{coyotes} McDavid, Hellebuyck, Quinn Hughes lead Olympic all-star team

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Connor McDavid, Connor Hellebuyck and Quinn Hughes will take home medals and individual awards from the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026.

McDavid was voted most valuable player and best forward of the tournament by attending media. The Edmonton Oilers captain, who for the final two games was Team Canada captain in place of an injured Sidney Crosby, had 13 points (two goals, 11 assists) in six games to break a record shared by Teemu Selanne and Saku Koivu (11 each) at the 2006 Torino Games for most at an Olympics with NHL participation.

The Oilers return from the Olympic break when they visit the Anaheim Ducks on Wednesday. McDavid's 96 points (34 goals, 62 assists) in 58 games lead the NHL, and have him contending for his sixth Art Ross Trophy and fourth Hart Trophy given to the League MVP.

Hellebuyck's 41 saves capped a performance that earned him best goaltender to give Team USA its first Olympic gold medal since the 1980 Lake Placid Games with a 2-1 overtime win against Canada. The Winnipeg Jets goalie broke Ryan Miller's record for saves (36 at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics) in a gold medal game with NHL players. He stopped McDavid on a breakaway in the second period, made a desperation stick save against Devon Toews in the opening minutes of the third and finished 5-0-0-0 with a 1.18 goals-against average and .956 save percentage.

"Hellebuyck was insane," Quinn Hughes, voted best defenseman, said in remarks published by the IIHF website. "You saw the looks they had. Canada's an insane team out there. The game's never been faster. It's never been more skilled. And they've got some special players, Hall of Famers, all over their team."

The Jets visit the Vancouver Canucks on Wednesday trailing the Ducks by 11 points for the second wild card into the Stanley Cup Playoffs from the Western Conference, one season after winning the Presidents' Trophy with an NHL-high 116 points. Hellebuyck, the reigning Hart and Vezina Trophy winner (top goalie), is 13-16-7 with a 2.79 GAA and .900 save percentage.

"It's a dream come true," Hellebuyck told NBC Sports. "I love this group. We had so much fun over here, we grinded, we battled. This is some of the best and most fun hockey ever played. It still hasn't truthfully sunk in. Who knows how long it's going to last? It's surreal."

Hughes of the Minnesota Wild scored in overtime to give the U.S. a 2-1 win against Team Sweden in the quarterfinals. His eight points (one goal, seven assists) tied Sweden's Erik Karlsson (2014 Sochi Olympics) and Brian Rafalski of the U.S. (2010) for the most by a defenseman in a single tournament. Hughes and the Wild return to the NHL with a visit to the Colorado Avalanche on Thursday holding the first wild card in the West.

Quinn's brother, New Jersey Devils forward Jack Hughes, scored the golden goal 1:41 into overtime, giving the U.S. redemption for a 3-2 OT loss to Canada in the championship game of the 4 Nations Face-Off at TD Garden in Boston on Feb. 20, 2025. He and Crosby (2010) are the two players to score in OT of an Olympic goal-medal game with NHL players.

"The USA Hockey brotherhood is so strong," Jack Hughes said. "We have so much support from our players. I'm so proud of the Americans today. USA Hockey, brotherhood, means so much."

The U.S. won Olympic gold for the third time, including the 1960 Squaw Valley Games, and defeated Canada in Milan on the 46th anniversary of when the "Miracle on Ice" team won 4-3 against the Soviet Union, two days before defeating Finland 4-2 for gold.

"This just means so much to all of us and USA Hockey," forward Jack Eichel said, per the IIHF. "There's just so much pride in wearing this jersey and being able to do something special and create our own story here. It's been a long time since USA Hockey was on top of the hockey world, so we're really proud of this moment, and I just can't say enough about the group."

The Olympic All-Star team was rounded out by Canada defenseman Cale Makar, Canada forward Macklin Celebrini and Team Slovakia forward Juraj Slafkovsky.

Makar's six points (two goals, four assists) tied 2026 teammate Drew Doughty (2014), Shea Weber (2010 and 2014), Dan Boyle (2010) and Duncan Keith (2010) for most by a Canada defenseman during a single tournament with NHL players. His goal that tied it 1-1 on Sunday made him the sixth at his position to score in a gold medal game with NHL participation (Kimmo Timonen, Nicklas Lidstrom, Niklas Kronwall, Rafalski and Petr Svoboda). His 15 goals are tied for fifth in the NHL among defensemen with the Avalanche, who resume their schedule at the Utah Mammoth on Wednesday.

Celebrini, a 19-year-old forward with the San Jose Sharks, had 10 points (five goals, five assists), second in the Olympics behind McDavid. His 81 points (28 goals, 53 assists) are fourth in the League and have the Sharks contending for their first playoff berth since 2019. San Jose continues its regular season at home against the Calgary Flames on Thursday.

Slafkovsky's eight points (four goals, four assists) for fourth-place Team Slovakia were the third most by a Montreal Canadiens skater in an Olympic tournament with NHL players behind Saku Koivu (11 in 2006 and 10 at Nagano in 1998). He has 45 points (21 goals, 24 assists) in 57 games with the Canadiens second in the Atlantic Division ahead of their home game against the New York Islanders on Thursday.

The Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 All-Star Team

Most Valuable Player
Connor McDavid, Team Canada

Tournament Directorate Three Best Players
Best Goalie: Connor Hellebuyck, Team USA
Best Defenseman: Quinn Hughes, Team USA
Best Forward: Connor McDavid, Team Canada

Media All-Star Team
Goalie: Connor Hellebuyck, Team USA
Defenseman: Quinn Hughes, Team USA
Defenseman: Cale Makar, Team Canada
Forward: Connor McDavid, Team Canada
Forward: Macklin Celebrini, Team Canada
Forward: Juraj Slafkovsky, Team Slovakia

 

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{coyotes} Jack Hughes scores in OT, Team USA wins Olympic gold medal game against Canada

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MILAN -- The United States has a new Golden Generation.

Jack Hughes is the poster boy after he scored one of the most dramatic goals in Olympic hockey history, 1:41 into overtime to give Team USA a 2-1 win against Team Canada in the gold medal game of the men's hockey tournament at the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 at Santaguilia Arena on Sunday.

The goal, off a pass from Zach Werenski during 3-on-3 play, slid through the five-hole of Canada goalie Jordan Binnington and delivered the much-awaited gold medal for this American squad, placing it on the same pedestal as the 1980 "Miracle on Ice" team. The win came on the 46th anniversary of the improbable 4-3 victory against the Soviet Union during the medal round in Lake Placid, New York.

"I can't even believe this," said Hughes, smiling despite losing a few teeth when he was high-sticked earlier in the game. "I mean, it's such an unbelievable game, USA-Canada. That's such a good game. They have so many great players. We're a great team.

"That's exactly how we wanted it to go. We wanted to go through Canada and beat them. It's an unbelievable win for the Americans."

Canada had not lost an Olympic game involving NHL players since the 2010 Vancouver Games, when the Americans defeated the Canadians in round-robin play. Canada got revenge in overtime of that tournament, winning on a Golden Goal by Sidney Crosby. Four years later, it defeated Sweden for gold.

Pandemonium broke out after the Hughes' goal; the players leaping onto the ice in waves, tossing equipment into the sky, bearhugging the New Jersey Devils forward along the wall in front of the penalty box.

The Team USA goal song, "Free Bird," played in the background, fighting with the "USA, USA," chants from the crowd.

"There is no better feeling in the world," said U.S. defenseman Charlie McAvoy, wrapped in an American flag. "This is that. I can't wait to see the footage of what happened after we scored because it was a complete blackout, who I was hugging, where I was going.

"It was just euphoria, man. I can't even explain what I was feeling. Just pure joy."

Hughes was in the spotlight afterwards, but the victory was built on the back of goalie Connor Hellebuyck, who made 41 saves, many of the highlight-reel variety, especially during a 19-8 advantage by Canada in the second period.

"Oh my gosh, they will be talking about this performance for generations," U.S. forward Matthew Tkachuk said of Hellebuyck. "It was an all-time performance from a superstar at his position. It'll go down as one of the best performances of all-time, right up there with Jimmy Craig (Team USA goalie in 1980). If we don't have him, we don't win."

The biggest save of the game came in the opening minutes of the third period. Defenseman Devon Toews was in the slot, the puck on his stick, looking at an empty net. As he shot, Hellebuyck stretched his stick behind him in a final act of desperation and the puck struck it, skittering away from the net.

"I haven't even seen it, but if he saved it, it's a great save" Toews said after the game. "Honestly, I don't know how Mitch [Marner] put it on my tape. I just felt it there and tried to shovel it in and it didn't go in. We had five or six of those kind of looks tonight, and we just couldn't put it in."

Hellebuyck said, "It's not the first stick save of my career, but it is the biggest stick save of my career. "When I'm rolling back and the puck is not in the net, it is just an overwhelming feeling of, 'I got this.'"

Cale Makar scored, and Binnington made 26 saves for Canada, which played without Crosby, its captain, for a second straight game because of a lower-body injury he sustained in the quarterfinals against Team Czechia.

"It was pretty close," Crosby said. "Ultimately, I wasn't able to go out there and do what I needed to do in order to help the team. At that point you have to make a decision that's best for the group. It's not an easy one, but that's hockey."

Makar tied at 1-1 at 18:16 of the second period with a snap shott hat picked the far corner.

Connor McDavid, the leading scorer in the tournament, had a breakaway in the first period but was denied by Hellebuyck. Nathan MacKinnon had a Grade-A chance at an open net in the third but missed.

Canada had defeated the USA each time they met in a tournament-deciding game since the 1996 World Cup Final, including an overtime victory in the 4 Nations Face-Off championship last season.

"I look at this game, and I am so proud of what went on," Canada coach Jon Cooper said. "I'm proud of our country, proud of our players, proud of our team. In the end, you are going to read the book that USA won the gold in Olympic hockey and Canada won the silver, but in the grand scheme of things, the big winner was ice hockey. I think that is what we should all take out of this."

Matt Boldy gave the U.S. a 1-0 lead at 6:00 of the first, flipping the puck between Makar and Toews before gaining position on the latter and deked to his backhand before pushing the puck past Binnington.

Hellebuyck helped force overtime by stopping all 14 shots he faced in the third.

"I'm just so lucky to be a part of this generation right now of USA Hockey," McAvoy said. So many generations before us, unbelievable players, the guys we looked up to, they didn't get it done. They paved the way for us, but they weren't able to get it done.

"We've been thinking about those guys. They've been in the locker room telling us, 'It's your guys' turn, get it done.' And we got it done, man. It just feels so surreal right now."

