The 2026 Winter Olympics are about six months away. As Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo prepare to host the latest installment of the Olympic Games, the NHL prepares to return for the first time since 2014. NHL players have given us many great moments in Olympic history, from Sidney Crosby‘s golden goal in 2010 to T.J. Oshie‘s heroics in Sochi.
When the NHL last participated in the Olympics, the St. Louis Blues had the second-most players participate, with nine Blues representing their home country in Sochi. Could the Blues see a similar number of participants this go around?
Blues Potential Winter Olympic Representatives
Likely to Make Their Country’s Teams
Jordan Binnington- Canada
Despite facing criticism for letting up some “soft” goals during the 4 Nations Face-Off, he stepped up when it mattered most for Team Canada. In the tournament, Binnington went 3-1 with a 2.37 goals against average and a .907 save percentage. Furthermore, Binnington made some crucial saves in the championship game.
Binnington was one of the goalies invited to Team Canada’s orientation camp. This suggests he is the mix to return to the roster for the Olympics.
Colton Parayko- Canada
Parayko made headlines during the 4 Nations Face-Off when he dropped the gloves during a game against the United States. However, Parayko struggled otherwise. Team Canada owned just 38.8% of expected goals when Parayko was on the ice.
However, Parayko is a veteran coming off a strong season with the Blues. Furthermore, he is a Stanley Cup Champion in addition to winning the 4 Nations last season. He may have to earn his way into the lineup, but Parayko will likely be on Team Canada’s roster, even if just as a reserve.
Will Be Considered
Robert Thomas- Team Canada
Thomas was not on Team Canada’s roster for the 4 Nations Face-Off. However, he was invited to the orientation camp. Thomas is one of the best passers in the league, highlighted by the fact that he has had back-to-back 60-assist seasons. He may have a 100-point season this coming season.
There are a lot of forwards under consideration for Team Canada. However, Thomas’s ability to move the puck should earn him strong consideration for a spot on the roster.
Jordan Kyrou- Team Canada
With three straight 30+ goal seasons, Kyrou was surprisingly absent from the orientation camp. However, the forward has been absent from other projected rosters. This is likely due to Kyrou not being a strong defender. While his defence has improved over the last few years, he is never going to be known for his defence. With an abundance of scorers to choose from, Team Canada may elect to pass on Kyrou.
With that being said, Kyrou is a dangerous goal scorer who can take over a game. Although he may not have been at the camp, it seems unlikely that Kyrou is not on Team Canada’s radar. He will get consideration, but depending on how the team is formatted, we will not be surprised if Kyrou is left off the roster.
Pius Suter- Team Switzerland
The new Blue scored 25 goals last year and will have better linemates this season for his first year wearing the Blue Note. If Suter continues his success from last year, it will improve his case for the Olympics.
Team Switzerland’s roster is likely not to have many NHL players (compared to other countries). Still, we know there is great talent outside the NHL. Regardless, Suter’s breakout season came at the right time and will consider him for the team.
Philip Broberg- Team Sweden
Broberg is on the outside looking in due to Sweden’s loaded options on defence. Victor Hedman, Rasmus Dahlin, Jonas Brodin, and Rasmus Andersson are all likely to make the roster. In addition, veteran Erik Karlsson may be on the backend of his career. Still, he performed well for Team Sweden at the 4 Nations Face-Off. Furthermore, suppose Hampus Lindholm can overcome his injury that kept him out for most of last season. In that case, he will likely make the roster as well.
However, should one of those guys not be able to play for any reason, Broberg could be the next man up. It may only take one domino to fall for Broberg to head to the Olympics.
Wild Card Representatives
Dylan Holloway- Team Canada
Holloway scored 26 goals in his breakout season last year. Yet, the available talent for Team Canada makes Holloway a near afterthought for the Olympics. However, if he continues to produce on offence and some other dominoes fall, there could be an opportunity for the forward.
Jimmy Snuggerud- Team United States
What makes us even put Snuggerud on this list is his performance at the 2024 World Juniors. As the captain of Team USA, Snuggerud scored five goals in six games, helping the United States win a gold medal. Even with that on his resume, it is a long shot for Snuggerud to be chosen for the Olympics.
Like Holloway, Snuggerud could enter the conversation should the dominoes fall. It will take dominoes to fall, unlike Holloway. This is why we play the games, though. We just never know what may happen.
Final Count
The Blues are not looking at another nine representatives. However, they may end up with around five, which is not a bad amount by any means.
It will be interesting to see which Blues get chosen for the Olympics. Whoever gets selected will look to represent themselves, the Blues, and their country proudly.
Main Photo: Bob DeChiara- Imagn Images
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