The NHL is returning to the Winter Olympics and the action is set to kick-off soon. The league is set to have their fingerprints all over the 12 national teams.
Fans of the Edmonton Oilers already know the current players that will be participating at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics. Both of their big stars, Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl will represent their nations (Canada and Germany, respectively) at the Olympics as captains. McDavid hoping to win gold and Draisaitl hoping to play upset as an underdog.
As well, prospect Josh Samanski will join Draisaitl and Team Germany, making his Olympic debut as a young player. He looks to be poised to play a big role for the Germans going forward at international events and could have a solid NHL career ahead of himself after his recent NHL call-up.
Along with these three, there are plenty of former Oilers set to participate at the 2026 Olympics. Ranging from the top ranked to the bottom, there are plenty of Oilers across various national teams.
Former Oilers at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics
In total, there are 10 current and former Oilers at the Olympics, seven aside from the aforementioned three; McDavid, Draisaitl, and Samanski.
Domink Kahun
The 30 year old winger Dominik Kahun is set to play in the Olympics for the third time, having participated at the 2018 and 2022 Winter Olympics for Germany. At one point, Kahun was a highly touted NHL player but has found himself playing in the Swiss National League (NL) since his departure from the NHL after 48 games with the Edmonton Oilers in 2020-21, where he scored 15 points (nine goals, six assists).
Tobias Rieder
Originally drafted by the Oilers, it took Tobias Rieder a while before making his debut with the Oilers. He played for the Arizona Coyotes and Los Angeles Kings first before playing 67 games with Edmonton in 2018-19, scoring 11 points (all assists) and leaving the NHL entirely a few seasons later. He now plays in the DEL and is set to participate in his second Olympics for Germany.
Philip Broberg
In a rare and public way, Philip Broberg left the Oilers two years ago, opting to sign an offersheet with the St. Louis Blues. He very quickly broke out and has become a legitimate top-four defender with the Blues after struggling to carve out a regular role with the club. The former Oilers eighth overall pick even drove the knife further, pushing Oilers blueliner Mattias Ekholm out of the Swedish lineup for the 2026 Olympics.
David Tomasek
After looking like a potential steal signing, the Oilers terminated the contract of David Tomasek, ending his Oilers tenure and likely NHL career at 22 games. He was named to Czechia's Olympic roster and it is not surprising given his success at various European levels. The 30 year old looks to be a useful depth piece for his home country as he makes his Olympic debut at the 2026 Milano Cortina games.
Martin Marincin
The Oilers second round selection at the 2010 NHL Draft, Martin Marincin has spent the past number of seasons playing in the Czech Extraliga since leaving North America after 2020-21. He played 227 NHL games throughout his career between the Oilers and Toronto Maple Leafs, 85 of which came as an Oiler. He will represent his native Slovakia for the third Olympic games, playing in 2014, 2022, and now 2026.
Patrick Russell
The veteran winger from Denmark, Patrick Russell is set to participate in his second Olympic games, having done so back in 2022. He has represented his country across various international tournaments throughout his career. After being signed out of the NCAA, the 33 year old spent multiple seasons within the Oilers organization as a depth piece, playing 59 total NHL games, all with the Oilers. He is expected to be an important player for Denmark, an underdog team at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Yohann Auvitu
The 36 year old blueliner, Yohann Auvitu is set to represent France at the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympics. It will be his first Olympic games and the first time since the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City that the French will attend. He is one of only four French players with NHL experience, having played 25 games with the New Jersey Devils and 33 with the Oilers. After his brief stint as an Oiler, he left the NHL completely in 2018-19 where he has bounced around various European leagues.
The Oilers past and present will be well represented at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, you will see the stars of today and some nice throwback players as well.