NOTES: Hughes joined Crosby (2010) as the only players to score in overtime of an Olympic gold medal game with NHL participation. … Boldy's goal was the fastest to start a gold medal game in an Olympics with NHL players; Tony Amonte (U.S.) scored at 8:49 against Canada in 2002. … Ryan Miller stopped 42 shots in a round-robin game against Canada in 2010, the only American goalie with more saves than Hellebuyck in an Olympics with NHL players. … Canada's 19 shots in the second were the most by one team in a period during a gold medal game; it had 17 in the second against the U.S. in 2002.

 

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{coyotes} Bettman says the NHL has more Olympic content access in Milan and hopes for further progress

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MILAN (AP) — Not getting to show iconic moments such as Sidney Crosby's golden goal for Canada in Vancouver in 2010 or T.J. Oshie's shootout heroics for the U.S. against Russia in Sochi in 2014 has been one of the biggest sticking points when it comes to the NHL participating in the Olympics.

The top hockey league in the world decided not to take part in 2018, and pandemic-related scheduling issues scrapped going in 2022. Back now in Milan for the first time in a dozen years, Commissioner Gary Bettman noted progress made in gaining more access to content, but hopes for more in the future with an eye on 2030 in the French Alps and beyond.

"I do believe that both the IOC and IIHF have been a tad more flexible in terms of the things that we can do, particularly with respect to intellectually property and how the games are covered so that we don't completely disappear for a couple of weeks," Bettman said at a joint news conference with Players' Association executive director Marty Walsh and International Ice Hockey Federation president Luc Tardif.

"I think there's an increasing recognition that we're a little unique compared to all the other sports in the Olympics — Summer or Winter — because to do this we're stopping our season in the middle and that is an imposition on the season. And I think, over time, that's something that the IOC has begun to respect more and more."

Bettman in particular pointed to players being able to create social media content as participating athletes and the NHL's ability to repost it as one improvement, along with shared logo use. A year since the league- and union-run 4 Nations Face-Off was a smashing success, this isn't their show, but players' desire to return to the Olympics has been a major priority for quite some time.

"Hockey fans and players want to see best on best," said Walsh, who left his Cabinet position as U.S. Secretary of Labor in 2013 to take over the union. "When I started at the PA, the first thing the players said to me: 'We want to be back in the Olympics.' I'm so honored to say that we worked collectively together to make that a reality."

No World Cup talk at the Olympics

A year to the day the NHL and NHLPA announced plans to stage a World Cup of Hockey in 2028 in the aim of having an international tournament on a cycle of every two years, Bettman and Walsh declined to discuss the event. They'd like to focus on this tournament first.

"Once we get done with the Olympics, there'll be some announcements," Bettman said. "We're making progress on our internal plans, but it would be both premature and, frankly, right now inappropriate (to talk about it)."

Tardif said the IIHF, which is not controlling the World Cup, has the framework of an agreement that would allow it to be scheduled. Some European leagues may need to pause their seasons to participate to fill out the rosters.

Russia is barred from hockey, just like other team sports, by the IOC given the ongoing war in Ukraine. Asked what the NHL would decide about its event, Bettman said it would go by how the rest of the international community is treating the situation.

Arena woes turn to celebration

Bettman was one of the first to express concern about the glacial pace of construction on the main hockey arena in Milan back in 2023, before the Olympic agreement was finalized. Sitting in the bowls of Milano Santagiulia Arena that got done just in time, he said league and union officials did "a lot of consciousness-raising as we came down the stretch" to help push the job over the finish line.

"We're here, we're playing the games and that's what we're focused on," Bettman said. "To the extent we feel like we need to debrief after the fact, we're going to do that."

Bettman deferred to Tardif, who's from France, on building of hockey rinks in Nice that are set to host games four years from now.

"For 2030, everybody sees the building is delivered on time, but we see with all the requests we've got about the tickets, why not have more seats?" Tardif said. "All of the fans all over the world, they deserve it. That's why you first build something that you're not going to have any other choice to come."

NHL not considering going to the international point system

The NHL awards two points for every win, one for a loss in overtime or a shootout and none for a loss in regulation. Internationally, it's three points for a regulation win, two for an overtime or shootout win, one for an overtime or shootout loss and none for a regulation loss.

Going to that system hasn't been discussed much and Walsh said players have not brought it up.

"We like what we have, and we like the way it plays out over our 82-game season and our playoffs, the way we do it," Bettman said. "We're not in search of a problem to fix."

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{coyotes} Canadian Hockey League announces Top 50 Players of the last 50 years

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As part of its 50th anniversary season, the Canadian Hockey League today announced the Top 50 Players of the Last 50 Years (since 1975–76), recognizing the most influential and accomplished alumni from the Western Hockey League (WHL), Ontario Hockey League (OHL), and Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) over the past half century.

Featuring a remarkable collection of Hockey Hall of Fame inductees alongside former and active NHL players, the Top 50 list celebrates five decades of excellence across the CHL Member Leagues. Spanning every position, the list includes six goaltenders, nine defencemen, and 35 forwards.

Reflecting that three-league foundation, the Top 50 list includes 20 players who appeared in the OHL, 18 in the QMJHL, and 13 in the WHL. In total, 31 of the 50 honourees have been inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame, while 11 remain active in the NHL. The group also features 20 Olympic champions, underscoring the CHL's legacy on the international stage. Championship pedigree runs throughout the list, as 15 members were crowned Memorial Cup, and 34 went on to win the Stanley Cup — combining for 81 Stanley Cup Championships over their playing careers.

