-Alexander</a> has won just about everything he possibly could in the last calendar year: NBA MVP, the NBA championship, Finals MVP, and his second Northern Star Award recognizing Canada's top athlete.</p><p>With the Thunder rolling once again, he has his sights set on history: the league's single-season wins record.</p><p>"Absolutely," Gilgeous-Alexander said Friday when asked if that record meant anything to him and his teammates, per <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/47289603/shai-gilgeous-alexander-says-thunder-want-nba-wins-mark">ESPN's Tim MacMahon</a>. "Winning matters. And no matter what form it looks like to me. So absolutely."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Thunder are a staggering 24-1 so far. The NBA single-season record for wins is 73, set by the 2015-16 Golden State Warriors.</p><p>Oklahoma City has won 16 straight games. Although the Thunder have a long way to go before matching the all-time mark of 33 consecutive victories set by the 1971-72 Los Angeles Lakers, Gilgeous-Alexander is up for the challenge.</p><p>"Wow, that's a lot more games to win," the Hamilton, Ontario, native said. "Yeah, we are so far from that. I didn't even know, so that hasn't even come close to creeping in my mind. But hopefully we get there. That's the goal."</p><p>He also made it clear that winning more championships remains OKC's top priority.</p><p>"We are trying to be a better version of ourselves every night we go out there, and we like to hunt in that form," Gilgeous-Alexander said. "If we didn't get better tonight, then we wasted an opportunity. That's kind of how we see it."</p><p>The Thunder face the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday in the NBA Cup semifinal.</p>

LAS VEGAS, NV - DECEMBER 12: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder smiles during the 2025 Emirate NBA Cup Practice and Media Availability on December 12, 2025 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE

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SGA: Thunder 'absolutely' want to chase down NBA wins record

The New York Mets reached an agreement with infielder Jorge Polanco on a two-year contract worth ...

<p>The New York Mets reached an agreement with infielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/3558" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/3558">Jorge Polanco</a> on a two-year contract worth $40 million, sources told <a href="https://x.com/JeffPassan/status/1999876676394819844">ESPN's Jeff Passan</a>.</p><p>Polanco is reportedly expected to primarily play first base and DH for the Mets in an effort to help fill the void left by <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8674" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8674">Pete Alonso</a>, who recently signed with the Baltimore Orioles. </p><p>Polanco primarily played DH and second base in for the Seattle Mariners in 2025. He's played one game at first base in his 12-year MLB career.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 32-year-old switch-hitter slashed .265/.326/.495 with 26 home runs and 78 RBIs in 2025. His .821 OPS was the highest he's posted in a season since 2021, and the third-highest of his career.</p><p>Returning to the Mariners was Polanco's No. 1 choice, and he was "very torn" on the decision to leave, reports <a href="https://x.com/A_Jude/status/1999880619619385403">The Seattle Times' Adam Jude</a>. Seattle was "very competitive" in the sweepstakes, one source said, but while the Mariners matched the Mets' offer on length, they came up short on the dollars, another source told <a href="https://www.mlb.com/news/breaking-down-jorge-polanco-mets-signing-departing-mariners">Daniel Kramer of MLB.com</a>.</p><p>Outside factors also helped sway Polanco to the Mets. His father lives in New York, and the chance to be closer to him during the season apparently played a role in his decision, Kramer reports.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/16327" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/16327">Cole Young</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/10112" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/10112">Leo Rivas</a> currently project to split time at second base for the Mariners in the absence of Polanco.</p><p>Polanco could serve as the primary protection for <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8271" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8271">Juan Soto</a> in the Mets' lineup. In addition to losing Alonso, New York traded away a middle-of-the-order-bat in <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/3045" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/3045">Brandon Nimmo</a> to the Texas Rangers in exchange for second baseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/3420" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/3420">Marcus Semien</a> earlier in the offseason.</p>

TORONTO, ONTARIO - OCTOBER 19: Jorge Polanco #7 of the Seattle Mariners fouls a ball during the eighth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays in game six of the American League Championship Series at Rogers Centre on October 19, 2025 in Toronto, Ontario.

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Report: Mets signing Polanco to 2-year, $40M deal

Following theScore's Olympic hockey roster projections from last week, we're taking a closer look...

