While it’s certainly been a struggle for the New Jersey Devils this season, this much-needed break comes with a bonus for their dejected fans; seven of their players will get a chance to showcase their skills on the world’s biggest stage at the 2026 Olympic Games im Milan-Cortina, Italy.
Related: Guide to the 2026 Winter Olympics Men’s Hockey Tournament
Suddenly, team record doesn’t matter. National pride is everything. This will be the first time NHL players head to the games since Sochi 2014 — 12 years ago.
Here is everything you need to know if you’re a Devils fan watching the Winter Games.
*Editor’s Note: Games in the U.S. can be viewed primarily through NBCUniversal’s platforms, including live on Peacock (all games), USA Network, CNBC, and NBC, with Spanish coverage on Telemundo/Universo. In Canada, games will be shown on CBC, TSN, and Sportsnet, as well as internationally via local rights holders or streaming on Olympics.com.
Team USA
Jack Hughes
While Jack Hughes has struggled to stay on the ice, reports out of Milan signal that he’ll be a full go. When healthy, he’s elite: he has 335 points (135 G, 200 A) in his last 287 NHL games.
Hughes practiced on Team USA’s fourth line yesterday alongside J.T. Miller and a rotation of Vincent Trocheck and Brock Nelson. Excitingly for the Hughes family, when the puck drops for their first contest on Thursday, it’ll mark the first time Jack is teammates with brother Quinn since the 2019 International Ice Hockey Federation World Championships — 2,457 days ago.
“Miracle on Ice, grew up watching that,” said Hughes after he was named to the team. “Even 2014 with [TJ Oshie’s shootout heroics] … you dream of it, to have the chance to be part of it is extremely special.”
Across five major tournaments in a U.S. sweater, Jack has 40 points (14 G, 26 A) in 29 games…though he hasn’t scored a goal since the World U18s in 2019. Will that change in Milan!?
When to Watch Jack Hughes & Team USA
As we see in many international tournaments, a hot start for a player could instantly propel them from the bottom-six to one of the team’s most important players. It’ll be vital for Jack to get off to a hot start against Latvia.
Here’s when you can catch the Devils’ star forward in action.
February 12: Latvia vs United States, 3:10 p.m. — Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena
February 14: United States vs Denmark, 3:10 p.m. — Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena
February 15: United States vs Germany, 3:10 p.m. — Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena
*All times EST*
Team Sweden
Jesper Bratt
Jesper Bratt has struggled this season — at least for his standards. His shooting percentage of 10.4% is his worst in a non-shortened season since 2018-19, but the Olympics are a great place to get back on track.
He was one of Sweden’s better forwards at the 4 Nations Face-Off and has compiled eight points in 16 games across three major international tournaments for his country. He’s been practicing on Sweden’s second line alongside Lucas Raymnd and Elias Lindholm.
“It’s a tournament you have dreamed of playing your whole life,” said Bratt. “Every scenario when you were younger, being at an outdoor rink or playing street hockey, was always playing for Sweden in the Olympics.”
Jacob Markstrom
Jacob Markstrom is heading into this Olympic tournament with a massive chip on his shoulder. Not only has he struggled in New Jersey this season, but he’s had a rough recent experience in recent international play.
First, he missed the entire 4 Nations Face-Off due to an injury. Then, he was the losing goaltender in Team Sweden’s semifinal contest against Team USA at the Worlds in May, stopping just 16 of 20 (.800 SV%) as Sweden fell short of their goals on home ice.
All it takes is a hot week and some confidence to get back on track; he had a .926 save percentage (SV%) in his final two starts prior to the break. On talent alone, Markstrom possesses the capability to steal games for Sweden — much like Jordan Binnington did for Canada at 4 Nations. It’s still unclear how much he’s going to play, as he’ll be sharing a crease with talented Swede Filip Gustavsson.
When to Watch the Swedish Duo
Sweden certainly has the talent to win Gold despite being overshadowed by the U.S. and Canada.
