Published on: December 31, 2025, 12:51h. 

Updated on: December 31, 2025, 12:51h.

• Sharks’ Macklin Celebrini selected for Canadian Olympic team, while Hawks’ Bedard misses out
• Capitals’ Wilson makes the cut, with Blues’ Binnington securing the goalie position
• Canada remains the top betting option in men’s hockey for the Olympics

As we move into 2026 and the Milan Olympics approach, Canada stands as the frontrunner for Olympic Men’s Hockey. The recent announcement of Team Canada’s lineup is unlikely to shift betting odds significantly.

Several unexpected choices emerged when Team Canada’s general manager, Doug Armstrong, made the roster announcement at noon EST. Washington Capitals’ Tom Wilson secured a spot, alongside the impressive sophomore Macklin Celebrini, who is making waves with the Sharks and is even in league MVP discussions. Other notable selections include Bo Horvat from the New York Islanders, veteran Drew Doughty with the L.A. Kings, and goaltender Jordan Binnington, who has had a mixed season with the St. Louis Blues.

In a shocking twist, Connor Bedard from the Chicago Blackhawks was left off the team. This decision raised eyebrows, especially since Armstrong noted that Bedard’s ongoing shoulder injury wasn’t a major factor in their evaluation.

Celebrini In, Bedard Out

Armstrong stated, “No players performed poorly enough to be removed from this roster.” Bedard was indeed a candidate “up until the very last moment,” but ultimately, Armstrong articulated their belief in the selected squad’s strength. “Our goal is not to tailor this team to counter a specific opponent—this is a precarious approach.”

The finalized roster includes Binnington, Darcy Kuemper (L.A. Kings), and Logan Thompson (Washington Capitals) as goalkeepers, along with defensively solid players like Cale Makar (Colorado Avalanche), Doughty, Thomas Harley (Dallas Stars), Josh Morrissey (Winnipeg Jets), Colton Parayko (St. Louis Blues), Travis Sanheim (Philadelphia Flyers), Shea Theodore (Vegas Golden Knights), and Devon Toews (Colorado Avalanche).

Forward selections include Connor McDavid (Edmonton Oilers), Sidney Crosby (Pittsburgh Penguins), Nathan MacKinnon (Colorado Avalanche), Brayden Point (Tampa Bay Lightning), Sam Reinhart (Florida Panthers), Celebrini, Anthony Cirelli (Tampa Bay Lightning), Brandon Hagel (Tampa Bay Lightning), Horvat, Brad Marchand (Florida Panthers), Mitch Marner (Vegas Golden Knights), Mark Stone (Vegas Golden Knights), Nick Suzuki (Montreal Canadiens), and Wilson.

The Binnington Factor

During the press conference, Armstrong highlighted that the decision to include Celebrini was reached in early December due to his impressive performance.

“He has really flourished,” Armstrong remarked. “He has competed internationally and blended seamlessly with elite players—his on-ice performance speaks volumes.”

Armstrong noted that Binnington’s track record, particularly his success last winter when he led Canada to victory in the 4 Nations Face-Off—culminating in a thrilling final against the U.S.—was pivotal in their decision. Despite the Blues’ struggles this season, Armstrong emphasized that Binnington’s statistics are heavily influenced by the team’s overall playstyle.

Betting Lines Snapshot

Suzuki’s inclusion was another unexpected twist. The pressures of playing in Montreal are already immense, especially under the captaincy of the Canadiens.

“What impresses me about Nick is his ability to compartmentalize those pressures and remain a top competitor consistently,” said Armstrong. “His versatility is invaluable; he can excel in penalty kills and power plays, and he is a reliable two-way player. Our management aimed to equip Jon Cooper [the coach] with a diverse set of players, and Nick fits that bill.”

Hagel’s penalty-killing prowess is also crucial, according to Armstrong, as this will enhance the significance of power play goals, given the expected low number of penalties.

Hockey Betting Insights from Avello

A quick check of the leading sportsbooks indicates that DraftKings has Canada at +140, the U.S. at +200, Sweden at +500, and Finland at +800. Meanwhile, FanDuel lists Canada at +135, the USA at +190, Sweden at +550, and Finland at +1200. BetMGM shows Canada at +135, the USA at +190, Sweden at +525, and Finland at +1000.

Johnny Avello, Director of Sportsbook at DraftKings, remarked that last year saw unprecedented betting volume for hockey in both the U.S. and Canada, driven by the 4 Nations Face-Off, and he anticipates similar interest during the Milan Olympics.

“The 4 Nations event serves as a strong indicator of what to expect for Olympic hockey,” he stated. “I foresee a surge in handles and significant engagement, especially in jurisdictions that allow comprehensive betting options. I am optimistic that this will be a standout year for hockey, soccer, and the Olympics.”