<p><span style="margin:0px; padding:0px; text-align:left">Following theScore's Olympic hockey <a href="https://thescore.com/news/3408377" target="_blank">roster projections</a> from last week, we're taking a closer look at some of the most polarizing bubble players from Canada and the United States as the Dec. 31 roster submission deadline approaches.</span></p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-e9SpC" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/e9SpC/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="80" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><h3>Connor Bedard</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/607534/cropped_GettyImages-1246027631.jpg?ts=1703086290" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/607534/w220xh124_GettyImages-1246027631.jpg?ts=1703086290 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/607534/w320xh180_GettyImages-1246027631.jpg?ts=1703086290 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/607534/w640xh360_GettyImages-1246027631.jpg?ts=1703086290 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/607534/w768xh432_GettyImages-1246027631.jpg?ts=1703086290 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/607534/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1246027631.jpg?ts=1703086290 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Minas Panagiotakis / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Case for: </strong>Hyped as a generational talent entering the 2023 draft, Bedard has lived up to that billing in his third NHL season after a pair of so-so years to begin his career. He currently sits sixth in NHL scoring with 40 points in 29 games. While that production is impressive, his drastically improved foot speed (his top skating speed is nearly a full mph faster than a year ago) is what should give him a real shot at cracking a loaded Team Canada. If the squad omits Bedard and fails to win gold, fans will view this as one of the worst decisions made by a Canadian Olympic hockey general manager. No pressure, Doug Armstrong.</p><p><strong>Case against: </strong>Bedard's defensive game still leaves a lot to be desired. He ranks in the eighth percentile of <a href="https://evolving-hockey.com/">Evolving-Hockey</a>'s defensive rating, a marginal improvement from his first two years. That begs the question about whether head coach Jon Cooper can trust Bedard in a top-six role alongside Connor McDavid or Nathan MacKinnon, where he'll see the best competition from opposing teams. If Cooper lacks that trust, does Bedard fit in the bottom six, where penalty killers and role players might be preferred?</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p><strong>Prediction: </strong>Makes the team. Although we've left Bedard off our most recent roster projections, his consistently high level of performance is making it increasingly likely that Armstrong finds a spot for him - whether that's by cutting Mark Stone and/or Seth Jarvis. Bedard deserves a chance to hang as a top-six winger. If that doesn't work, he can be the extra forward or sit in the press box. The upside is too high to pass on.</p><h3>Sam Bennett</h3><p><strong>Case for: </strong>Big-game players make big-time plays in big-time games. That's all Bennett has done for the last year or so. His selection for the 4 Nations Face-Off raised some eyebrows, but he had a great tournament. He was even better for the Panthers in the playoffs, winning the Conn Smythe Trophy with 15 goals in 23 postseason appearances. Clutch is hard to measure, but Bennett definitely has it. He's tough, gritty, and a proven winner who will have no issue taking a lesser role as a fourth-line checker. </p><p><strong>Case against: </strong>While Bennett has picked things up a little bit lately, he still hasn't had a great season overall, playing at a 49-point pace<em><strong>. </strong></em>He's also never been a great defensive player, despite his intangibles and physicality. Picking Bennett for his past big-game moments over several players who've significantly outperformed him this season could be a huge mistake.</p><p><strong>Prediction: </strong>Doesn't make the team. It's easy to see why Canada would want to run it back, but multiple players who weren't at the 4 Nations should have surpassed him on the pecking order by now.</p><h3>Macklin Celebrini</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/810494/cropped_GettyImages-2215792911.jpg?ts=1765381603" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/810494/w220xh124_GettyImages-2215792911.jpg?ts=1765381603 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/810494/w320xh180_GettyImages-2215792911.jpg?ts=1765381603 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/810494/w640xh360_GettyImages-2215792911.jpg?ts=1765381603 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/810494/w768xh432_GettyImages-2215792911.jpg?ts=1765381603 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/810494/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2215792911.jpg?ts=1765381603 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Eurasia Sport Images / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Case for: </strong>Celebrini has done everything in his power to earn a long look from Canada's brass. He trails only MacKinnon and McDavid in the Art Ross race with 43 points, establishing himself as a legitimate MVP candidate for single-handedly vaulting the rebuilding Sharks into the Western Conference playoff race. Celebrini's offensive excellence comes on a team that ranks 32nd in five-on-five expected goals, and it's enticing to imagine what he could do alongside Team Canada's cast of stars. Perhaps most importantly for Celebrini's case, he had a strong showing for Canada at the world championship in May, earning high praise from Sidney Crosby. It's hard to argue there's any better person to have in your corner.</p><p><strong>Case against: </strong>Similarly to Bedard, questions persist about where Celebrini can slot into Canada's lineup. With no shortage of centers, Celebrini would likely have to move to the wing. He also doesn't kill penalties or have any big-game experience at the professional level. The 19-year-old is definitely skilled enough to represent Canada, but can he be trusted defensively? Although Celebrini has made positive strides in that department as a sophomore, there's no margin for error on a stage as big as the Olympics.</p><p><strong>Prediction: </strong>Makes the team. Even if it's as an extra forward, Celebrini's earned a spot. His two-way play has improved, and his game-breaking talent should outweigh his age in the evaluation process.</p><h3>Tom Wilson</h3><p><strong>Case for: </strong>Wilson's on pace for a career year offensively with 32 points in 30 games this season. He's also reliable defensively and can kill penalties. With Bennett off to a slow start, Wilson is a strong candidate to fill the same role Bennett played at the 4 Nations Face-Off. There's no denying Wilson is difficult to play against, and he has Stanley Cup pedigree to boot. Canada is short on power forwards, and it's hard to argue there's a more effective option than Wilson at the moment.</p><p><strong>Case against: </strong>Wilson has earned his reputation of being one of the NHL's most polarizing players. His blend of skill and physicality is rare, but he's been suspended six times in his career - usually for dangerous hits. Under IIHF officiating, Wilson will have an incredibly short disciplinary leash. Should he make the team and take a costly penalty, or even a suspension, Canadian fans are likely to be outraged at his selection.</p><p><strong>Prediction: </strong>Makes the team. Canada knows taking Wilson will be a risk, but role players are necessary for success at international tournaments. If Wilson stays out of trouble, he'll make a positive impact all over the ice.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-m8nfM" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/m8nfM/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="80" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/811454/cropped_GettyImages-2152390626.jpg?ts=1764100004" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/811454/w220xh124_GettyImages-2152390626.jpg?ts=1764100004 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/811454/w320xh180_GettyImages-2152390626.jpg?ts=1764100004 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/811454/w640xh360_GettyImages-2152390626.jpg?ts=1764100004 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/811454/w768xh432_GettyImages-2152390626.jpg?ts=1764100004 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/811454/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2152390626.jpg?ts=1764100004 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Xavier Laine / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><h3>Cole Caufield</h3><p><strong>Case for: </strong>Caufield is a game-breaking talent. He scored 37 goals last season and is on pace for over 45 this year.<strong> </strong>He also has a knack for scoring in big spots, as he's the Montreal Canadiens' all-time leader in overtime winners. While the United States boasts a ton of talent, crunch-time scoring has often been its downfall at best-on-best tournaments. Taking someone who's routinely answered the bell in those spots would be wise.</p><p><strong>Case against: </strong>Listed at 5-foot-8 and 175 pounds, Caufield is small. He's also not a great defensive player and doesn't contribute much if he's not scoring. Team USA general manager Bill Guerin made some questionable roster decisions for the 4 Nations Face-Off, but omitting Caufield was understandable considering how one-dimensional he is.</p><p><strong>Prediction: </strong>Doesn't make the team. Losing the 4 Nations by one goal isn't going to change Guerin's team-building philosophy. Plus, the U.S. has several other players who can produce similar levels of offense to Caufield but are bigger and contribute in other ways, such as Matthew Knies and Cutter Gauthier.</p><h3>Clayton Keller</h3><p><strong>Case for: </strong>Team USA notably snubbed Keller from the 4 Nations roster, a decision that was amplified after he finished the 2024-25 campaign with a career-high 90 points. He's a shifty playmaker who could work great alongside one of America's snipers while also contributing to a power-play unit. Over the past three seasons, Keller ranks ninth among all players with 77 points on the man advantage.</p><p><strong>Case against: </strong>Keller's production is down from last season, and he doesn't have the defensive prowess to be a shoo-in. He's not going to bump Jack Eichel or Auston Matthews down the depth chart and doesn't necessarily fit the mold of a bottom-six center.</p><p><strong>Prediction: </strong>Doesn't make the team. The USA has too many stronger options up front to find a spot for Keller. If he were having a more productive year offensively, it would be much tougher to pass on him.</p><h3>J.T. Miller</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813336/cropped_GettyImages-2202304589.jpg?ts=1765381684" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813336/w220xh124_GettyImages-2202304589.jpg?ts=1765381684 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813336/w320xh180_GettyImages-2202304589.jpg?ts=1765381684 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813336/w640xh360_GettyImages-2202304589.jpg?ts=1765381684 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813336/w768xh432_GettyImages-2202304589.jpg?ts=1765381684 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813336/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2202304589.jpg?ts=1765381684 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Ben Jackson/4NFO / World Cup of Hockey / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Case for: </strong>Miller is extremely versatile, capable of playing center or wing on a scoring or checking line. He's also a veteran leader on what projects to be a young roster compared to Team Canada. Miller is amid a down season, but he's just two years removed from a 103-point campaign.</p><p><strong>Case against: </strong>At 32 years old, Miller has clearly lost a step, as he's on pace for a measly 51 points. His underlying numbers aren't great, either. Selecting him would be the exact type of mistake the U.S. has made in past best-on-best tournaments, such as taking Brock Nelson for the 4 Nations.</p><p><strong>Prediction: </strong>Makes the team. Both Guerin and head coach Mike Sullivan will value Miller's leadership. Sullivan, of course, is Miller's coach with the New York Rangers, and he gave him the captaincy this season for a reason.</p><h3>Jason Robertson</h3><p><strong>Case for: </strong>Robertson admitted that his desire to represent his country at the 4 Nations Face-Off was a distraction during his early struggles last season, and he's responded impressively to being left off the roster. Since the tournament ended in late February, Robertson ranks fourth across the NHL with 34 goals and sixth with 68 points in 58 games. He's on pace for 103 points this season and is defensively responsible enough to be trusted on any line.</p><p><strong>Case against: </strong>The Americans are incredibly deep at left wing. Brady Tkachuk, Jack Hughes, and Matt Boldy - who plays for Guerin in Minnesota - all slotted ahead of Robertson in our latest roster projection. Does Team USA envision Robertson filling a fourth-line role?</p><p><strong>Prediction: </strong>Makes the team. With veterans like Nelson and Chris Kreider - both of whom made the 4 Nations squad - likely out of the picture this time around, there's certainly room for Robertson. He's tied for third in the NHL with 19 goals this season, and it would make little sense for the USA to omit the hot hand with so much pressure riding on this tournament.</p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/33678293/related

