For the first time in over a decade, the NHL is sending its players to the 2026 Winter Olympics. Canada is the favourite to win gold at the Milan Cortina Games.
The pre-tournament narrative: Hockey fans haven't seen a men's best-on-best Olympic format since Sochi 2014, when Canada captured its second consecutive gold medal. Sidney Crosby, Nathan MacKinnon and Connor McDavid look to put Canada back atop the podium, with the U.S. also deploying a stacked squad.
Check out the latest Olympic men's hockey odds for the 2026 tournament beginning in Italy on Feb. 11, 2026.
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Olympic men's hockey odds
| Country | Odds |
| Canada | +115 |
| United States | +205 |
| Sweden | +600 |
| Finland | +1,150 |
| Czech Republic | +1,700 |
| Switzerland | +5,000 |
| Germany | +7,500 |
| Slovakia | +7,500 |
| Latvia | +25,000 |
| Denmark | +35,000 |
| France | +50,000 |
| Italy | +50,000 |
-> Check out the latest 2026 Olympic men's hockey odds
Canada Olympic hockey odds
As of Dec. 12, 2025, Canada has the shortest 2026 Olympic men's hockey betting odds at +115.
Canada's favourite label should come as no surprise. The country won the 4 Nations Face-Off — the last best-on-best tournament — in a thrilling overtime win over the U.S. earlier this year.
That was just an appetizer, and now the Canadians are eying the main course.
Jon Cooper is behind the bench as Canada aims to capture a 10th men's gold, and he has an absolutely loaded roster at forward and defence.
Case in point: These young guns aren't guaranteed a roster spot on Team Canada:
- Macklin Celebrini
- Connor Bedard
- Noah Dobson
Celebrini, 19, and Bedard, 20, have been among the best forwards in the NHL through the first two months of the season.
-> Bet on Canada to win Olympic gold!
Goaltending is the one big question mark, though.
- Jordan Binnington was lights out at the 4 Nations tournament, but he's having a rough year with the St. Louis Blues.
- Logan Thompson and Adin Hill are also under consideration, though they don't quite hold up as Vezina-calibre netminders.
There will be differences in Milan compared to the 4 Nations: The ice is smaller, there are 12 teams, and the IIHF rulebook skews toward less physical contact.
Fans certainly won't see any fighting, that's for sure. That could play into Canada's favour as the U.S. really leaned on its physicality at the 4 Nations.
Olympic hockey odds favourites Milan 2026
Team USA men's Olympic hockey odds: +205
- The Americans have never won an Olympic gold with NHL players in the mix, but have a great chance of snapping that trend. The team's defence is sound, headed by 2024 Norris Trophy winner Quinn Hughes.
- Auston Matthews, Jack Hughes and Matthew Tkachuk lead the projected forward group, but all three have dealt with injuries this season.
- Team USA has an embarrassment of riches in goal with Jake Oettinger, Connor Hellebuyck and Jeremy Swayman atop the list.
Sweden Olympic hockey odds: +600
- Sweden is the only other team with odds shorter than 10-to-1.
- The Swedes are a skilled team up and down the lineup, with plenty of experience and continuity (not in the Olympics, of course). William Nylander and Victor Hedman are among the biggest names on the squad.
-> Check out the latest Milan 2026 betting markets
Milan 2026 Olympic hockey FAQ
When do the 2026 Winter Olympics start?
The Milan Cortina 2026 Games begin in Italy on Feb. 6. The closing ceremonies are Feb. 22.
What's the format of the ice hockey tournament?
The men's Olympic hockey tournament consists of 12 teams and 30 games. Teams are split into three groups, and the action begins with a round-robin format. The group winners and the next-best team in the round robin receive a bye to the quarterfinals.
Four qualification playoff games among the other eight countries will determine the remaining quarterfinal spots.
What's the men's Olympic hockey schedule?
The men's Olympic hockey tournament starts with the round robin on Feb. 11.
- Quarterfinals: Feb. 18
- Semifinals: Feb. 20
- Gold medal game: Feb. 22
When is Canada's first Olympic hockey game?
Canada's first 2026 Olympic hockey game is on Feb. 12 against Czechia.
Who is in Canada's Olympic hockey group?
Canada is in Group A, alongside Czechia, France and Switzerland.
Are NHL players participating in the 2026 Olympics?
Yes, NHL players are participating in the Olympics for the first time since 2014.
When are the Olympic hockey rosters selected?
The deadline for countries to submit their Olympic rosters is Dec. 31.
Is the Olympic ice going to be NHL-sized?
No, the ice will be slightly smaller than a typical NHL rink (roughly three feet shorter).
How many times has Canada won gold in men's hockey at the Olympics?
Canada has a record nine Olympic golds, most recently winning in 2014.
Can I bet on Olympic men’s hockey at NorthStar Bets?
Absolutely. NorthStar Bets provides pre-tournament Winter Olympic hockey futures on outright winners and more. Popular markets like moneylines and totals will be offered once the games start.
