These 3 Oilers players were the biggest 2026 Winter Olympic snubs

The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan are fast approaching, and with rosters now revealed, the hockey world is already debating the selections. Some choices were obvious no-brainers, while others left fans scratching their heads.

For the Edmonton Oilers, the global stage will finally showcase the franchise’s biggest stars in Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl in their national colors, adding another layer of intrigue to an already must-watch tournament. As well, Oilers prospect Josh Samanski will join Draisaitl to represent Germany.

But beyond the marquee names, there’s a quieter storyline that shouldn’t be ignored. A handful of Oilers players were left off their respective national teams despite strong cases to be included, raising questions about how selections were made and what criteria ultimately carried the most weight. With international best-on-best returning, those omissions will linger as the puck drops overseas

Evan Bouchard

Evan Bouchard had a rocky start to this season, especially considering the expectations that came with his new contract. After committing long-term money to the young defenseman, the spotlight was firmly on whether he could maintain his upward trajectory. Early on, the results were underwhelming. His offensive production dipped, his impact felt muted, and Edmonton’s blue line struggled to generate the same rhythm and confidence that had defined previous stretches of success.

Fast forward to the present, and the narrative has flipped completely. Bouchard has rediscovered his game in a big way, reestablishing himself among the league’s most productive defensemen. A recent explosive performance, highlighted by a rare hat trick from the back end, served as a reminder of just how dynamic he can be when he’s on. Canada’s depth on defense is undeniable, and roster construction often comes down to handedness, fit, and role clarity, but it’s becoming increasingly difficult to ignore the impact Bouchard brings when he’s rolling.

There are still elements of his defensive game that invite debate, and those concerns are fair. However, few blueliners can change the complexion of a game with a single pass or a booming shot the way he can. If the goal is to play fast, move the puck quickly, and maximize the firepower up front, leaving a player like Bouchard off the roster feels like a missed opportunity. On the international stage, where margins are razor thin, having a defenseman who can tilt the ice offensively might be exactly the difference-maker Canada ends up needing.

Zach Hyman

Leaving Zach Hyman off Canada’s Olympic roster is bound to spark debate, and for good reason. In a short tournament where every game feels like a Game 7, familiarity and chemistry can matter just as much as raw talent. Canada’s forward group is stacked, but there’s a real scenario where injuries force last-minute adjustments, and that’s where roster flexibility becomes critical. If a player like Brayden Point isn’t ready to go, the team will need another player who can slide in seamlessly and elevate whoever he plays with.

That’s exactly the case for Hyman. His track record alongside Connor McDavid is well documented, and the two have built an intuitive on-ice connection that most duos take years to develop. Hyman’s game isn’t built on flash, but it’s built for winning—relentless forechecking, net-front chaos, and an ability to finish in tight around the crease. In a best-on-best tournament where space disappears quickly, those traits can be the difference between a highlight-reel goal and a frustrating missed opportunity.

There’s precedent for this kind of selection, too. Canada has previously raised eyebrows by choosing Chris Kunitz over a more glamorous name, to play alongside Sidney Crosby who was his linemate in Pittsburgh Penguins and it paid off because the fit was right. Olympic hockey isn’t about assembling an All-Star team on paper; it’s about building lines that work under pressure with no time to experiment. In that context, overlooking a proven complementary winger like Hyman feels less like a depth decision and more like a missed strategic advantage.

Mattias Ekholm

Mattias Ekholm being left off Sweden’s Olympic roster is one of those decisions that will raise eyebrows around the league. He has been a stabilizing force on Edmonton’s blue line since arriving, bringing a blend of size, positioning, and calm puck movement that few defenders can replicate. On paper, he feels like the type of player built for international play—reliable in his own zone, capable of heavy minutes, and comfortable against elite competition. Seeing his name absent from Sweden’s list was, at the very least, surprising.

There is, however, a silver lining for the Oilers. Ekholm’s last taste of best-on-best competition didn’t end kindly, as he picked up an injury that lingered into the postseason and clearly impacted his effectiveness. With Edmonton chasing a championship window that is wide open right now, preserving his health could be critical. A fully healthy Ekholm anchoring the top four in the spring might be more valuable to the Oilers than any Olympic appearance would have been.

Sweden’s blue line depth is undeniably strong, and roster cuts were always going to be difficult. Still, leaving out a defender with Ekholm’s résumé feels like a curious call. Especially given the injuries to their backend. For Edmonton, though, the focus shifts to April and beyond. If this decision means Ekholm enters the playoffs fresh and at full strength, it could end up being an unexpected advantage in a season where every small edge matters.

These Oilers snubs may have a silver lining after all

While international selections will always spark debate, the omissions of Bouchard, Hyman, and Ekholm highlight just how thin the margins are at the best-on-best level. Each brings a skill set that could have helped their respective teams in a short, high-stakes tournament, whether through puck movement, net-front presence, or steady two-way play.

In the end, these decisions may shape the Olympics, but they could just as easily shape the Stanley Cup race—because for Edmonton, having motivated, rested, and something-to-prove veterans heading into the playoffs might be the kind of edge that turns disappointment into opportunity.