Olympic hockey bubble watch: Cases for, against polarizing fringe players

Pittsburgh Penguins forward Evgeni Malkin is week-to-week with an upper-body injury, the team ann...

<p>Pittsburgh Penguins forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1026" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1026">Evgeni Malkin</a> is week-to-week with an upper-body injury, the team announced Tuesday.</p><p>It's unclear exactly when Malkin suffered the injury, though he missed Pittsburgh's previous game Sunday against the Dallas Stars.</p><p>Malkin is a major reason why the Penguins have been one of the most surprising teams in the NHL this season, as they enter Tuesday holding down a playoff spot after many expected them to be a lottery team. Malkin has recorded 29 points in 26 games, one point back of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1002" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1002">Sidney Crosby</a> for the team lead. Malkin hasn't recorded a point-per-game season since 2022-23, when he notched 83 points in 82 appearances.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 39-year-old is in the final year of his contract, generating speculation that this could be his last NHL season. He said in September that his future will be determined depending on how the season goes.</p><p>Pittsburgh's healthy center options without Malkin include Crosby, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9746" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9746">Tommy Novak</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/16233" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/16233">Ben Kindel</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4037" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4037">Kevin Hayes</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/14079" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/14079">Avery Hayes</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9881" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9881">Connor Dewar</a>.</p>

PITTSBURGH, PA - NOVEMBER 22: Evgeni Malkin #71 of the Pittsburgh Penguins skates during the game against the Seattle Kraken at PPG PAINTS Arena on November 22, 2025 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/33665684/related

Malkin week-to-week with upper-body injury

More from this series:   Canada 🇨🇦  United States 🇺🇸  European teams 🇪🇺   With Russia banned from...

