John LeClair’s voice rose about 10 decibels when the interviewer asked this loaded question: “Does the 2026 USA Olympic men’s hockey team have a chance against favored Canada in a possible gold medal game?”
“Have a chance?” boomed a clearly incredulous LeClair, the former Flyer three-time 50-goal-scorer who competed for the Americans in the 1998 Winter Olympics at Nagano, Japan, and again at Salt Lake City in 2002.
“Does the USA have a chance, are you kidding me?” LeClair continued during the telephone interview. “Is that what you’re saying? You make it sound like they’re lucky to be there. Yes, I do think Canada and the U.S. are the top two teams there. But I was very impressed with the U.S. [in a 5-1 win over Latvia on Thursday].”
Even though Canada is heavily favored to win its third straight gold medal at the Games in Milano Cortina, Italy, LeClair believes the betting odds should only be about even should the two hockey superpowers meet in the deciding game.
While Canada might have superstars such as Sidney Crosby, Connor McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar, it’s LeClair’s belief the Americans have the right stuff to win their first gold since 1980 at Lake Placid.
The United States can counter with Toronto superstar Austen Matthews, Los Angeles sniper Jack Eichel, the Tkachuk brothers (Matthew, Brady) and possible best NHL defenseman Zach Werenski.“All four lines, all six ‘D,’ I thought everyone played well [against Latvia],” said LeClair, a Vermont native. “I know the competition wasn’t Canada, obviously, but I think they played well.
United States’ Brady Tkachuk, left, celebrates with teammate and brother Matthew Tkachuk after scoring a goal against Latvia at the 2026 Winter Olympics, in Milan, Italy, Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
“Canada’s got a good team, we all know that,” LeClair said. “But the odds [vs. USA] should only be about 50-50 in my eyes.”
LeClair is a special adviser to the Flyers and he keeps his eyes on what’s happening throughout their system. That includes the team’s three current Olympians: Defenseman Travis Sanheim (Canada), goaltender Dan Vladar (Czechia) and defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen (Finland).
“What jumps off the page is Travis’ speed,” LeClair said of Sanheim. “He skates extremely well. Usually in a competition like the Olympics, skating becomes a priority. He’ll be a big bonus back there. I think they’re going to rely on him at some point in this tournament.”
Vladar has probably been the Flyers’ MVP through the first two-thirds of the season. He’s taken over the position in Philadelphia and not many saw that move coming.
“There’s no question he’s been our MVP,” LeClair said. “Without ‘Vlady’ we would be in a much worse place now. He’s been tremendous. He’s done everything we’ve asked and more. Some nights he keeps us in games when we’re getting outshot two-to-one. He’s been remarkable. The guy gives us a chance to win every night.”
Flyers head coach Rick Tocchet is serving as an assistant on Canada head coach Jon Cooper’s crew and the chance to work with Sanheim in a best-on-best situation should prove invaluable.
“I believe Toc’s and Sanheim’s relationship will be nothing but stronger for this, going through this together,” LeClair said. “You know, going through moments like this through your career builds a huge bond.”
The Flyers got off to fast start this season but cooled considerably before the Olympic break. It will take quite a stretch drive to end their five-year playoff drought.
“We’ve shown in the first half we can be a top-tier team, a playoff team,” LeClair said. “I think we’re going to need a lot of help, a lot of guys to stay healthy.
“It’s going to be interesting to see how some guys react to the time off. Not everyone comes back from a break the same way. Hopefully our guys come back and pick up where they left off, get a push and we make the playoffs.”
LeClair believes Tocchet has the Flyers headed in the right direction despite some bumps along the road. After three years under former coach John Tortorella, it was time for a change but ‘Torts’ did some good work and Tocchet is reaping the benefits of that.
“Having a different voice than ‘Torts,’ – he did do a great job of instilling a lot of things in these guys,” said LeClair, a former Stanley Cup winner with the 1993 Montreal Canadiens, the last time a team from Canada won the championship. “But I think it was time for a new voice.
“I think the way Toc is approaching each game as far as preparation, it’s given these guys a chance to succeed and excel. I think it’s a big reason why we had such a great start. That’s why we’re still in the hunt.”
Wayne Fish is a freelance writer. Follow his coverage at www.flyingfishhockey.com