Thank you for tuning into another edition of NHL Rumours here at Last Word On Hockey. In this edition, the focus will be on Team Canada’s roster for the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics. In particular, this discussion will take a look at one much-talked-about storyline.
NHL Rumours: Sharks Celebrini Makes Team Canada
Rumour: ESPN’s Emily Kaplan reported on Tuesday night that San Jose Sharks forward Macklin Celebrini made the cut for Team Canada’s 2026 Olympic roster.
Analysis: The chatter around NHL rumours involving Celebrini making Team Canada gained an enormous amount of traction, given the ridiculous start he’s had to this season. Entering Tuesday night’s action, the Sharks’ young gun is third in the NHL in scoring with 60 points. Celebrini is six points behind Colorado Avalanche superstar Nathan MacKinnon and nine points back of Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid.
That’s impressive company. And it has fueled the hype surrounding Celebrini’s worthiness to make Team Canada. As such, Kaplan confirmed the NHL rumours regarding Celebrini that many pundits had already intuited, leading up to tomorrow’s official unveiling.
With Olympic rosters due tomorrow, USA Hockey & Team Canada will call players in the morning.
Expect similar American roster to Four Nations; hearing small tweaks. Macklin Celebrini made Canada then we’ll see on Connor Bedard, who was just on the outside throughout the process.
— Emily Kaplan (@emilymkaplan) December 30, 2025
It’s worth noting that all participating nations must submit their official rosters. NHL rumours have been buzzing about Celebrini and Chicago Blackhawks star Connor Bedard making the Canadian squad.
Bedard remains out with a shoulder injury, but has since returned to practice. While Bedard isn’t a lock to make the team, Celebrini apparently has made the team. Team Canada will be unveiling its roster at around 11:30 am Eastern Standard Time on New Year’s Eve. For the time being, Celebrini’s inclusion in Team Canada’s roster remains part of NHL rumours.
Team Canada to Face Similar Team USA Lineup at Olympics
The other portion of Kaplan’s tweet referred to Team USA’s Olympic roster. NHL rumours have posited numerous changes to the American squad. However, it doesn’t seem like there will be all that many changes. One of the names on the bubble for Team USA has been Dallas Stars forward Jason Robertson. Robertson has had a tremendous start of his own to the season. As such, NHL rumours have suggested he could be a change for the Americans.
It’s worth noting that there may still be spots up for grabs on Team USA. Injuries have befallen some regulars like Jack Hughes and Jack Eichel. Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews is also day-to-day. While none of these starts are expected to miss significant time, there might still be some surprises. Hughes, for instance, returned to the New Jersey Devils’ lineup ahead of schedule. Nevertheless, injuries could play a key role leading up to the start of the Olympic tourney.
In the meantime, NHL rumours should get a break after the official unveiling of rosters in the coming days. Team Canada will lead off, with the United States and other nations following suit after New Year’s.
So, it will be an interesting next couple of days. While NHL rumours may take a break, the speculation will ramp up regarding who made the cut and who didn’t. There’s still a little over a month before the tournament begins. As such, there’s still time for things to change.
Main Photo Credit: Stan Szeto-Imagn Images