<p><strong>More from this series:</strong></p><ul>
<li><em><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3408377" href="https://thescore.com/news/3408377">Canada</a> 🇨🇦</em></li>
<li><em><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3408396" href="https://thescore.com/news/3408396">United States</a> 🇺🇸</em></li>
<li><strong><em>European teams 🇪🇺</em></strong></li>
</ul><p>With Russia banned from international competition, Canada and the U.S. are the consensus favorites to claim gold at the 2026 Olympics. Which European countries can challenge them? Below we rank the participating nations from most to least likely to medal in the Feb. 11-22 tournament held in Milan, Italy.</p><p>(Note: The 12-team men's hockey field splits into three groups. The top two teams from each group advance to the quarterfinals, and the remaining two spots are determined by a qualifying round. A knockout stage then ensues.)</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>Sweden 🇸🇪</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-vGdHq" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/vGdHq/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="207" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p>If there's one country that can go toe to toe with Canada and the U.S., it's Sweden, which has the requisite depth and high-end talent (most notably on the wings, led by Nylander) to win gold if things break its way.</p><p>The biggest development for Sweden two months into the NHL season is the emergence of Carlsson as an elite top-line center. The third-year Ducks pivot knocks Pettersson, Eriksson Ek, and Zibanejad into more appropriate roles down the lineup and generally beefs up a somewhat weak area on the roster.</p><p>The backbone of Team Sweden, as always, will be its blue line. The super experienced group has a healthy variety of offensive game-breakers (Dahlin, Hedman, Karlsson) and stay-at-home defenders known for slowing down the most dangerous players on the planet (Forsling, Ekholm, Brodin).</p><p>Goaltending is a minor concern with Markstrom struggling in the early going. We penciled him in as the No. 1 guy for now. Wallstedt, who has a .944 save percentage through 10 games, could begin the tournament as the starter if he stays hot.</p><h3>Finland 🇫🇮</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Finland 🇫🇮" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-emgHa" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/emgHa/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="391" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p>The Finns' gold-medal chances were dealt a significant blow in September when the country's best player, center Aleksander Barkov, suffered a major knee injury. The Panthers captain is sidelined at least until late April.</p><p>Finland will still ice an intriguing forward group. The incredibly clutch Rantanen is its bona fide superstar, and each of the top three lines features multiple impactful two-way contributors. However, the fourth-liners and extras don't stack up well against depth pieces on Sweden, Canada, and the U.S.</p><p>As for the defense corps, well, it drops off a cliff after Heiskanen, who'll likely log 30 minutes a game in Italy. Finland may go only as far as its goaltending takes it. How does Saros fare after a disappointing two games at the 4 Nations Face-Off? Or is it Lankinen who'll be tasked with saving the day?</p><h3>Czechia 🇨🇿</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-nVRkR" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/nVRkR/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="352" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p>The Czechs boast legitimate firepower up front with Pastrnak and Necas. Multiple goalies are capable of getting hot enough to steal games against the tournament's powerhouses. That's a recipe for a Cinderella run all right, but they'll have to overcome concerns on the blue line - specifically the left side.</p><p>Czechia won gold at the 2024 World Championship with several players from this projected roster, including the 40-year-old Cervenka - a Czech league legend who's shown great chemistry with Pastrnak on the international stage.</p><h3>Germany 🇩🇪</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-rsdF7" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/rsdF7/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="263" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p>Germany is a rising power in men's hockey, having produced a few world-class players over the past decade and won a silver medal at the 2023 Worlds.</p><p>Coach Harold Kreis will lean heavily on his NHL contingent, which includes one megastar (Draisaitl), two young studs (Stutzle, Seider), one burgeoning talent (Peterka), and three less impactful pieces (Reichel, Sturm, Grubauer).</p><p>Germany's in Group C with the U.S., Denmark, and Latvia. It has enough juice to finish second behind the Americans and thus earn a quarterfinal berth.</p><h3>Switzerland 🇨🇭</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-RQuGy" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/RQuGy/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="381" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p>With an NHL-caliber top six up front and top four on the back end, Switzerland is much deeper than Germany on paper. The list above doesn't even include ex-NHL forwards Denis Malgin and Sven Andrighetto or veteran goalie Leonardo Genoni, all three of whom are national team stalwarts.</p><p>However, Switzerland's path to medaling could be significantly more difficult than Germany's because Group A also features Canada, Czechia, and France. Its Feb. 15 matchup against Czechia will be particularly huge for both teams.</p><h3>Slovakia 🇸🇰</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-0LvXc" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/0LvXc/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="265" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p>Slovakia fell off as a tertiary hockey power in the 2010s. But it's relevant again following a bronze medal at the 2022 Olympics (caveat: no NHL participation) and the selection of five players in the first rounds of the 2022 and 2023 drafts.</p><p>That core, led by Slafkovsky and Nemec, should blossom into a feisty squad by the 2030 Olympics. This time around, the Slovaks are the third-best team in Group B (Sweden, Finland, Italy) and thus fighting hard for a quarterfinal spot.</p><h3>Denmark 🇩🇰</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-iTtGQ" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/iTtGQ/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="207" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p>It's safe to say Andersen will have to be at his very best between the pipes for the Danes to make any sort of noise. That hasn't been the case for the 36-year-old this season in the NHL, but his body of work over a 13-year career suggests that stealing a game or two isn't beyond the realm of possibility, especially in Group C, which includes fellow underdogs Germany and Latvia.</p><h3>Latvia 🇱🇻</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-fxP9E" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/fxP9E/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="236" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p>Latvia doesn't have an NHL top-six forward, top-four defenseman, or reliable starting goalie. What it does have: a history of pulling off upsets at marquee tournaments. Canadians, in particular, can recall demoralizing losses to the plucky Latvians at the 2021 Worlds and 2025 world juniors.</p><h3>Italy 🇮🇹</h3><p>Italy will be the only nation in the tournament without a player who's suited up for an NHL game this season. The Italians project to be led by promising goalie Damian Clara, a 2023 second-round pick by the Ducks who's currently playing in Sweden. If the raw, 6-foot-6 20-year-old can put it all together for a brief stretch with the energy of the home crowd behind him, maybe Italy can eke out a win against Slovakia, its most gettable opponent in Group B.</p><h3>France 🇫🇷</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-iwJgt" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/iwJgt/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="90" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p>France is battling two extreme forces: its own dearth of talent and very tough competition in Group A. One standings point would be cause for celebration.</p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/33603103/related

Who can challenge for Olympic gold? Ranking projected European rosters

Tampa Bay Lightning head coach Jon Cooper took aim at the NHL's video review system for a controv...

