Overview
- Leon Draisaitl confirms he will make his Olympic debut in Italy and says he is especially looking forward to representing Germany.
- After consecutive Stanley Cup Final losses to Florida, the Oilers star begins 2025–26 intent on finally winning the championship.
- The NHL will pause its schedule for the 2026 Winter Games, restoring player release after the league skipped 2018 and 2022.
- Germany’s projected Olympic core features current NHL standouts Moritz Seider, Tim Stützle, JJ Peterka, Lukas Reichel, Philipp Grubauer and Nico Sturm.
- German influence in the NHL grows as former national coach Marco Sturm takes over the Boston Bruins and Oilers prospect Josh Samanski earns preseason praise.