"This list reflects the extraordinary legacy of the CHL and the impact our players have had on the game at every level," said Dan MacKenzie, President of the CHL. "From generational talents to championship leaders, the Top 50 celebrates five decades of excellence — players who defined eras in the WHL, OHL and QMJHL, and who include Hockey Hall of Famers, legends of the game, and active NHL stars who continue to shine on hockey's biggest stages."

Fan Vote Now Open

Alongside today's unveiling, the CHL has launched a fan vote running from February 10 through March 10, inviting fans to submit their Top 10 from the Top 50 list at contests.chl.ca/CHL50vote. Fan voting will help inform how the CHL ultimately ranks the players 1–50, with the final ranking to be revealed later this spring. Fans who participate will also have a chance to win one (1) trip for two (2) to Kelowna, BC, including transportation, hotel accommodations, and tickets to the Championship Game of the 2026 Memorial Cup presented by Kubota, plus access to a special event featuring CHL/NHL alumni from the CHL's Top 50 list.

Top 50 CHL Players of the Last 50 Years (Alphabetical)

• Bedard, Connor / Forward (WHL, Regina Pats – 2020-23) / (Chicago Blackhawks – 2023-Present)
• Bergeron, Patrice / Forward (QMJHL, Acadie-Bathurst Titan – 2001-03) / (Boston Bruins – 2003-2023)
• Bossy, Mike / Forward (QMJHL, Laval National – 1972-1977) / (New York Islanders – 1977-1987)
• Bourque, Ray / Defenceman (QMJHL, Trois-Rivières Draveurs & Sorel/Verdun Blackhawks – 1976-79) / (Boston Bruins & Colorado Avalanche – 1979-2001)
• Brodeur, Martin / Goaltender (QMJHL, St. Hyacinthe Laser – 1989-92) / (New Jersey Devils & St. Louis Blues – 1991-2015)
• Carbonneau, Guy / Forward (QMJHL, Chicoutimi Saguenéens – 1976-80) / (Montréal Canadiens, St. Louis Blues & Dallas Stars – 1980-2000)
• Coffey, Paul / Defenceman (OHL, Kingston Canadians, Soo Greyhounds & Kitchener Rangers) / (Edmonton Oilers, Pittsburgh Penguins, Los Angeles Kings, Detroit Red Wings, Hartford Whalers, Philadelphia Flyers, Chicago Blackhawks, Carolina Hurricanes & Boston Bruins – 1980-2001)
• Crosby, Sidney / Forward (QMJHL, Rimouski Océanic – 2003-05) / (Pittsburgh Penguins – 2005-Present)
• Doughty, Drew / Defenceman (OHL, Guelph Storm – 2005-08) / (Los Angeles Kings – 2008-Present)
• Draisaitl, Leon / Forward (WHL, Prince Albert Raiders & Kelowna Rockets – 2012-15) / (Edmonton Oilers – 2015-Present)
• Ferraro, Ray / Forward (WHL, Portland Winterhawks & Brandon Wheat Kings – 1982-84) / (Hartford Whalers, New York Islanders, Los Angeles Kings, Atlanta Thrashers, St. Louis Blues – 1984-2002)
• Fleury, Marc-André / Goaltender (QMJHL, Cape Breton Screaming Eagles – 2000-04) / (Pittsburgh Penguins, Vegas Golden Knights, Chicago Blackhawks & Minnesota Wild – 2003-25)
• Francis, Ron / Forward (OHL, Soo Greyhounds – 1980-82) / (Hartford Whalers, Pittsburgh Penguins, Carolina Hurricanes & Toronto Maple Leafs – 1981-2004)  
• Fuhr, Grant / Goaltender (WHL, Victoria Cougars – 1979-81) / (Edmonton Oilers, Toronto Maple Leafs, Buffalo Sabres, Los Angeles Kings, St. Louis Blues & Calgary Flames – 1981-2000)        
• Gilmour, Doug / Forward (OHL & QMJHL, Cornwall Royals – 1980-83) / (St. Louis Blues, Calgary Flames, Toronto Maple Leafs, New Jersey Devils, Chicago Blackhawks, Buffalo Sabres & Montreal Canadiens – 1983-2003)
• Gretzky, Wayne / Forward (OHL, Peterborough Petes & Soo Greyhounds – 1977-78) / (Edmonton Oilers, Los Angeles Kings, St. Louis Blues & New York Rangers – 1979-99)
• Hall, Taylor / Forward (OHL, Windsor Spitfires – 2007-10) / (Edmonton Oilers, New Jersey Devils, Arizona Coyotes, Buffalo Sabres, Boston Bruins, Chicago Blackhawks & Carolina Hurricanes – 2010-Present)
• Hawerchuk, Dale / Forward (QMJHL – 1979-80, Cornwall Royals) / (Winnipeg Jets, Buffalo Sabres, St. Louis Blues & Philadelphia Flyers – 1981-97)
• Iginla, Jarome / Forward (WHL, Kamloops Blazers – 1993-96) / (Calgary Flames, Pittsburgh Penguins, Boston Bruins, Colorado Avalanche & Los Angeles Kings – 1995-2017)
• Kane, Patrick / Forward (OHL, London Knights – 2006-07) / (Chicago Blackhawks, New York Rangers & Detroit Red Wings – 2007-Present)
• Lafontaine, Pat / Forward (QMJHL, Verdun Juniors – 1982-83) / (New York Islanders, Buffalo Sabres & New York Rangers – 1983-98)
• Lecavalier, Vincent / Forward (QMJHL, Rimouski Océanic – 1996-98) / (Tampa Bay Lightning, Philadelphia Flyers & Los Angeles Kings – 1998-2016)
• Lemieux, Mario / Forward (QMJHL, Laval Voisins – 1981-84) / (Pittsburgh Penguins – 1984-97 & 2000-06)