<p>Tampa Bay Lightning head coach Jon Cooper took aim at the NHL's video review system for a controversial ruling in Thursday's 4-3 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3322" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3322">Nikita Kucherov</a> appeared to tie the game for the Lightning late in regulation, but the goal was overturned due to a hand pass by <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5633" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5633">Brandon Hagel</a> earlier in the play.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Nikita Kucherov's goal is taken off the board because of this from Brandon Hagel?<br><br>Really? <a href="https://t.co/W7BfCR2jJJ">pic.twitter.com/W7BfCR2jJJ</a></p>— Evan Closky (@ECloskyWTSP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ECloskyWTSP/status/1996773316586254619?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 5, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Here's a closer look at the hand pass.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">The Lightning tied the game LATE in the 3rd period but the goal was OVERTURNED after a league-initiated review for a hand-pass from Brandon Hagel 😵‍💫 <a href="https://t.co/WQLZN6WtE7">pic.twitter.com/WQLZN6WtE7</a></p>— Gino Hard (@GinoHard_) <a href="https://twitter.com/GinoHard_/status/1996774723636596870?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 5, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The Penguins held on for the victory in the final minute.</p><p>Cooper took issue with the ruling postgame, arguing that Hagel swatted the puck down in self-defense.</p><p>"Was there an advantage gained or not? You could really debate whether an advantage was gained," Cooper said. "Did Brandon Hagel direct that puck knowing exactly where it was going? No."</p><p>He added: "I think if you read the rulebook, which we did, and you try to dissect what happened, and take it all into consideration, it's laughable that it got overturned."</p><p>The part that appeared to irk Cooper the most was that the NHL's Situation Room initiated the review. In the final minute of play in the third period and at any point in overtime, NHL hockey operations can initiate a review of any scenario that would otherwise be subject to a coach's challenge.</p><p>"None of the (on-ice officials) thought it was a hand pass," Cooper said. "There's four of them. It's the evils of video replay. Now there's eyes on everything and camera angles and judgement calls. In the judgement of everybody playing the game, that was not a hand pass."</p><p>Cooper added: "Somebody that's not even in Florida is making that call. That can be a little bit frustrating."</p><p>The ruling wasn't the only one to upset a coach during Thursday night's action across the league. Colorado Avalanche bench boss Jared Bednar <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3419126" href="https://thescore.com/news/3419126">called</a> goalie interference "a joke" after a failed challenge in his team's 6-3 loss to the New York Islanders.</p>

TAMPA, FL - NOVEMBER 16: Head Coach Jon Cooper of the Tampa Bay Lightning against the Vancouver Canucks at Benchmark International Arena on November 16, 2025 in Tampa, Florida.

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Cooper calls Lightning's overturned goal 'laughable' after hand pass ruling

Colorado Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar was irate with the ruling on the New York Islanders' f...

<p>Colorado Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar was irate with the ruling on the New York Islanders' first goal in Thursday's 6-3 loss.</p><p>A chaotic scramble in front of Colorado's net led to New York striking first. The Avalanche challenged for goalie interference, but the call stood. Here's a look at the play:</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">MACLEAN'S FIRST OF THE SEASON MAKES IT 1-0. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LGI?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LGI</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/Ford?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FORD</a> <a href="https://t.co/t90uLFp4yu">pic.twitter.com/t90uLFp4yu</a></p>— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) <a href="https://twitter.com/NYIslanders/status/1996737469211902124?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 5, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>"Goalie interference is a joke. If that's not goalie interference, I don't know what is," Bednar said postgame, according to <a href="https://x.com/cmasisak22/status/1996777072086438371">The Denver Post's Corey Masisak</a>. "You can't just shove the goalie's pads out of the way and create a loose puck."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>However, the NHL <a href="https://www.nhl.com/news/colorado-avalanche-new-york-islanders-coach-challenge-x1226?utm_source=xdotcom&amp;utm_medium=nhl_social&amp;utm_campaign=pr">stated</a> that video review supported the referees' decision, concluding that incidental contact with Colorado goaltender <a href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4779">Mackenzie Blackwood</a> occurred as New York players made a play on a loose puck and didn't constitute goaltender interference.</p><p>The Islanders built a 4-0 lead before the Avalanche trimmed the deficit to 5-3, but New York added an empty-netter to seal the win.</p><p>The result marked just the second regulation loss of the season for the Avalanche, who sit atop the NHL's standings with a 19-2-6 record.</p>

VANCOUVER, CANADA - NOVEMBER 9: Head coach Jared Bednar of the Colorado Avalanche looks on from the bench during their NHL game against the Vancouver Canucks at Rogers Arena on November 9, 2025 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

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Avs' Bednar slams officiating in loss to Isles: 'Goalie interference is a joke'

Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Joseph Woll exited Thursday's 5-1 win over the Carolina Hurricanes...

