The NHL is back at the Olympics, which means Canada finally gets to showcase its top players on the international stage.
Canada is a hockey powerhouse, producing some of the greatest talents to ever skate on ice, including NHL stars Connor McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon, and Sidney Crosby. That trio headlines a roster of 25 players chosen to represent Canada at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano-Cortina.
However, when a country produces such a wealth of talent, there will always be quality players who don’t get a shot at Olympic gold. This year is no different.
MORE: Complete Olympic hockey roster for Canada in 2026
With Canada’s Olympic roster announced on Wednesday, here’s a look at the most notable snubs.
Canada Olympic hockey snubs
Connor Bedard
Connor Bedard is an Olympic-level talent, but he won't be representing his home country at the prestigious Winter Olympics just yet. The 20-year-old wonder was among the league leaders in points before suffering a shoulder injury in mid-December. He was viewed as a bubble candidate before the injury, as there are questions whether his offensive game could make up for his defensive woes. Regardless, fans will have to wait another four years to see Bedard play at the Olympics.
Evan Bouchard
When it comes to Canadian Olympic hockey, no player is more polarizing than Evan Bouchard. The defenseman is an offensive dynamo, currently third among NHL blueliners in points. However, his defensive shortcomings, combined with a reputation for costly turnovers in his own zone, are holding Bouchard back from making the national team.
Sam Bennett
After a strong 4 Nations performance in 2025, Florida Panthers center Sam Bennett was left off Canada's Olympic roster in what TSN's Pierre LeBrun reported was an "agonizing decision" for the team. LeBrun reported Canada initially was choosing between Bo Horvat and Nick Suzuki before deciding to take both, leaving Bennett on the chopping block. Bennett has a history of performing in big games, so his exclusion was heavily debated as soon as Canada's roster was revealed.
Mark Scheifele
When Canada's 4 Nations Face-Off roster was announced, Mark Scheifele was considered one of the biggest snubs from the roster. Unfortunately for the Jets center, it's deja vu for the Olympics. Despite producing 45 points in 37 games for Winnipeg this season, Scheifele was unable to find a spot in Canada's bottom-six, leaving him home to watch his countrymen go for gold yet again.
Matthew Schaefer
Just a few months ago, it wasn't 100% that Matthew Schaefer would play in the NHL this season. But the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft has dazzled on Long Island, already flourishing into a first-pairing defenseman for the Islanders. At just 18 years old, he has made a legitimate argument to crack Canada's Olympic roster — but his Olympic debut will have to wait. Don't worry, Islanders fans, there will be plenty more Winter Games for Schaefer to lead Canada in.
Seth Jarvis
Seth Jarvis had an up-and-down 4 Nations Face-Off for Canada and wasn’t a lock to return. The young Hurricanes winger finds himself on the outside looking in for Milano-Cortina. Jarvis is a strong two-way forward who has shown his impact with Canada before, but he hasn’t done enough to secure a spot on the roster and will be left off.
Wyatt Johnston
There were plenty of Stars fans upset when Wyatt Johnston was left off Canada's 4 Nations roster. That same group will be in an uproar again. Despite being just 22 years old, Johnston has already established himself as a premier top-six forward on one of the best NHL teams. His age may have played a factor in Canada passing on him, giving more experienced forwards a shot at the Olympics over him.
Jakob Chychrun
Speaking of seasons that have gone under the radar, how about Jakob Chychrun leading all defensemen with 15 goals? Since arriving in Washington, the defenseman has been a steady presence on the Capitals' blue line and very much deserved to be considered. However, with Canada running it back with the same defensive group, it leaves Chychrun pondering what more could he do to get on the roster.
MacKenzie Blackwood and Scott Wedgewood
Canada's crease is by far the weakest aspect of the team, with a notable lack of depth at the position. Long gone are the days of Canada rolling out monsters in the crease such as Martin Brodeur, Roberto Luongo, Carey Price and Marc-Andre Fleury. So it rightfully has been a hot topic dating back to the Olympics.
With Jordan Binnington coming back after winning gold at 4 Nations Face-Off and Logan Thompson securing a spot he should have owned last February, that left a quesiton mark for the third goalie. Darcy Kuemper, MacKenzie Blackwood and Scott Wedgewood all were worthy candidates. The Avalanche duo of Wedgewood and Blackwood rank second and third in the league in goals-against average and save percentage, with Kuemper is sixth in both GAA and save percentage.
Alas, there was only one spot available and Kuemper got the nod, leaving the other two to enjoy a midseason break.