• Lindros, Eric / Forward (OHL, Oshawa Generals – 1989-92) / (Philadelphia Flyers, New York Rangers, Toronto Maple Leafs & Dallas Stars – 1992-2007)
• Luongo, Roberto / Goaltender (QMJHL, Val-d'Or Foreurs & Acadie-Bathurst Titan – 1995-99) / (New York Islanders, Florida Panthers & Vancouver Canucks – 1999-2019)
• MacInnis, Al / Defenceman (OHL, Kitchener Rangers – 1980-83) / (Calgary Flames & St. Louis Blues – 1981-2004)
• MacKinnon, Nathan / Forward (QMJHL, Halifax Mooseheads – 2011-13) / (Colorado Avalanche – 2013-Present)
• McDavid, Connor / Forward (OHL, Erie Otters – 2012-15) / (Edmonton Oilers – 2015-Present)
• Modano, Mike / Forward (WHL, Prince Albert Raiders – 1986-89) / (Minnesota North Stars/Dallas Stars & Detroit Red Wings – 1988-2011)
• Murphy, Larry / Defenceman (OHL, Peterborough Petes – 1978-80) / (Los Angeles Kings, Washington Capitals, Minnesota North Stars, Pittsburgh Penguins, Toronto Maple Leafs & Detroit Red Wings – 1980-2001)
• Neely, Cam / Forward (WHL, Portland Winterhawks – 1982-84) / (Vancouver Canucks & Boston Bruins – 1983-96)
• Niedermayer, Scott / Defenceman (WHL, Kamloops Blazers – 1989-92) / (New Jersey Devils & Anaheim Ducks – 1991-2010)
• Perry, Corey / Forward (OHL, London Knights – 2001-05) / (Anaheim Ducks, Dallas Stars, Montreal Canadiens, Tampa Bay Lightning, Chicago Blackhawks, Edmonton Oilers & Los Angeles Kings – 2006-Present)
• Price, Carey / Goaltender (WHL, Tri-City Americans – 2002-07) / (Montreal Canadiens – 2007-22)
• Pronger, Chris - Defenceman (OHL, Peterborough Petes – 1991-93) / (Hartford Whalers, St. Louis Blues, Edmonton Oilers, Anaheim Ducks, & Philadelphia Flyers – 1993-2012)
• Propp, Brian / Forward (WHL, Brandon Wheat Kings – 1976-79) / (Philadelphia Flyers, Boston Bruins, Minnesota North Stars & Hartford Whalers – 1979-94)
• Recchi, Mark / Forward (WHL, New Westminster Bruins & Kamloops Blazers – 1984-88) / (Pittsburgh Penguins, Philadelphia Flyers, Montreal Canadiens, Carolina Hurricanes, Atlanta Thrashers, Tampa Bay Lightning & Boston Bruins – 1989-2011)
• Richards, Brad / Forward (QMJHL, Rimouski Océanic – 1997-2000) / (Tampa Bay Lightning, Dallas Stars, New York Rangers, Chicago Blackhawks & Detroit Red Wings – 2000-16)
• Robitaille, Luc / Forward (QMJHL, Hull Olympiques – 1983-86) / (Los Angeles Kings, Pittsburgh Penguins, New York Rangers & Detroit Red Wings – 1986-2006)
• Roy, Patrick / Goaltender (QMJHL, Granby Bisons – 1982-85) / (Montreal Canadiens & Colorado Avalanche – 1984-2003)
• Sakic, Joe / Forward (WHL, Lethbridge/Swift Current Broncos – 1985-88) / (Quebec Nordiques/Colorado Avalanche – 1988-2009)
• Savard, Denis / Forward (QMJHL, Montreal Juniors – 1977-80) / (Chicago Blackhawks, Montreal Canadiens & Tampa Bay Lightning – 1980-97)
• Shanahan, Brendan / Forward (OHL, London Knights – 1985-87) / (New Jersey Devils, St. Louis Blues, Hartford Whalers, Detroit Red Wings & New York Rangers – 1987-2009)
• Smith, Bobby / Forward (OHL, Ottawa 67's – 1975-78) / (Minnesota North Stars & Montreal Canadiens – 1978-93)
• Stamkos, Steven / Forward (OHL, Sarnia Sting – 2006-08) / (Tampa Bay Lightning & Nashville Predators – 2008-Present)
• Stevens, Scott / Defenceman (OHL, Kitchener Rangers – 1980-82) / (Washington Capitals, St. Louis Blues & New Jersey Devils – 1982-2004)
• Tavares, John / Forward (OHL, Oshawa Generals & London Knights – 2005-09) / (New York Islanders & Toronto Maple Leafs – 2009-Present)
• Thornton, Joe / Forward (OHL, Soo Greyhounds – 1995-97) / (Boston Bruins, San Jose Sharks, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Florida Panthers – 1997-2022)
• Weber, Shea / Defenceman (WHL, Kelowna Rockets – 2001-05) / (Nashville Predators & Montreal Canadiens – 2005-21)
• Yzerman, Steve / Forward (OHL, Peterborough Petes – 1981-83) / (Detroit Red Wings – 1983-2006)

CHL Top 50 Evaluation Criteria and Eligibility

The CHL's Top 50 Players were selected by a panel of more than 40 media members who submitted ranked 1–50 ballots guided by a weighted evaluation framework designed to ensure consistency across eras. Panelists considered a player's impact beyond the CHL — including NHL and international success, major awards and championships, and Hall of Fame recognition — alongside on-ice achievement in the Member Leagues, reflecting what players accomplished during their time in the WHL, OHL, and QMJHL through production, individual honours, team success, and sustained dominance. Selections also accounted for historical significance, recognizing milestones, era-defining influence, generational impact, and lasting contributions to CHL history.