<p>Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/8266" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/8266">Joseph Woll</a> exited Thursday's 5-1 win over the Carolina Hurricanes due to a lower-body injury and didn't return.</p><p>Woll stopped 22 of 23 shots through 40 minutes before being replaced by <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/13814" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/13814">Dennis Hildeby</a> to begin the third period. Hildeby made nine saves in relief to secure the victory.</p><p>Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube had no details to share postgame about the severity of Woll's injury.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"Right now, I can't give you that answer. I really don't know. Hopefully it's not (serious)," Berube told reporters postgame, adding that the team will know more Friday.</p><p>Woll was away from the team for the first month of the season due to a personal matter. He's been excellent since returning, sporting a .927 save percentage while starting eight of Toronto's nine games.</p><p>The Maple Leafs are currently without fellow goalie <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9766" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9766">Anthony Stolarz</a>, who hasn't played since suffering an upper-body injury on Nov. 11 - four days before Woll's season debut. Berube said Nov. 20 that Stolarz's issue was "worse than we thought."</p><p>Hildeby, 24, has posted a .919 save percentage in seven NHL appearances this campaign. Next up on Toronto's goalie depth chart would be <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9228" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9228">Artur Akhtyamov</a> or <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10574" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10574">Vyacheslav Peksa</a>, neither of whom has any NHL experience.</p>

NEWARK, NJ - APRIL 09: Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Joseph Woll (60) tends the net during a game between the Toronto Maple Leafs and New Jersey Devils on April 9, 2024 at Prudential Center in the Newark, New Jersey.

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Maple Leafs' Woll suffers lower-body injury vs. Hurricanes

Team Canada men's Olympic hockey general manager Doug Armstrong isn't going to let the smaller ic...

<p>Team Canada men's Olympic hockey general manager Doug Armstrong isn't going to let the smaller ice surface in Milan impact any roster selections, though it may require some extra film review.</p><p>"It won't affect how we choose the roster, but it will be interesting," Armstrong told <a href="https://www.cbc.ca/sports/olympics/winter/hockey/canada-hockey-olympic-mens-gm-doug-armstrong-2025-9.7002215">CBC's Karissa Donkin</a>. "We'll have to get out the old VHS tapes and look at the Aud and the old Boston Gardens to see how to play in that smaller barn."</p><p>The IIHF has <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3416903" href="https://thescore.com/news/3416903">reportedly</a> approved an ice sheet in Milan that measures 196.85 feet by 85.3 feet - over 3 feet shorter than the standard 200 feet by 85 feet NHL rink. Most European IIHF rinks are roughly the same length but significantly wider, measuring 197 feet by 98.5 feet.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Despite construction delays, the arena in Milan is expected to be ready for test events in January.</p><p>Olympic rosters don't need to be submitted until Dec. 31, but Armstrong said Canada's management group will hash out the majority of the squad during a three-day meeting beginning Sunday in Florida.</p><p>"We're hoping to walk out of this meeting with a large portion of the group going from pencil to pen," Armstrong told <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6860638/2025/12/04/canada-olympic-roster-doug-armstrong/">The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun</a>. "The players have had two months to show their wares and now after this, we're really going to home in on the final selection process, take this to the coaches, and find out where they believe the holes are in our group for things that they may need - whether that's penalty killers, power-play people, faceoffs - and sort of use the last month to confirm that our pen players stay in pen, which we hope they will. We think they will. That's been the history of these selection processes.</p><p>"And then round out the rest. And make sure if we have injuries from that group, we have a list that we're comfortable with to continue to monitor for replacements."</p><p>The men's Olympic tournament begins Feb. 11.</p>

ST. LOUIS, MO - July 23: St. Louis Blues General Manager Doug Armstrong speaks with the Blues draft pick Zachary Bolduc during the 2021 NHL Entry Draft at the Enterprise Center on July 23, 2021 in St. Louis, Missouri.

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Armstrong: Smaller Olympic ice 'won't affect' Canada's roster decisions

More from this series:   Canada 🇨🇦  United States 🇺🇸  European teams 🇪🇺   Olympic hockey is on th...

