Team Germany Lines: Projected Olympic Lineup and Analysis
Below is a look at Team Germany’s projected line combinations for the upcoming Olympic tournament. Germany enters the Games with a roster that blends elite NHL talent at the top with a supporting cast drawn largely from European professional leagues.
With NHL players returning to the Olympic stage for the first time since 2014, Germany’s outlook shifts significantly. Headlined by one of the league’s most dangerous scorers and supported by a capable core of international veterans, the Germans arrive with a higher ceiling than in many previous best-on-best tournaments.
This page includes Germany’s projected forward lines, defensive pairings, and goaltending depth chart. As with all Olympic teams, combinations may change based on opponent, performance, and in-game adjustments.
Team Germany Line Combinations
Germany’s projected lineup reflects a top-heavy construction built around elite NHL contributors, supported by role players with extensive international and European league experience. How effectively the supporting cast can complement the stars will determine Germany’s tournament fate.
Forwards
Germany’s forward group is clearly defined by its top end. Leon Draisaitl enters the tournament as the centerpiece of the offense and one of the most impactful players in the entire field. His return to international play marks his first appearance with the national team since 2019 and immediately elevates Germany’s scoring potential.
Tim Stützle and J.J. Peterka provide speed, creativity, and secondary scoring, forming a top six that can threaten elite opponents when given time and space. Lukas Reichel adds further pace and transition ability, while Nico Sturm brings defensive reliability and faceoff strength to the middle of the lineup.
Veteran forwards such as Dominik Kahun, Frederik Tiffels, and Tobias Rieder provide familiarity with international systems and situational versatility. The bottom six will be tasked with supporting the top lines through forechecking, defensive responsibility, and disciplined play.
Germany’s offense has the ability to score with anyone, but sustaining pressure beyond the top two lines remains a key question.
Defence
Germany’s blue line features a clear anchor in Moritz Seider. The Detroit Red Wings defenceman will be relied upon to log heavy minutes in all situations, handling top matchups while contributing offensively from the back end.
Beyond Seider, the defensive group leans heavily on structure and experience. Jonas Müller, Moritz Müller, Kai Wissmann, and Lukas Kälble provide size and familiarity with international competition, while players such as Leon Gawanke and Fabio Wagner add puck-moving elements.
Against elite offensive teams, Germany’s defence may be tested by speed and depth. Limiting turnovers and maintaining gap control will be essential to staying competitive.
Goaltenders
Goaltending is one of Germany’s most reliable strengths.
Philipp Grubauer headlines the crease as the projected starter, bringing extensive NHL playoff experience and familiarity with high-pressure environments. His presence alone gives Germany a chance to remain competitive in games where shot totals tilt heavily against them.
Mathias Niederberger provides a strong secondary option with a proven international résumé, while Maximilian Franzreb rounds out the depth chart. Goaltending consistency will be critical in a short tournament format.
Power Play
Germany’s power play is expected to be a focal point of its offense. With Draisaitl’s shooting ability and playmaking options surrounding him, the man advantage presents Germany with its best opportunity to tilt games.
Puck movement and shot selection will be prioritized, with an emphasis on creating high-danger looks rather than volume shooting.
Penalty Kill
Discipline will be especially important for Germany, particularly against deeper opponents. The penalty kill is expected to emphasize positioning, active sticks, and quick clears, with goaltending support playing a major role.
Limiting damage while shorthanded will be key to advancing out of group play.
Injuries and Lineup Flexibility
Germany’s roster construction places significant importance on its top players. While there is flexibility among the supporting cast, injuries to key contributors would force meaningful adjustments rather than simple replacements.
Internal versatility and situational deployment will be used to manage matchups as the tournament progresses.
Using Team Germany Lines for Analysis and Fantasy Formats
Tracking Team Germany’s line combinations provides insight into how the coaching staff balances star usage with defensive responsibility. Power play deployment, ice-time concentration, and goaltender usage will be especially important indicators.
Germany has shown in past Olympic tournaments that it can outperform expectations. With NHL talent back in the lineup, the Germans once again present a legitimate threat to disrupt the field, particularly in a short, high-variance tournament.