To be eligible, players must have competed in at least one full season in the WHL, OHL, or QMJHL during the CHL's 50-year history beginning in 1975–76; for players who competed in 1975–76 and also played prior to that season, their entire CHL career was considered when evaluating on-ice accomplishments.

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{coyotes} Olympics are here for many NHL stars who waited half their careers or more for this

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MILAN (AP) — Nathan MacKinnon knew he wouldn't make Canada's 2014 Olympic team as an 18-year-old NHL rookie, while Germany's Leon Draisaitl and Czechia's David Pastrnak were still a year away from being drafted.

Canadian Connor McDavid and American Jack Eichel were just 17 and Auston Matthews 16 when the best hockey players in the world went to Sochi. They all figured they'd get their chance four years later, and it never came as the league chose not to go to Pyeongchang in 2018 — and then a global pandemic wreaked havoc and wrecked the chance to play in Beijing in 2022.

"We've been waiting, our generation, pretty much whole of our careers to play at the Olympics," Pastrnak said.

Victor Hedman, inexplicably snubbed by Sweden a dozen years ago, is making his Olympic debut in Milan. And the moment has finally arrived for McDavid and MacKinnon to team up with Sidney Crosby for Canada and for Eichel and Matthews to join forces in the hopes of delivering the first U.S. gold medal in men's hockey since the 1980 "Miracle on Ice."

"Surreal," McDavid said, repeating himself in disbelief. "Surreal. It's been a long time. Been a long time coming."

The first games are Wednesday, with Finland and Slovakia kicking things off before Sweden faces host Italy in the nightcap.

"I don't know if I'm going to feel great or awful, but I'm going to be flying for the first shifts," Sweden's Adrian Kempe said.

Who's favored to win gold in men's hockey at the Olympics?

Canada is just over an odds-on favorite, with the U.S. a little under 2-1 on BetMGM Sportsbook. Canada won three of the first five Olympics involving NHL players dating to 1998, including the past two in 2010 and '14, and anything short of gold is a disappointment in the country that invented the sport.

"Playing for Team Canada over the years, that's something you learn is part of it, that expectation and that responsibility," Crosby said. "We understand that, we have high expectations ourselves, and you've got to go out there and play and do all the things that are necessary to try to win. You can't think too far ahead, but we understand that's the expectation."

The U.S. has a stacked roster, from Eichel, Matthews and brothers Brady and Matthew Tkachuk up front to a deep defense led by Quinn Hughes, Charlie McAvoy and Zach Werenski, and a stellar trio of goaltenders in Connor Hellebuyck, Jake Oettinger and Jeremy Swayman. Its best finishes since 1980 were losses in the final — each time to Canada — in 2002 and '10.

Given the growth of hockey in the U.S. and the pipeline that has pumped out talent over the past couple of decades, general manager Bill Guerin made it clear it's gold or bust time.

"Pretty much every country's mindset here is to win, and our team's no different," Matthew Tkachuk said. "If you come here with another mindset, you probably shouldn't be here."

Enter Sweden, the 15-2 third choice. Losing projected No. 1 center Leo Carlsson and top-four defenseman Jonas Brodin to injury certainly hurts, but the Swedes have four players back from the team that reached the final and took home silver in Sochi.

They are not worried about all the talk being about the U.S. and Canada.

"It doesn't hit our ego," Sweden coach Sam Hallam said. "That's natural. It's the two biggest hockey nations in the world at the moment."

What's the format?

The 12 teams are divided into three groups, with each playing three round-robin games. The U.S. opens Thursday against Latvia, plays Denmark in the so-called "Greenland Derby" on Saturday and wraps up the preliminary round Sunday against Draisaitl and Germany.

Canada is grouped with Czechia, Switzerland and France. Longtime rivals Finland and Sweden are with Italy and Slovakia.

No one gets eliminated, which changes the equation of how coaching staffs approach lineup and goaltending decisions and other aspects of the tournament.

"You don't win a gold medal in your first game, but you can work on everybody's game and work on yourself and work on your system and keep building," Sweden forward Rickard Rakell said.

The teams are seeded 1 through 12 based on points (three for a regulation win, two for an overtime or shootout win, one for an overtime or shootout loss and none for a regulation loss), with tiebreakers including head-to-head matchups and goal differential.

The winner of each group plus the next-best overall team advances to the quarterfinals on Feb. 18. Teams ranked 5 through 12 play each other in a qualification round on Feb. 18.

What will the hockey be like?

The last time NHL players were in the Olympics, the entertainment level was off the charts. T.J. Oshie made a national name for himself with his shootout heroics to help the U.S. beat Russia on its home soil, and Canada had a clinical march to gold.

The 4 Nations Face-Off a year ago provided a taste of what this generation can do on the international stage. The pent-up anticipation of playing in the 4 Nations created a blistering pace.

