Team Canada officially announced its 25-player men’s hockey roster for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, and Cortina and NHL fans were quick to weigh in with their thoughts. Although the roster includes superstars like Connor McDavid, Sidney Crosby and Nathan MacKinnon, several selections have drawn criticism online.
Major points of debate include the decision to include Anthony Cirelli and Brayden Point among top prospects like Connor Bedard.
Here are some reactions from X fans:
“Cirelli and Point sur Bédard, it’s funny”
The omission of Sam Bennett also sparked backlash.
“No, Sam Bennett is crazy. Sweet ass Team Canada,” one fan wrote.
The defensive and goaltending choices have not escaped scrutiny either.
“Travis Sanheim vs. Evan Bouchard and Jordan Binnington vs. Scott Wedgewood are stupid choices for sure,” one user posted.
Despite the criticism, the roster features a combination of veteran leaders and top NHL talent with forwards such as Sidney Crosby, Connor McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon, Brad Marchand, Mitch Marner, Bo Horvat, Brandon Hagel, Anthony Cirelli, Brayden Point, Sam Reinhart, Nick Suzuki, Mark Stone, Tom Wilson and promising prospect Macklin Celebrini.
The defensive corps includes Drew Doughty, Cale Makar, Colton Parayko, Josh Morrissey, Travis Sanheim, Shea Theodore, Devon Toews and Thomas Harley, while Jordan Binnington, Darcy Kuemper and Logan Thompson will man the field.
The Canadian team marks the return of NHL players to the Olympic Games for the first time since 2014.
Nick Suzuki earned his dream Olympic nomination for Team Canada
Montreal Canadiens star Nick Suzuki has been officially named to the 2026 Canadian Olympic team, fulfilling his long-held dream of representing his country at the Winter Games.
Earlier this week, Suzuki spoke about the intense process of securing a spot.
“I’ve been nervous and there’s definitely been some anxiety about it,” he admitted. “When you don’t play the best game, you feel like maybe you played your way out of the team. You play a good game, you feel like you did something good to get on the team.”
Reflecting on its recent performances, Suzuki added:
“I felt after the Four Nations break I played some really good hockey. I’m just trying to show I can do whatever they ask of me.”
Suzuki’s international experience includes gold with Canada White at the 2015 World U-17 Hockey Challenge as well as appearances at the Ivan Hlinka Memorial Cup and the 2019 World Junior Championships.
Edited by Anjum Rajonno
