How Many Players from Sochi 2014 Will Rejoin Team Canada at Milano Cortina 2026?
As the roster submission date approaches, it becomes evident that only a few players from Canada’s 2014 Sochi Olympic squad are likely to compete at Milano Cortina 2026, 12 years later.
Returning Players and New Faces
Among the first six announced for Team Canada, Sidney Crosby remains the sole gold medallist from 2014. Nathan MacKinnon was a rookie in the NHL that year, Sam Reinhart and Brayden Point had just been drafted, Connor McDavid was still a promising prospect, and Cale Makar was playing his first games with the AJHL’s Brooks Bandits.
Active NHL Players from Sochi 2014
Currently, seven players from the 2014 team are active in the NHL. Of those, only Crosby and Drew Doughty of the Los Angeles Kings have made the selection for Canada’s 4 Nations Face-Off team.
Players Less Likely to Return
- Jamie Benn and Matt Duchene, both gold medallists in 2014 and currently with the Dallas Stars
- John Tavares, centre for the Toronto Maple Leafs
- Jonathan Toews, veteran of the Winnipeg Jets
- Corey Perry, winger for the Los Angeles Kings
These players appear unlikely to return for the next Olympics.
Injuries and Roster Updates
Defenseman Alex Pietrangelo, also a part of the Sochi team and initially named to the 4 Nations roster, has been ruled out for the season due to injury, according to the Vegas Golden Knights.
Drew Doughty's Outlook
Doughty has scored two goals and five points in 14 games this season, averaging 23 minutes and 41 seconds on ice. He hopes to help repeat the 4 Nations blueline lineup.
“Why would you try and fix something that isn’t broken?“ said TSN Hockey Insider Darren Dreger on Canada's Olympic roster.
Author's summary: Only a handful of players from Canada’s 2014 Sochi team are expected to return for the 2026 Olympics, with Sidney Crosby and Drew Doughty leading the way amid several veterans likely aging out or sidelined by injuries.