Ducks players represent Team USA, Sweden, Czechia, Finland and Italy in a high-stakes Olympic field.

For the first time in 12 years, National Hockey League players return to Olympic ice at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Games, and the Anaheim Ducks organization figures prominently on international rosters.

Men’s hockey opened Feb. 11, with Finland facing Slovakia and Sweden meeting host nation Italy in round-robin play. The United States plays Latvia later in the preliminary round.

Six Ducks are competing for four different national teams in one of the most anticipated Olympic hockey tournaments in recent memory.

Cross-Ice Representation

Jackson LaCombe anchors Team USA’s blue line with a blend of mobility and offensive production. Drafted 39th overall in 2019, LaCombe emerged as one of Anaheim’s most reliable defensemen after posting career-high scoring numbers last season. A Minnesota native and former University of Minnesota standout, he brings championship experience, having won gold at the 2021 World Juniors and the 2025 IIHF World Championship. His strong gap control and breakout passing give the Americans added transition speed.

Sweden turns to Leo Carlsson, the Ducks’ 2023 second overall draft pick, as a core offensive driver. At 6-foot-3, Carlsson combines size with elite puck skills and vision. He has developed into a reliable two-way center in Anaheim, consistently producing while ranking among the team leaders in puck possession metrics. Carlsson’s Olympic debut highlights Sweden’s emphasis on balanced scoring and disciplined structure.

Czechia relies on veteran defenseman Radko Gudas and goaltender Lukáš Dostál to stabilize its defensive core. Gudas provides physicality and shot-blocking presence, regularly matching up against top opposing lines. Dostál anchors the crease with strong rebound control and positional awareness, traits that have translated into several high-save performances at the NHL level. Together, they form the backbone of Czechia’s medal hopes.

Finland adds experience through Ducks forward Mikael Granlund, a longtime international competitor and former national team captain. Granlund brings elite face-off ability, playmaking instincts, and postseason poise. His understanding of structured systems fits Finland’s defensive identity and supports its transition attack in tight games.

Host nation Italy features goaltender Damian Clara, the first Italian drafted by an NHL franchise. Clara developed in Sweden’s professional system and played a key role in Italy’s rise through international divisions. Still early in his career, he brings athleticism and composure in net as Italy competes on home ice in front of packed Alpine venues.

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Tournament Structure and Medal

Twelve national teams compete in the men’s tournament, divided into three groups of four. Each team plays three round-robin games, meaning every team faces each opponent in its group once.

The format allows teams to build momentum over multiple games while still rewarding consistent performance. Teams earn points for wins and overtime results, with standings determined by total points and tiebreakers such as goal differential.

The three group winners advance directly to the quarterfinals. The best second-place team also earns automatic qualification. The remaining second- and third-place teams enter a single-elimination playoff to determine the final four quarterfinal spots.

The structure leaves little room for error. An early loss can force a team into an extra elimination game, increasing fatigue before the medal rounds.

Hockey’s Best on the Biggest Stage

This marks the first Olympic men’s hockey tournament since 2014 to feature full NHL participation. A scheduled league break allows players to pursue Olympic gold without disrupting the regular season, restoring the tournament’s elite standard.

Team USA enters with one of its deepest rosters in decades, built around speed and scoring depth. Canada counters with veteran leadership and playoff-tested experience. European powers Sweden and Finland rely on structured systems and balanced scoring to remain medal contenders.

Anaheim Ducks players provide valuable depth across these lineups. Jackson LaCombe strengthens transition play. Leo Carlsson drives possession. Radko Gudas adds physical presence. Lukáš Dostál delivers stability in the net. Mikael Granlund supplies veteran playmaking. Damian Clara represents Italy’s growing international profile.

Their combined skill sets reflect the modern demands of Olympic hockey, where speed, discipline, and roster balance often determine success. Teams that control special teams and limit high-danger chances gain a decisive edge.

With the gold medal game set for Feb. 22, global attention continues to build. Established stars and rising talents now compete under national colors, blending professional precision with national pride.

For Anaheim’s contingent, the Games highlight the organization’s expanding international impact and its role in developing elite talent on hockey’s biggest stage.