Just about all hockey fans were happy to hear that NHLers were headed back to the Winter Olympics.
But for the true diehards, the 2018 and 2022 tournaments were fun. Sure, it’s hard to deny that missing out on Sidney Crosby, Connor McDavid, Matthew Tkachuk and the like didn’t stink. If we want to grow the sport, the best players need to be in the spotlight.
But the past two Olympics were full of upsets and unlikely heroes. By all accounts, it was fun hockey (2018 more so than 2022). When you don’t know who’s going to win any game at any time, it makes for strong entertainment.
The world’s biggest stars will be the main entertainment in Italy over the next two weeks. But just because a player isn’t an active NHLer doesn’t mean he’s not an outstanding athlete. Look for these 10 players – including eight with NHL experience – to have big impacts for their countries in Milano:
Roman Červenka, C (Czechia)
Former NHL Team: Calgary Flames
There were once high hopes for Červenka in the NHL, signing as an undrafted free agent standout from the KHL back in 2012. Červenka played one season with the club, registering 17 points in 39 games. His inconsistency in Calgary, as well as a blood clot issue before his debut, led the Flames to let him return to the KHL. Since then, he has played in both the Swiss-based National League and his home base back in Czechia, where he has become one of the most dangerous players still competing in Europe. That’s especially true internationally – nobody comes close to touching the 51 points in 36 games he has at the World Championship since 2022. Červenka was instrumental in helping his country win gold at the 2024 World Championship, teaming with Boston Bruins star David Pastrnak to make a formidable duo. Look for that to be the case in Italy as Červenka gets set for his fifth Olympic tournament.
Lukáš Sedlák, LW (Czechia)
Former NHL Teams: Colorado Avalanche, Columbus Blue Jackets, Philadelphia Flyers
Sedlák had 35 points in 192 games over four NHL seasons, primarily finding himself in a depth role. Internationally, though, Sedlák has established himself as one of Czechia’s most dangerous players in recent years. He has 19 points over his past two tournaments, playing alongside both Pasta and Červenka. Sedlák helped use the 2022 Olympics as a springboard to get himself back to the NHL, but he’s expected to be even more important this time around. Sedlák is strong, smart, and has a knack for the net. But Sedlák has become even deadlier as a support player in recent seasons, so look for him to shine in Italy.
Joachim Blichfeld, RW (Denmark)
Former NHL Team: San Jose Sharks
Blichfeld was once viewed as one of Denmark’s best hopes of becoming a full-time NHLer. In the end, he skated in just eight games over two seasons, tallying a single goal. Blichfeld returned to Europe for 2022-23, but struggled to produce during his three-year run in Sweden. Now in Finland, things are totally different: he’s on pace for nearly 80 points as one of the top players in Finland’s top league. Blichfeld has been instrumental in Denmark’s international success over the past few years, proving to be one of the team’s most lethal offensive threats. Look for Blichfeld to find a spot in Denmark’s top six.
Nick Olesen, LW (Denmark)
Olesen has come a long way from being more of a bottom-line, energy-forward a few years ago. He’s having his best pro hockey season to date, which isn’t surprising given his electric showing last spring. Olesen was a national hero when it mattered, scoring in the game against Canada and registering at least one point in eight of his 10 games played (only getting left off the scoresheet when Denmark got shut out). He’s the only forward on this list to not have NHL experience. But you can bet your stegt flæsk that Nikolaj Ehlers will want him by his side.
Mikko Lehtonen, D (Finland)
Former NHL Teams: Columbus Blue Jackets, Toronto Maple Leafs
A lack of quality NHL defenders was an issue for Finland at the 4 Nations Face-Off. Lehtonen will be the lone blueliner outside the NHL on this Finnish squad. But it’s easy to understand why he’s here. He’s great on the power play and can truly dominate puck possession at 5-on-5. Lehtonen is also a leader, having captained Finland at the 2025 World Championship. He’s smart with the puck, and while his defensive game can leave a bit to be desired, he’s more than capable of giving the team a jolt deeper in Finland’s lineup.
Pierre-Édouard Bellemare, C (France)
Former NHL Teams: Colorado Avalanche, Philadelphia Flyers, Seattle Kraken, Tampa Bay Lightning, Vegas Golden Knights
Bellemare was never drafted, but he turned years of strong international play (especially at the 2014 World Championship) into a 700-game NHL career. Bellemare’s game was never flashy, and he never had more than 22 points in a season. But for close to a decade, Bellemare’s reliability in the faceoff dot and his strong two-way play allowed him to become a valuable depth player wherever he went. Now, he’s set for what should be his final major hockey event. At 40, he’s sticking around and making things happen for France. Bellemare isn’t producing at the same level in Switzerland anymore, but he’s still a key contributor whenever he dons his nation’s colors. Hopefully, Bellemare has a reason to celebrate in Italy.
Stéphane Da Costa, C (France)
Former NHL Team: Ottawa Senators
Da Costa was never able to find his footing with Ottawa despite being a highly productive AHLer with Binghamton. But the 36-year-old is still thriving in Europe – he’s set to hit 50 points for the fifth time in the past six years. He has been one of the KHL’s most consistent forwards, mixing his creative puck work with solid speed. Da Costa is France’s most skilled forward by a country mile and will be leaned upon when the games get tight.
Denis Malgin, C (Switzerland)
Former NHL Teams: Colorado Avalanche, Florida Panthers, Toronto Maple Leafs
Malgin gave the NHL a couple of tries, and it just simply never worked out. Luckily, he returned home to the Zurich Lions and continued his rampage against National League goaltenders. Malgin might not have what it takes to be a consistent NHLer, but his playmaking abilities and high hockey sense have allowed him to dominate European competition. Switzerland has managed to remain a constant threat at the World Championship level. That’s partly due to the play of Malgin and other veterans in the middle-six. Look for Malgin to do the same in Italy while seeing some solid power-play time.
Sven Andrighetto, LW (Switzerland)
Former NHL Teams: Colorado Avalanche, Montreal Canadiens
Andrighetto was an excellent junior hockey player and was highly productive throughout his AHL career. Things just never seemed to click in the NHL, beyond scoring the odd goal every now and then in a bottom-six role. But Andrighetto has played some of his best hockey with Zurich over the past two years. He even scored a whopping seven goals at the World Championship back in May. This will be Andrighetto’s second Olympic tournament after a solid showing in 2022. Look for Ghetto to pair up with Malgin, likely on the second line alongside someone like Timo Meier.
Leonardo Genoni, G (Switzerland)
Most NHL fans aren’t familiar with Genoni. But diehard World Championship followers know he can be an absolute brick wall. At 38, he shows no signs of slowing down with EV Zug. In fact, he’s still one of the top goalies in Switzerland. The one-time NL MVP has won the league title seven times, the Spengler Cup twice and has three silver medals at the World Championship. Genoni is coming off one of the greatest goaltending performances in tournament history, registering a .953 save percentage and four shutouts through seven games back in May. Many scouts think Genoni would have been a solid NHL goaltender had he left for North America at the start of the 2010s. Being six-foot hurt him a bit, too. Genoni has been so good throughout his career that it’s likely he’ll be the No. 1 goaltender over Vegas‘ Akira Schmid.
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