This is not a long tournament, but the stakes are high — and the speed almost certainly will be turned up, too.

"It's not as much of a sprint," MacKinnon said. "But I can't imagine the pace is going to slow down."

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Read More :- "{coyotes} Olympics are here for many NHL stars who waited half their careers or more for this"

{coyotes} Neck guards are mandatory in hockey at the Olympics. That’s an adjustment for NHL players

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MILAN (AP) — There will be a big visual difference between hockey at the Milan Cortina Olympics and the version played in the NHL: Every player is required to wear a neck guard.

"I haven't worn a neck guard since youth hockey," U.S. forward Brady Tkachuk said. "But it's good."

The sport's governing body, the International Ice Hockey Federation, voted in December 2023 to make them mandatory at all international events in the aftermath of the death of Adam Johnson from a skate cut to the neck during a game in England that October.

"You've seen some horrible, horrible incidents around the globe," Canada's Mark Stone said. "The game has gotten so fast, so stuff happens at a high pace. ... We're very fortunate in the league that we play, our staffs are very, very prepared, which I am very, very grateful for."

The NHL and the NHL Players' Association agreed to grandfather in the use of neck guards for incoming players starting next season as part of their most recent collective bargaining agreement. It's the same thing they did with helmet visors in 2013; just four players remain without one.

Stone said he thinks neck guards will become the norm, just like visors, and before that helmets in a sport known for its stubbornness to equipment changes. For now, the vast majority of players have chosen not to wear neck guards voluntarily, so the Olympics will be something new.

"It can be an adjustment," U.S. captain Auston Matthews said. "It's not bad, honestly. I don't think many guys love it, but I think once you kind of get out there and you're moving around, you don't really notice it as a much."

The American Hockey League, one tier under the NHL, is in its second season with mandatory neck guards. USA Hockey in 2024 implemented a mandate for players under 18.

From Erik Karlsson's Achilles tendon to Evander Kane's wrist, there have been skate cut injuries over the years that caused players to miss significant time. Longer ago, goaltender Clint Malarchuk survived a skate cut to the neck, as did forward Richard Zednik.

"You see some of the incidents that have happened," Matthews said. "I wear the cut-proof stuff on your wrists and your ankles and feet and stuff like that. ... It's obviously important to be protected at all times."

Players coming off the ice following their first or second practice at the Olympics had varying reviews on what it felt like to put a neck guard back on. Nathan MacKinnon acknowledged it made him hotter — while, like Tkachuk, maintaining it's all good — and Canada teammate Tom Wilson proudly wore one made by Warroad Hockey, the company of fellow 2018 Washington Capitals Stanley Cup champion T.J. Oshie.

"A little warmer," Wilson said. "Nothing too crazy, but everyone's trying to get used to it. Everyone's in the same boat."

U.S. defenseman Zach Werenski is a little more accustomed to wearing a neck guard because he did so at the world championships last spring, on the way to helping the country win the tournament for the first time since 1933. He wore a full cut-proof shirt at worlds and ditched that for a neck-only piece.

"That was too hot," Werenski said. "This isn't bad at all, though. It's a little bit warmer maybe, but it feels fine."

Matthews said U.S. players have a few options to consider, including full shirts. Stone liked what he wore for Canada's first skate, preferring a slide-on version to the Velcro he tried with the Vegas Golden Knights.

"I'll see if I like it," Stone said. "I'll probably try without it when I get back, and if I don't notice a difference, I'll probably leave it on. But if I do notice a difference, I'll probably keep it off."

Canada captain Sidney Crosby still has his old neck guard but is also auditioning other possibilities before games start for real.

"We haven't worn them, so I'm just trying to figure out which one feels the most comfortable. You're just trying to balance having protection and obviously what feels comfortable. That's basically it."

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Read More :- "{coyotes} Neck guards are mandatory in hockey at the Olympics. That’s an adjustment for NHL players"

{coyotes} NHL players on rosters for 2026 Winter Olympics

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The Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 will be held in February. The men's hockey tournament will run from Feb. 11-22 and include NHL players for the first time since 2014. Here's a look at which of the participating countries NHL players will be suiting up for.

Anaheim Ducks

Lukas Dostal, D (CZE)
Mikael Granlund, F (FIN)
Radko Gudas, D (CZE)
Jackson LaCombe, D (USA)

Boston Bruins

Henri Jokiharju, D (FIN)
Joonas Korpisalo, G (FIN)
Elias Lindholm, F (SWE)
Hampus Lindholm, D (SWE)
Charlie McAvoy, D (USA)
David Pastrnak, F (CZE)
Jeremy Swayman, G (USA)
Pavel Zacha, F (CZE)

Buffalo Sabres

Rasmus Dahlin, D (SWE)
Tage Thompson, F (USA)

Calgary Flames

Martin Pospisil, F (SVK)

Carolina Hurricanes

Sebastian Aho, F (FIN)
Frederik Andersen, G (DEN)
Nikolaj Ehlers, F (DEN)
Seth Jarvis, F (CAN)
Jaccob Slavin, D (USA)

Chicago Blackhawks

Teuvo Teravainen, F (FIN)

Colorado Avalanche

Joel Kiviranta, F (FIN)
Gabriel Landeskog, F (SWE)
Artturi Lehkonen, F (FIN)
Nathan MacKinnon, F (CAN)
Cale Makar, D (CAN)
Martin Necas, F (CZE)
Brock Nelson, F (USA)
Devon Toews, D (CAN)