February 11: Sweden vs Italy, 3:10 p.m. — Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena
February 13: Finland vs Sweden, 6:10 a.m. — Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena
February 14: Sweden vs Slovakia, 6:10 a.m. — Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena
*All times EST*
Team Switzerland
Nico Hischier (Alternate Captain)
While most NHLers (especially from Europe) care about International play, not many do so more than Nico Hischier for Switzerland. He’s taken time out of his summers after a long, grueling NHL season to suit up at the IIHF Worlds on six separate occasions. He’s captained three of those teams and has earned two silver medals.
Including the World U18s and World Juniors, he’s notched 59 points in 63 games for the Swiss. If they have any chance of upsetting their way to a medal, Hischier will be a massive part of that.
He’s been practicing on their top line alongside Kevin Fiala and Calvin Thurkauf.
Timo Meier
Another player who has a chance to play a massive role for Switzerland is Timo Meier. After putting up 23 points (11 G, 12 A) in his first 29 games this season, he’s struggled mightily with just five (3 G, 2 A) in the following 23 contests.
In that span, Meier has created 96 scoring chances and per Natural Stat Trick, he would have an extra ~8-9 goals if he finished at just an average rate. Maybe the luck will turn in Milan.
“As a kid, you look at the things you want to achieve, and Olympics are definitely on there,” said Meier.
He’s been skating with Philipp Kurashev and Denis Malgin on Switzerland’s third line. Across seven major international tournaments, Meier has 42 points (16 G, 26 A) in 47 games.
Jonas Siegenthaler
Just by virtue of being in the NHL, Jonas Siegenthaler is one of the best defensemen to ever come out of Switzerland. Of course, the best goes to Nashville’s Roman Josi, the nation’s all-time points leader who will captain the team.
Siegenthaler has been skating alongside Dean Kukan on the second pairing. By separating Josi and Siegenthaler, the Swiss will have a balanced defense that certainly has the capability to shut down any opponent if they’re on their game. We’ve seen them upset many countries at the IIHF Worlds, but they haven’t gotten over the hump to win gold.
Across 11 major international tournaments (72 games), he has 29 points (4 G, 25 A) and most importantly: a plus-35 rating.
When to Watch the Swiss Trio
We’ll see if the Devils’ Swiss representatives can raise their game on the biggest stage. Here’s when to watch:
February 12: Switzerland vs France, 6:10 a.m. — Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena
February 13: Canada vs Switzerland, 3:10 p.m. — Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena
February 15: Switzerland vs Czechia, 6:10 a.m. — Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena
*All times EST*
Team Slovakia
Simon Nemec
Juraj Slafkovsky and Simon Nemec are viewed as stars in their home country of Slovakia — rightfully so. The duo were drafted #1 and #2 in 2022, respectively, and despite being just 21 years old, they’ve been focal points of the National Team for years.
After a pretty strong offensive start in New Jersey, Nemec will look to ramp up his game for a country that doesn’t have many NHLers. He’s been practicing on the top pairing alongside Martin Fehervary.
In 44 games for Slovakia, Nemec has amassed 26 points (3 G, 23 A). He is one of very few current NHLers who is returning from the 2022 Olympics in Beijing; Nemec played seven games there as a 17-year-old prospect and earned a Bronze Medal.
When to Watch Simon Nemec & Team Slovakia
Could Nemec propel the Slovaks to a massive upset!? Here’s when to watch:
February 11: Slovakia vs Finland, 10:40 a.m. — Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena
February 13: Italy vs Slovakia, 6:10 a.m. — Milano Rho Ice Hockey Arena
February 14: Sweden vs Slovakia, 6:10 a.m. — Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena
*All times EST*
The Olympics Are Finally Here
As we saw with 4 Nations, international best-on-best tournaments are a time for people to come together and appreciate the great sport of hockey.
Be sure to check out the incredible coverage here at The Hockey Writers throughout the 2026 Winter Olympics.
