Hockey fans, rejoice—the 2026 Olympics are shaping up to be a must-watch event, with preliminary rosters packed with NHL stars returning to the ice for the first time in over a decade. After skipping the last two Winter Games, the league’s top players are back, promising high-stakes, high-skill matchups that’ll make this the most competitive Olympic hockey tournament in years.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just a win for fans; it’s a big deal for the Olympics too. NHL participation elevates the tournament’s prestige and ensures the best players in the world are competing—something that’s been missing since 2014. For players, it’s a chance to chase Olympic glory, and for the sport, it’s a spotlight moment that could reignite global interest in hockey.