As the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina draw near, the Nashville Predators are set to send four of their key players to represent their respective countries. With the NHL's return to the Olympic stage for the first time since 2014, anticipation is building for a best-on-best tournament showcasing exceptional talent. However, while celebrating individual achievements, the Predators organization faces logistical challenges that could impact the franchise's future.
The four Predators heading to Europe consist of the team's core: Roman Josi (Switzerland), Filip Forsberg (Sweden), Juuse Saros and Erik Haula (Finland). Roman Josi's selection to Team Switzerland comes as no surprise, with many considering him the greatest Swiss player in history. Josi, who has represented Switzerland 18 times, is no stranger to international competition, having participated in the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi. This time around, he'll captain a competitive Swiss team aiming to make a statement.
Filip Forsberg will finally realize his Olympic dream, after missing out on previous cycles due to the NHL's absence. Forsberg has an impressive international record, having medaled in seven of his ten appearances. Team Sweden gains a player with a proven ability to win in short tournament formats.
The Finnish connection in Nashville remains strong with the selection of goaltender Juuse Saros and forward Erik Haula to Team Finland. This will be Saros' first Olympic experience, adding to his already impressive resume with Team Finland. Saros previously represented Finland in the 4 Nations Face-Off and the 2025 World Championships where he had a 1.67 goals-against average and a .943 save percentage. Haula is representing Finland for the eighth time in his career. He has 21 points (five goals, 16 assists) in 40 games this season.
While the Olympic selection is a source of pride, it also presents challenges for Predators General Manager Barry Trotz. The absence of these key players during the Olympic break will require adjustments to the team's strategy and potentially expose vulnerabilities within the roster. Beyond individual accolades, the Olympic break introduces a logistical headache for General Manager Barry Trotz that could define the franchise's future long before the puck drops in Milan.
The Predators' situation mirrors a league-wide phenomenon, as every NHL team will be represented at the 2026 Winter Olympics. The Tampa Bay Lightning, for example, lead the league with 11 players set to compete. As the excitement builds for the return of NHL players to the Olympic stage, teams like the Nashville Predators must navigate the challenges and opportunities that come with showcasing their talent on the world's biggest stage.
