NHL Players Predict Russian Team’s Olympic Men’s Hockey Finish

The 2026 Winter Olympics will feature exciting hockey matchups, even as Russia remains sidelined due to ongoing sanctions. Players from the NHL have weighed in on Russia’s potential performance if they were to compete in the men’s hockey tournament. Despite the current ban, many believe that Russia’s lineup would boast significant strength and skill.

NHL Players Weigh in on Russian Team’s Potential Finish

In a poll conducted by The Athletic, a total of 118 NHL players shared their thoughts on where the Russian men’s hockey team might finish. While not every participant answered all questions, their feedback highlighted Russia’s strengths and weaknesses.

Goaltending: Russia’s Key Advantage

One key aspect that stood out in the players’ responses is Russia’s exceptional goaltending. NHL goaltenders Igor Shesterkin, Andrei Vasilevskiy, Ilya Sorokin, and Sergei Bobrovsky form a formidable quartet. As one player noted, “The goaltending is so good it doesn’t even matter about the rest of the players.” Many believe this strength makes Russia a top contender.

Offensive Depth and Concerns

Russia’s forward lineup features stars such as Nikita Kucherov, Artemi Panarin, and Alex Ovechkin, which could create dynamic offensive plays. However, there are concerns regarding center depth. Currently, Evgeni Malkin stands out as the primary option, and several players pointed to this as a vulnerability.

Defensive Line-up and Overall Assessment

Russia’s defense, while solid with players like Mikhail Sergachev, Ivan Provorov, and Vladislav Gavrikov, lacks the star power of other teams. Notably, Canada and the United States have more prominent defensive players such as Cale Makar and Quinn Hughes. Despite this, several NHL players acknowledged that Russia could still be highly competitive.

Predicted Outcomes: Gold, Silver, or Bronze?

• Gold Predictions: Some players believe Russia’s combination of goaltending and talent could secure a gold medal.
• Silver Predictions: A few feel that while competitive, they might finish second due to overall team balance.
• Bronze Predictions: The most common vote, with many players agreeing that they could be part of the podium finish but highlighted other teams as favorites.

Not everyone is confident about Russia’s prospects. Some players voiced that the absence of skilled centermen might hinder their performance. However, there is a consensus that, despite their challenges, Russia would have been a formidable force.

Conclusion

As the hockey community anticipates the upcoming Olympics, it is clear that Russia’s potential lineup is viewed as a serious contender. Despite not being able to compete, the talent within their ranks raises questions about what could have been. The insight from NHL players provides a fascinating glimpse into the competitive landscape of Olympic hockey.