<p><strong>More from this series:</strong></p><ul>
<li><em><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3408377" href="https://thescore.com/news/3408377">Canada</a> 🇨🇦</em></li>
<li><strong><em>United States 🇺🇸</em></strong></li>
<li><em><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3408398" href="https://thescore.com/news/3408398">European teams</a> 🇪🇺</em></li>
</ul><p>Olympic hockey is on the horizon. The men's tournament is set for Feb. 11-22 in Italy, and final rosters are due in roughly four weeks, on Dec. 31.</p><p>Below is a projection of Team USA's 25-man Olympic roster. We picked players who we believe the United States' brain trust - led by general manager Bill Guerin - will take, not who we would personally select.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Note: Bolded players were named to the team in June.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812297/USA_FORWARDS.jpg?ts=1764701553" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812297/USA_FORWARDS.jpg?ts=1764701553 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812297/USA_FORWARDS.jpg?ts=1764701553 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812297/USA_FORWARDS.jpg?ts=1764701553 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812297/USA_FORWARDS.jpg?ts=1764701553 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812297/USA_FORWARDS.jpg?ts=1764701553 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution"></span></figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-1DUUu" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/1DUUu/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="207" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p><strong>Toughest omissions: </strong>Cole Caufield, Logan Cooley, Cutter Gauthier, Clayton Keller, Shane Pinto<strong> </strong></p><p>Did you really think an overtime loss to Canada in the 4 Nations Face-Off final would completely change Guerin's team-building philosophy? Not a chance.</p><p>The lower half of the U.S.' forward group will be filled mostly with heavier players who can check, which is why we omitted smaller, high-skill players like Caufield, Cooley, and Keller. Robertson, who's 6-foot-3, 204 pounds but doesn't have great speed or tenacity, is one pick we don't feel super confident about. That said, we couldn't deny him a roster spot based on how well he's played for the Stars all year (36 points in 28 games) - and especially of late.</p><p>Thompson and Knies are the only other projected forwards who weren't on the 4 Nations squad. A tantalizing one-time option for the top power-play unit, the 6-foot-6 Thompson's tied for third in goals over the past two seasons.</p><p>It's easy to see why Guerin would be infatuated with Knies, the 6-foot-3, 232-pound Maple Leafs winger who's strong on the puck and crafty in tight quarters. His game should translate well to a depth role on a loaded team, though he could climb the lineup to play with longtime linemate Matthews. </p><p>The Trocheck and Miller picks may raise some eyebrows, but U.S. head coach Mike Sullivan will surely be pounding the table for a right-handed center whom he can count on to win key defensive-zone draws. Pinto received consideration, but we gave Trocheck the edge because of how dependable he's been for Sullivan and the Rangers this season, when healthy. Sullivan gave Miller the "C" in New York, and while it's been a tough year, Team USA's decision-makers value the 33-year-old's competitive fire, toughness, and versatility.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812296/USA_DEFENSEMEN.jpg?ts=1764701550" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812296/USA_DEFENSEMEN.jpg?ts=1764701550 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812296/USA_DEFENSEMEN.jpg?ts=1764701550 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812296/USA_DEFENSEMEN.jpg?ts=1764701550 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812296/USA_DEFENSEMEN.jpg?ts=1764701550 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812296/USA_DEFENSEMEN.jpg?ts=1764701550 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution"></span></figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-DiDWf" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/DiDWf/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="178" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p><strong>Toughest omission: </strong>Jackson LaCombe</p><p>Most spots on the American blue line are spoken for. Hughes and McAvoy are already on the team. Slavin, Faber, Werenski, and Sanderson are virtual locks.</p><p>Fox has bounced back nicely after a down 2024-25 campaign that included a concerning performance at 4 Nations. While the 2021 Norris Trophy winner is battling an injury, and the timeline for his return is a little foggy, we believe Fox's playmaking chops would be hugely beneficial to the U.S.' defense corps.</p><p>The last spot could be filled by several defensemen, including 4 Nations member Noah Hanifin, defensive stalwart Mikey Anderson, or wily vet John Carlson. (Sorry, Lane Hutson fans, you'll have to wait until next Olympics.)</p><p>Realistically, Jones and LaCombe probably have the inside track. LaCombe is undoubtedly one of the NHL's brightest young D-men, but Jones gets the nod because he has the size and championship pedigree Guerin seemingly covets. It doesn't hurt that Jones' right shot balances out the group.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812295/USA_GOALIES.jpg?ts=1764701551" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812295/USA_GOALIES.jpg?ts=1764701551 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812295/USA_GOALIES.jpg?ts=1764701551 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812295/USA_GOALIES.jpg?ts=1764701551 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812295/USA_GOALIES.jpg?ts=1764701551 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812295/USA_GOALIES.jpg?ts=1764701551 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution"></span></figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-VvvG8" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/VvvG8/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="148" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p><strong>Toughest omission: </strong>Spencer Knight</p><p>This trio remains unchanged from 4 Nations.</p><p>Hellebuyck is currently out with a knee injury, but he's projected to return before the Olympics. The reigning Hart Trophy winner will be Team USA's starting goalie - at least to begin the tournament. If he struggles yet again in a big-game setting, anything can happen. The Americans have enviable depth.</p><p>Knight has been lights out for the Blackhawks this season and warrants consideration. However, neither Oettinger nor Swayman have played their way off the roster. Key context: If Guerin was willing to pick Swayman for 4 Nations amid the worst season of his career, it's hard to imagine the GM would leave the Bruins netminder off the Olympic team during a resurgent campaign.</p>

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Projecting United States' 2026 Olympic men's hockey roster

