One of the biggest events for the upcoming 2026 NHL season is going to be the Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy this coming February. Consisting of 12 nations on ice. International hockey is perhaps the biggest draw to die hard, and casual hockey fans alike.

There are guys in Dallas who are sure-fire bets to play in Milan. There’s also one player on the team who will likely fall short, or will have to wait until 2030 to play on the global stage. Putting aside any future potential injuries between now and February there look to be seven Stars playing in Milan, and one who looks to be a wild card.

Finnish mafia representation

When people think of the Stars, the ‘Finnish Mafia’ comes across their minds first. And for good reason. Miro Heiskanen is the best 200 foot defenseman in the league. Speaking of defenseman, a defensive oriented d-man, the OG of the ‘Finnish Mafia’ Esa Lindell will be representing his homeland too.

There will be a couple forwards from Dallas playing for the Republic of Finland too. First off is the Moose aka Mikko Rantanen. He made a name for himself playing with the Colorado Avalanche. But as the world saw this past spring, Rantanen has shown future hall of fame talent that followed his after he left Denver.

Last but certainly not least of the Finns is the Ace of Spades himself, Roope Hintz. While last season was considered a down year for Hintz he’s still among the NHL’s best, and he can keep up with Connor McDavid of the Edmonton Oilers in a foot face. Whether or not his foot is broken. Fortunately he’s feeling good now, and should be the third Star representing Finland.

USA! USA!

There will be two Stars representing the United States over in Italy come February.

Starting off is a top five NHL goalie in Jake Oettinger. He will be in competition with Connor Hellebuyck for the starting job. We remember what it was like the last time these two were in some kind of competition. Whether these two goalies are competing with, or against each other it’s always a compelling storyline amongst Team USA, and USA hockey in general.

Over at left wing, Jason Robertson will be another safe bet to be sporting the Stars and stripes. While Robo has been in the headlines due to an uncertain future, Robertson is expected to be in the Winter Olympics this coming winter. His play late in Dallas’ western conference finals defeat to Edmonton, plus his annual regular season success will earn him a spot on Team USA.

Oh Canada!

Thomas Harley should be a shoe in for Team Canada after his showing at the Four Nations Faceoff six months ago. After getting called up and cancelling his vacation plans, Harley didn’t disappoint. While Harley was born in Syracuse, New York, he grew up in Canada and carries dual citizenship.

Photo credit: X app @DallasStars

The odd man out appears looks like it’ll be Wyatt Johnston. Team Canada will have the most stacked roster of all the countries who will be playing in February. Johnston would likely make about any other roster come tournament time. Unless Wyatt becomes an emergency call up like Harley was during Four Nations, Johnston will likely be getting rested up for a couple of weeks before the Stars make their push for playoff positioning come April.

Featured photo: X app @DallasStars

Tags: #Canada #Finland #Milan #NHL #TexasHockey #USA #WinterGames #WinterOlympics

Categorized:Stars