A trio of Winnipeg Jets will have the opportunity to represent Team Canada for the 2026 World Championships next month in Switzerland.
Mark Scheifele, Dylan DeMelo, and Gabriel Vilardi will all make the trip hoping to win a gold medal.
This will be Scheifele’s fourth time playing for Team Canada at the World’s after previously playing in 2013-14, 2015-16, and 2016-17.
In the exit interview, Scheifele says he is excited for the opportunity to play. “I’m really exited for it. Any chance you have to compete for your country you got to take it with honour. I’m just excited to play more hockey. I love this game. I love playing. I love competing. I want to go over there and win a gold medal and do that with some good friends, so I’m really excited for that opportunity.”
Scheifele will be joined with a couple teammates from the Jets, Dylan DeMelo and Gabriel Vilardi.
Vilardi is coming off a season where he suited up for all 82 regular season games for the Jets, recording 30 goals and 69 points. He previously played for Team Canada in 2021, winning a gold medal.
This marks DeMelo’s first time playing for Team Canada in his 12-season career. In 2025-26, DeMelo played in all 82 regular season games for the third straight year, and had three goals, while averaging over 21 minutes of ice time.
Other players confirmed to be on Team Canada include, John Tavares from the Toronto Maple Leafs, St. Louis Blues forward Robert Thomas, and Nashville Predators Ryan O’Reilly.
Other Jets taking part include Nino Niederreiter for Switzerland and Ville Heinola for Finland.
The 2026 World Championships run from May 15 to 31.