Overview
- NHL participation remains expected yet not assured because of Milan arena issues and a smaller-than-agreed rink, according to deputy commissioner Bill Daly.
- Sidney Crosby, Connor McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon, Brayden Point and Sam Reinhart are confirmed selections, with Mitch Marner widely projected in the top six.
- Multiple outlets forecast a lineup that closely mirrors the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off champions while weighing roles for Connor Bedard, Macklin Celebrini and Matthew Schaefer.
- Cale Makar and Devon Toews are viewed as a locked top pair, with further blue-line spots debated among Jakob Chychrun, Evan Bouchard, Josh Morrissey and Drew Doughty.
- Goaltending projections favor Logan Thompson and Jordan Binnington, with the third spot contested by candidates including Darcy Kuemper, MacKenzie Blackwood and Scott Wedgewood.