Columbus Blue Jackets

Elvis Merzlikins, G (LAT)
Zach Werenski, D (USA)

Dallas Stars

Radek Faksa, F (CZE)
Thomas Harley, D (CAN)
Miro Heiskanen, D (FIN)
Roope Hintz, F (FIN)
Esa Lindell, D (FIN)
Jake Oettinger, G (USA)
Mikko Rantanen, F (FIN)

Detroit Red Wings

Dylan Larkin, F (USA)
Lucas Raymond, F (SWE)
Moritz Seider, D (GER)

Edmonton Oilers

Leon Draisaitl, F (GER)
Connor McDavid, F (CAN)
Josh Samanski, F (GER)

Florida Panthers

Uvis Balinskis, D (LAT)
Sam Bennett, F (CAN)
Gustav Forsling, D (SWE)
Anton Lundell, F (FIN)
Eetu Luostarinen, F (FIN)
Niko Mikkola, D (FIN)
Brad Marchand, F (CAN)
Sam Reinhart, F (CAN)
Matthew Tkachuk, F (USA)
Sandis Vilmanis, F (LAT)

Los Angeles Kings

Joel Armia, F (FIN)
Drew Doughty, D (CAN)
Kevin Fiala, F (SUI)
Adrian Kempe, F (SWE)
Darcy Kuemper, G (CAN)

Minnesota Wild

Matt Boldy, F (USA)
Joel Eriksson Ek, F (SWE)
Brock Faber, D (USA)
Filip Gustavsson, G (SWE)
Quinn Hughes, D (USA)
Marcus Johansson, F (SWE)
Nico Sturm, F (GER)
Jesper Wallstedt, G (SWE)

Montreal Canadiens

Oliver Kapanen, F (FIN)
Juraj Slafkovsky, F (SVK)
Nick Suzuki, F (CAN)
Alexandre Texier, F (FRA)

Nashville Predators

Filip Forsberg, F (SWE)
Erik Haula, F (FIN)
Roman Josi, D (SUI)
Juuse Saros, G (FIN)

New Jersey Devils

Jesper Bratt, F (SWE)
Nico Hischier, F (SUI)
Jack Hughes, F (USA)
Jacob Markstrom, G (SWE)
Timo Meier, F (SUI)
Simon Nemec, D (SVK)
Jonas Siegenthaler, D (SUI)

New York Islanders

Bo Horvat, F (CAN)
Ondrej Palat, F (CZE)

New York Rangers

J.T. Miller, F (USA)
Vincent Trocheck, F (USA)
Mika Zibanejad, F (SWE)

Ottawa Senators

Lars Eller, F (DEN)
Nikolas Matinpalo, D (FIN)
Jake Sanderson, D (USA)
Mads Sogaard, G (DEN)
Tim Stutzle, F (GER)
Brady Tkachuk, F (USA)

Philadelphia Flyers

Rasmus Ristolainen, D (FIN)
Travis Sanheim, D (CAN)
Dan Vladar, G (CZE)

Pittsburgh Penguins

Sidney Crosby, F (CAN)
Erik Karlsson, D (SWE)
Rickard Rakell, F (SWE)
Arturs Silovs, G (LAT)

San Jose Sharks

Macklin Celebrini, F (CAN)
Philipp Kurashev, F (SUI)
Pavol Regenda, F (SVK)
Alexander Wennberg, F (SWE)

Seattle Kraken

Oscar Fisker Molgaard, F (DEN)
Philipp Grubauer, G (GER)
Kaapo Kakko, F (FIN)
Eeli Tolvanen, F (FIN)

St. Louis Blues

Jordan Binnington, G (CAN)
Philip Broberg, D (SWE)
Dalibor Dvorsky, F (SVK)
Colton Parayko, D (CAN)
Pius Suter, F (SUI)

Tampa Bay Lightning

Oliver Bjorkstrand, F (DEN)
Erik Cernak, D (SVK)
Zemgus Girgensons, F (LAT)
Jake Guentzel, F (USA)
Brandon Hagel, F (CAN)
Victor Hedman, D (SWE)
Pontus Holmberg, F (SWE)
J.J. Moser, D (SUI)

Toronto Maple Leafs

Oliver Ekman-Larsson, D (SWE)
William Nylander, F (SWE)
Auston Matthews, F (USA)

Utah Mammoth

Clayton Keller, F (USA)
Olli Maatta, D (FIN)
JJ Peterka, F (GER)
Karel Vejmelka, G (CZE)

Vancouver Canucks

Teddy Blueger, F (LAT)
Filip Hronek, D (CZE)
David Kampf, F (CZE)
Kevin Lankinen, G (FIN)
Elias Pettersson, F (SWE)

Vegas Golden Knights

Rasmus Andersson, D (SWE)
Jack Eichel, F (USA)
Noah Hanifin, D (USA)
Tomas Hertl, F (CZE)
Mitch Marner, F (CAN)
Jonas Rondbjerg, F (DEN)
Akira Schmid, G (SUI)
Mark Stone, F (CAN)
Shea Theodore, D (CAN)

Washington Capitals

Martin Fehervary, D (SVK)
Logan Thompson, G (CAN)
Tom Wilson, F (CAN)

Winnipeg Jets

Kyle Connor, F (USA)
Connor Hellebuyck, G (USA)
Josh Morrissey, D (CAN)
Nino Niederreiter, F (SUI)

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Read More :- "{coyotes} NHL players on rosters for 2026 Winter Olympics"