Lightning players’ path into the 2026 Winter Olympics

Most NHL players take a mandatory week-long vacation before returning to the ice. Meanwhile, Olympians will represent their nations at the 2026 Winter Games in Milan-Cortina.

The Lightning completed the pre-Olympic part of the season. They lead the Eastern Conference with a 37-14-4 record, 78 points, and 199-140 goals in 55 games. Two Bolts with the strongest stats, Nikita Kucherov and Andrei Vasilevskiy, will not participate in the international competition because of a ban on their national team. Kucherov ranks third in the NHL with 91 points in 51 games. He is chasing Connor McDavid (96) and Nathan MacKinnon. While both Canadian players will battle for gold, Nikita Kucherov will have time to recharge and stay sharp before the playoff run.

Initially, 11 players from the Tampa Bay Lightning franchise were named to their national rosters: Anthony Cirelli, Brandon Hagel, Brayden Point (Canada); Victor Hedman, Pontus Holmberg (Sweden); Jake Guentzel (USA); Erik Cernak (Slovakia); J.J. Moser (Switzerland); Oliver Bjorkstrand (Denmark); Zemgus Girgensons (Latvia); and Wojciech Stachowiak (Germany). But being an athlete means unpredictability. So, Anthony Cirelli (35 points) and Brayden Point (30 points) made a difficult decision not to go to their first Olympics due to ongoing health concerns. It’s a disappointing situation for the Lightning forwards, but it also means they will be rested and well prepared when the NHL season resumes after the Olympics.

The Lightning captain, Victor Hedman, made his big comeback after the injury during the 2026 Stadium Series on Feb.1. While it was a fun and memorable event with a goalie fight, a huge comeback win for the Lightning (6-5 SO), a record-breaking fan festival attendance (25,497), and the most-viewed NHL regular-season game (2.4 million peak), Hedman looked heavy on his side. It took him a few matchups to find his groove. It was the best version of himself for the Battle of Florida on Feb.5, recording an assist, five shots, and a plus/minus of +2. The two-time Stanley Cup winner and the best 2017-2018 NHL defenseman will surprisingly make their Olympic debut at these first Olympics. Victor Hedman, 35, also admitted it will be his last.

Canada, USA, and Sweden are among the top contenders for the Olympic gold.

The hockey tournament starts on Feb.11 with two games. Erik Cernak will represent Slovakia against Finland. Sweden's Pontus Holmberg and Victor Hedman will face Italy. On Feb. 12, J.J. Moser and Switzerland will face France; Brandon Hagel will listen to Team Canada head coach Jon Cooper to help Team Canada beat Czechia; Jake Guentzel (Team USA) and Zemgus Girgensons (Latvia) will also meet that day.

We will share more stats and news as they become available.