The Colorado Avalanche could be one of the NHL clubs with the most representation at the 2026 Olympics in Milano-Cortina. Thus far, we’ve speculated as to which Avalanche players could make their respective national squads.
The uncertainty, however, will begin to fade on Wednesday when Team Canada announces its official roster. At around noon EST on Wednesday, the list of players representing Canada will hit the airwaves.
So, what can Colorado Avalanche fans expect from this roster unveiling?
Well, there won’t really be many surprises. We’ve already talked about Nathan MacKinnon being unofficially named to the team. Yes, he was one of the first six officially confirmed back in June. But there could always be some reason why he might be left off. Injuries, a change of heart, or some other weird factor could lead MacKinnon to decline.
But it’s likelier the Avalanche fire Jared Bednar and hire me as coach than MacKinnon passes on going to the Olympics. The same goes for Cale Makar. He was another of the first six named to Team Canada’s squad. Again, unless Makar’s legs suddenly popped off like a Lego figure, he’s going to Milano-Cortina.
That leaves one other Avalanche player who’ll be on the squad. That’s Devon Toews. Makar and Toews made up Jon Cooper’s top defense pairing at the 4 Nations. There’s little doubt they’ll reprise their roles at the Olympics.
So, that’s three Colorado Avalanche players who are practically shoo-ins. But there’s one more player who might be an unexpected member on Team Canada.
Colorado Avalanche could have unexpected member on Team Canada
I’m sure you’ve guessed I’m talking about MacKenzie Blackwood. He’s not really unexpected given his play this season. However, Blackwood wasn’t really considered an option heading into this year.
Blackwood started the season on the shelf. But since returning in early November, he’s been lights out. We’ve also discussed just how much Blackwood’s play has catapulted him to become a finalist for one of Canada’s three spots.
If I had to bet, I’d say Blackwood gets one of the nods. He’s been consistent the entire season. Plus, Darcy Kuemper’s injury this month could have set him back slightly enough to miss out on a spot.
If Team Canada chooses to pass on Jordan Binnington, then Blackwood would be a shoo-in. As for Scott Wedgewood, I wouldn’t rule him out entirely. He could be a surprise for Canada.
Think about it. The starting tandem could be Logan Thompson and MacKenzie Blackwood. But what happens if one of them can’t go for some reason? Wedgewood has proven he can just jump over the boards and go berserk. He’d the perfect third stringer on such a deep team.
The odds are against Wedgewood. But I wouldn’t rule him out completely.
Ultimately, the Colorado Avalanche could land four players on Team Canada. That will just be the beginning as more Avalanche stars will be landing on their respective nations’ rosters.