The anticipation for the return of "best-on-best" international hockey has reached a fever pitch. Following the official confirmation that NHL players will return to the Winter Olympics in 2026, the betting markets are already heating up. According to the latest Olympic men's hockey betting odds released by DraftKings, the traditional North American powerhouses, Canada and the United States, have established themselves as the clear teams to beat.
Canada Opens as the Gold Medal Favorite
To the surprise of few hockey purists, Canada has opened as the betting favorite to secure the gold medal. With Olympic men's hockey betting odds currently sitting at +115, the Canadian roster is expected to be a "who's who" of NHL superstardom. The 2026 Games will likely mark the first time fans see generational talents like Connor McDavid and Nathan MacKinnon represent their country on the Olympic stage alongside veteran leaders like Sidney Crosby.
Canada’s depth at the center position and their perennial status as a hockey factory make them a logical choice for oddsmakers. After a hiatus that saw NHL players miss the 2018 and 2022 tournaments, the pressure will be on Hockey Canada to reclaim the top spot on the podium for the first time since 2014.
Team USA Close Behind in the Betting Market
While Canada holds the top spot, the United States is breathing down their necks. DraftKings has placed the U.S. at +175 to win the gold medal. This represents one of the strongest positions the American program has held in decades, reflecting a massive surge in elite-level talent coming out of the United States developmental programs.
The American roster is expected to feature high-octane offensive weapons such as Auston Matthews, Jack Hughes, and Matthew Tkachuk. Perhaps more importantly, the U.S. currently boasts an embarrassment of riches in the crease, with elite netminders like Connor Hellebuyck, Jake Oettinger, and Thatcher Demko providing a level of goaltending depth that may even surpass that of their Canadian rivals.
The Impact of the NHL’s Return to the Olympics
The shift in Olympic men's hockey betting odds is a direct result of the agreement between the NHL, the NHL Players' Association (NHLPA), and the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF). For the past two Olympic cycles, the tournament was played without NHL participation, leading to rosters comprised of players from European professional leagues and collegiate ranks.
The return of the world’s best players fundamentally changes the handicapping of the event. Key factors influencing the current odds include:
- Roster Depth: NHL-heavy nations like Canada and the U.S. benefit most from the inclusion of professional stars.
- Goaltending: The presence of Vezina-caliber NHL starters drastically lowers the expected goals against for the top-tier favorites.
- Experience: While many younger stars haven't played in the Olympics, their experience in high-pressure NHL Stanley Cup Playoff situations is being factored into the lines.
Comparing the Field
While Canada (+115) and the USA (+175) are the primary focuses of the early market, the gap between the North American teams and the rest of the world has narrowed in recent years. Traditional European powers like Sweden, Finland, and the Czech Republic will undoubtedly field competitive rosters filled with NHL talent, though they currently sit behind the "Big Two" in the eyes of oddsmakers.
As the 2026 Winter Games in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo approach, these odds are expected to fluctuate based on player health, NHL performance, and potential roster announcements. For now, the betting market suggests that the gold medal will likely be a cross-border battle between the two North American giants.
Sources & Original Reporting
