Trio of Avalanche Stars Selected for Team Canada at Milano Cortina 2026.

Colorado Avalanche players Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar, and Devon Toews will represent Canada at the 2026 Olympic Winter Games in Milano Cortina. Toews officially joined the roster on New Year’s Eve, completing the trio after MacKinnon and Makar were announced earlier in June. The upcoming Games will mark the first Olympic appearance for all three players. It will also be the first time since 2014 that NHL athletes are participating in the Winter Olympics, making the event especially meaningful for players and fans alike.

Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar praised the selections, pointing to the players’ recent performances as proof they earned the honor. “All three of them played really well at the 4 Nations last year and they’re having excellent seasons,” Bednar said. “It’s well deserved, and we’re excited for them.” MacKinnon enters the Olympic year leading the NHL in goals with 32 and topping the league in even-strength points with 51. Makar continues to dominate from the blue line, leading all defensemen with 44 points. Toews has been a key contributor on Colorado’s penalty kill, which ranks among the best in the league, while also sitting near the top in plus-minus rating. For Toews, the selection carries personal significance. Growing up in Abbotsford, British Columbia, he remembers watching the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, highlighted by Sidney Crosby’s iconic overtime goal in the gold medal game.

“To have a chance to be part of something like that is pretty special,” Toews said. “Representing Canada at the Olympics is something I’ll always cherish.”

Makar also expressed excitement about potentially lining up alongside his longtime defensive partner on the international stage. “It’s unreal,” Makar said. “We know each other’s games so well, and if they decide to keep us together, that chemistry is already there. Playing with him makes everything easier.” With MacKinnon, Makar, and Toews on the roster, Canada will aim to capture a third straight Olympic gold medal in tournaments that include NHL players.