The Olympics are a demonstration of national pride, athletic prowess and showmanship. So far, the Paris Olympics have dazzled while reminding the world of its love for international competition.
With Olympic zeal at its highest and the much anticipated return of NHL players to the Olympic stage, the excitement over the 2026 Olympics is mounting. This is as true for the players as it is for the fans. Many young players, including Connor McDavid, have not had the opportunity to play for an Olympic team during their professional careers.
It is easy (and fun) to speculate about who will represent their team on the international stage. However, for the purpose of this article some standard will be needed. Back in February, Craig Button put forward a list of players that he thought would make up Canada’s Olympic roster.
There are multiple former OHL stars on Button’s list. However, before we get a look at them on the international stage it is always interesting to remember where they first cut their teeth.
Connor McDavid – Erie Otters
This will be McDavid’s first opportunity to represent Canada at the Olympics. With three gold medals to his name (U-18 World Junior Championship, U-20 World Junior Championship and World Championship) the former Erie Otter has been incredibly successful in regard to international play. Barring injury McDavid feels like an easy pick to lead Canada in 2026.
During his OHL days, McDavid spent three seasons with the Erie Otters. He scored a total of 285 points in a mere 166 games. McDavid’s individual accolades could fill the rest of this article. It’s probably enough to say he is the best player in the world and leave it at that.
Related: History repeats itself for Connor McDavid
Carter Verhaeghe – Niagara Ice Dogs
With his name now etched onto the surface of the Stanley Cup, Carter Verhaeghe could be a contender to join Canada’s 2026 roster. Certainly, his glow up since joining the Florida Panthers during the 2021-22 season suggests he has elite skill and work ethic.
Verhaeghe spent four seasons in the OHL playing for the Niagara Ice Dogs. In his 262 games played in Niagara he scored 245 total points. In a pattern that repeated itself during his time in both the AHL and NHL Verhaghe’s point production ramped sharply upwards after several years in the league.
Travis Konecny – Ottawa 67s/Sarnia Sting
By recently signing Konecny to an eight-year contract with an average annual value of…