The NHL’s return to Olympic hockey is just about six weeks away. That makes now a perfect time to take our best guess at what the 25-man roster will look like in Milan.

The NHL resumes play following its holiday break with 13 games on Saturday. That begins a busy six-week stretch in the hockey world leading up to Feb. 6-24 break for the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Here are 10 things to watch for between now and then.

Players on the Red Wings, Sharks, Islanders, Stars and more could end up on Team USA, Sweden or Canada at the 2026 Olympics.

In 2025, Auston Matthews, who is currently going through a rough stretch this season, stands alone as the NHL’s highest-paid player. The Toronto Maple Leafs captain leads the league in total earnings, combining his salary with off-ice endorsements to reach the top spot.

From top picks ready to make the leap to hidden gems ready for a bigger chance, here's each NHL team's fastest-rising prospect.

Individuals who are members of the Professional Hockey Players' Association plan on staging a strike in the ECHL.