<p><strong>More from this series:</strong></p><ul>
<li><em><strong>Canada 🇨🇦</strong></em></li>
<li><em><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3408396" href="https://thescore.com/news/3408396">United States</a> 🇺🇸</em></li>
<li><em><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3408398" href="https://thescore.com/news/3408398">European teams</a> 🇪🇺</em></li>
</ul><p>Olympic hockey is on the horizon. The men's tournament is set for Feb. 11-22 in Italy, and rosters are due four weeks from Wednesday, on Dec. 31.</p><p>Below is a projection of Team Canada's 25-man Olympic roster. We picked players who we believe Canada's brain trust - led by general manager Doug Armstrong - will take, not who we would personally select.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Note: Bolded players were named to the team in June.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812299/Forwards.jpg?ts=1764701554" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812299/Forwards.jpg?ts=1764701554 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812299/Forwards.jpg?ts=1764701554 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812299/Forwards.jpg?ts=1764701554 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812299/Forwards.jpg?ts=1764701554 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812299/Forwards.jpg?ts=1764701554 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution"></span></figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-YWUWs" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/YWUWs/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="257" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p><strong>Toughest omissions: </strong>Connor Bedard, Sam Bennett, Mark Scheifele</p><p>Canada's 14-man forward group can be split into four subgroups. Two are non-controversial: McDavid, Point, Crosby, MacKinnon, and Reinhart are already on the team, while Marner, Hagel, and Marchand are virtual locks.</p><p>Cirelli, Stone, and Jarvis make up the third group. Each of them was on February's 4 Nations Face-Off squad, and each has the trust of head coach Jon Cooper - Cirelli for his shutdown abilities, Stone for his veteran savvy, Jarvis for his versatility. Remember: Armstrong and his staff are trying to build the very best <em>team </em>possible. Every player must fill a role, sometimes multiple.</p><p>That leaves three spots. Suzuki, who's racked up 67 points in 51 games since 4 Nations, is the perfect third-line center. Celebrini has quickly become one of the best two-way forwards in the entire NHL and slots nicely at third-line left wing. And right-winger Wilson brings a unicorn skill set: a mix of shooting, playmaking, big-man physicality, and lockdown defense.</p><p>We believe Canada's managers will think long and hard about Bedard (currently third in league scoring) but ultimately opt to fill the depth spots with more experienced, well-rounded players. Scheifele is a tough cut as another top-10 scorer. Bennett, a practical shoo-in coming into the season, is also on the outside looking in following a poor first 25 games for the Panthers.</p><p>Wyatt Johnston, John Tavares, Bo Horvat, Travis Konecny, and Morgan Geekie are five other players surely garnering serious consideration up front.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812298/DEFENSE.jpg?ts=1764701553" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812298/DEFENSE.jpg?ts=1764701553 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812298/DEFENSE.jpg?ts=1764701553 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812298/DEFENSE.jpg?ts=1764701553 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812298/DEFENSE.jpg?ts=1764701553 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812298/DEFENSE.jpg?ts=1764701553 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution"></span></figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-S97JK" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/S97JK/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="218" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p><strong>Toughest omission: </strong>Matthew Schaefer</p><p>We believe Canada will return the same defense corps that won the 4 Nations, even if it makes this exercise less exciting. (Seven defensemen were permitted at that event, but Harley was added mid-tournament after Theodore's injury.)</p><p>Toews is the closest thing to a lock outside of Makar. Morrissey, Harley, and Theodore all bring offense (and power-play quarterbacking capabilities, if Makar were to miss any time), but none of them have an outsized amount of risk in their game compared to someone like Evan Bouchard. Parayko and Sanheim present much-needed size and snarl and will likely be counted on to kill penalties.</p><p>Doughty was fresh off a significant ankle injury at 4 Nations yet showed he can handle the speed of best-on-best hockey. His experience as a two-time Olympian and two-time Stanley Cup champion make him an easy choice.</p><p>With due respect to players like Bouchard, Jakob Chychrun, Noah Dobson, and Brandon Montour, Schaefer was the only defenseman who really gave us pause. What the 18-year-old phenom is doing for the Islanders is nothing short of remarkable. However, it's worth noting that New York has sheltered him from opposing top lines all season. Against countries like the United States and Sweden, there's nowhere to hide, so we think Armstrong will err on the side of caution and keep intact the group that flourished at 4 Nations.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812294/GOALIES.jpg?ts=1764701552" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812294/GOALIES.jpg?ts=1764701552 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812294/GOALIES.jpg?ts=1764701552 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812294/GOALIES.jpg?ts=1764701552 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812294/GOALIES.jpg?ts=1764701552 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812294/GOALIES.jpg?ts=1764701552 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution"></span></figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-RaOOJ" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/RaOOJ/3/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="148" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p><strong>Toughest omissions: </strong>Mackenzie Blackwood, Darcy Kuemper</p><p>Binnington, Adin Hill, and Sam Montembeault were Canada's goalies at 4 Nations. All three have struggled mightily in 2025-26 (save percentages below .890), and Hill's appeared in just five games for Vegas due to injury.</p><p>In other words, Canada's goaltending room will look much different in Italy. </p><p>Binnington, a key member of the 2019 Stanley Cup-winning Blues, will be the one familiar face. He was between the pipes for every minute of the 4 Nations experience and stoned the Americans multiple times in a dramatic, tension-filled title game. Even in a down year, Binnington's big-game resume holds tremendous value for a nation without a legitimate star goalie to call upon.</p><p>Thompson, meanwhile, is rocking a .913 SV% and strong underlying numbers in 62 games over the past two seasons. Leaving the Capitals starter off the Olympic roster would be indefensible given the lackluster other options.</p><p>Wedgewood would fill the No. 3 role well. He's built a terrific reputation as a career backup and happens to be excelling in an expanded role this year (.920 SV% in 19 games). His stiffest competition has either been hurt for much of the season (Blackwood) or is fading into the background with good-but-not-great late-career numbers (Kuemper). Wedgewood sticks out.</p>

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Projecting Canada's 2026 Olympic men's hockey roster

Buffalo Sabres captain Rasmus Dahlin was handed a five-minute major and a game misconduct for boa...

<p>Buffalo Sabres captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7216" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7216">Rasmus Dahlin</a> was handed a five-minute major and a game misconduct for boarding Philadelphia Flyers forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9757" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9757">Trevor Zegras</a> on Wednesday.</p><p>A scrum ensued immediately after the hit.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Rasmus Dahlin receives a 5 minute major and a game misconduct for his hit on Zegras <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LetsGoBuffalo?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LetsGoBuffalo</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LetsGoFlyers?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LetsGoFlyers</a> <a href="https://t.co/I9ZhvzyEHV">pic.twitter.com/I9ZhvzyEHV</a></p>— Buffalo Hockey Moments (@SabresPlays) <a href="https://twitter.com/SabresPlays/status/1996402194124566673?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 4, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Here's another look at the initial play.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">replay <a href="https://t.co/ZKMrPjjb5N">pic.twitter.com/ZKMrPjjb5N</a></p>— Buffalo Hockey Moments (@SabresPlays) <a href="https://twitter.com/SabresPlays/status/1996402669720867177?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 4, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Zegras was down on the ice momentarily but was able to stay in the game. The 24-year-old has thrived during his first season in Philadelphia, leading the team with 26 points in as many games.</p><p>Dahlin has never been suspended in his eight-year NHL career.</p>

PHILADELPHIA , PA - DECEMBER 03: Buffalo Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin #26 is ejected from the game during the game between the Buffalo Sabers and the Philadelphia Flyers on December 3rd, 2025 at Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia, PA.

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Sabres' Dahlin ejected for boarding Flyers' Zegras

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Josh Wegman

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Sean O'Leary

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