With the 2026 men’s Olympic hockey tournament set to begin in just a few days, the global spotlight turns to one of sport’s grandest stages. After being absent from the 2018 and 2022 Winter Games, NHL players are relishing the long-awaited chance to represent their countries and reignite international rivalries. For the New Jersey Devils, Olympic hockey has always been woven into the fabric of the franchise.
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From Hall of Famers like Martin Brodeur and Scott Niedermayer to today’s cornerstone trio of Nico Hischier, Jack Hughes, and Jesper Bratt, the Devils’ influence on the Olympics stretches across generations. Since 1998, when NHL players first competed on the Olympic stage, New Jersey-affiliated players—past and present—have played key roles in gold-medal victories, crushing defeats, and unforgettable international moments. Starting Wednesday, Feb. 11, seven more Devils will have the chance to leave their mark on this enduring Olympic legacy.
1998: Nagano
History was rewritten at the 1998 Olympic Games when, for the first time ever, NHL players were allowed to compete on hockey’s biggest international stage. Representing the New Jersey Devils, legends Scott Stevens and Brodeur became the team’s inaugural Olympians, both donning the maple leaf for Team Canada and setting the stage for decades of Devils contributions to Olympic hockey.
2002: Salt Lake City
The new millennium of the Winter Olympic Games began in Salt Lake City, Utah, and Devils players were central figures throughout the tournament. Team Canada featured two cornerstones of New Jersey’s dynasty years: Niedermayer and Brodeur. Brodeur served as Canada’s starting goaltender and was dominant, posting a 4-0 record with a 1.80 goals-against average and a .917 save percentage. His performance culminated in Canada’s first men’s hockey gold medal in 50 years, a defining moment for both the country and Brodeur’s legacy.
Niedermayer, meanwhile, logged heavy minutes on Canada’s blue line, contributing with his elite skating and puck movement. Fresh off winning the Stanley Cup with New Jersey in 2000, he continued to establish himself as one of the world’s premier defensemen.
The Czech Republic was represented by Devils forwards Petr Sykora and Patrik Elias. Elias, in particular, contributed early on the international stage, recording two points in four games as the Czechs finished seventh in the tournament. Brian Rafalski represented the United States, skating in key defensive situations and helping Team USA to a silver medal after a dramatic loss to Canada in the final.
2006: Turin
By 2006, Devils players were scattered across nearly every major hockey nation. Brodeur returned as Canada’s goaltender, though the tournament ended in disappointment with a quarterfinal exit. Despite the result, Brodeur remained one of the tournament’s top netminders, reinforcing his reputation as one of the league’s most legendary goaltenders.
Elias once again suited up for the Czech Republic, continuing a long Olympic career that spanned more than a decade. Viktor Kozlov represented Russia, helping the team to a fourth-place finish.
Team USA boasted a notable Devils presence in Rafalski, Brian Gionta, and Scott Gomez. Serving as captain, Gomez led the group with five points in six games, while Gionta followed closely behind, recording four points—all goals—for the Americans. Rafalski anchored the blue line, logging heavy minutes and adding two points of his own. Although the United States ultimately finished outside the medal rounds, the impact of New Jersey’s core was undeniable.
2010: Vancouver
The 2010 Olympics in Vancouver may be the most emotionally-charged tournament in recent history, and Devils players were at the heart of it. Brodeur returned for his third Olympics with Canada, and their eventual gold medal win capped Brodeur’s Olympic career, giving him a second gold to pair with his 2002 triumph.
For Team USA, Devils captain Jamie Langenbrunner wore the “C” and provided veteran leadership throughout the tournament. Zach Parise, serving as an alternate captain, delivered one of the most iconic moments in Olympic hockey history—scoring the dramatic tying goal with 25 seconds remaining in the gold medal game against Canada. Though Team USA ultimately lost in overtime, Parise’s goal remains etched into Olympic lore. Parise also led the team in scoring with eight points (four goals, four assists) and ranked third among all players in the tournament in total points—despite playing one fewer game.
Elias captained the Czech Republic, adding another chapter to his remarkable career and international resume. Ilya Kovalchuk, then one of the NHL’s most elite players, served as an alternate captain for Russia, who finished in sixth place.
2014: Sochi
The Devils’ Olympic presence continued in Sochi in 2014, highlighted by veteran leadership and legendary names. Elias returned yet again for the Czech Republic, serving as an alternate captain and reinforcing his status as one of the most consistent players of his era. Marek Zidlicky joined him, playing on the blue line and providing steady defensive play.
Jaromir Jagr, one of the greatest players in hockey history and a former New Jersey Devil, also served as an alternate captain for the Czechs. Although they failed to earn a medal, Jagr’s participation added historic weight to the tournament.
2026: Milan
As Olympic hockey returns to Milan this week, the Devils once again find themselves well represented — this time by the franchise’s modern core. Switzerland will feature three Devils, including Hischier, Timo Meier and Jonas Siegenthaler. Hischier is set to co-captain Team Switzerland alongside legendary NHL defenseman Roman Josi.
Simon Nemec will travel to Milan to represent Slovakia, entering the Olympics as one of the most promising young blue-liners in the game. Sweden boasts Bratt and goaltender Jacob Markstrom, with Bratt’s speed and playmaking ability poised to excel on international ice.
Team USA will feature Jack Hughes, the star-studded center of the Devils franchise. For Hughes, the Olympics represent both a personal milestone and an opportunity to cement himself on a global stage.
A Tradition that Endures
From Brodeur’s gold-medal heroics to Parise’s last-second magic, Elias’ legacy and Hughes’ upcoming Olympic debut, the New Jersey Devils’ Olympic history is as rich as it is diverse. Across multiple eras, Devils players have not only represented their countries with pride, but have helped shape Olympic hockey history itself. As the men’s tournament begins once again, the Devils’ influence remains unmistakable.
