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2026 Games: Veterans' Last Olympic Shot?
7 Feb
Summary
- NHL players return to Olympics for first time in a decade.
- Veteran stars like Crosby and Eller may have final Olympic chance.
- NHL participation in future Olympics is not guaranteed beyond 2026.
The 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics will see NHL players return to the international stage after a ten-year hiatus. This highly anticipated reunion provides a significant opportunity for veteran stars nearing the end of their careers to pursue Olympic gold.
Players like Sidney Crosby and Lars Eller, still performing at a high level, face a potentially last chance at Olympic glory. Crosby, with two gold medals, could be playing in his final Games at age 38, aiming for a storybook ending. Eller, a key player for Denmark, sees the 2026 Games as his best opportunity for international renown.
The NHL's involvement in the 2026 Olympics is part of a negotiated arrangement, with no guarantee of participation in subsequent Games. This uncertainty intensifies the significance of the upcoming tournament for established stars, as time and the emergence of new talent inevitably impact careers.
