Canada's Olympic chatter just got louder with a projected roster that includes Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar from the Colorado Avalanche, and that lineup shift matters for Avalanche fans craving international stakes. This projection blends veterans and elite young stars, and it's a reminder that Colorado's core could be central to Canada's 2026 hopes.
The Avalanche already carry weight in the NHL, and seeing MacKinnon's name next to Makar's on a potential Olympic blue and white forward and defense list feels natural given their elite seasons.
MacKinnon drives play with pace and power, and Canada would lean on that if this projection holds up. Makar's offensive instincts from the back end balance Canada's backend with smarts and mobility.
MacKinnon and Makar headline Team Canada's latest announcement.
Jacob Punturi from Breakaway On Si writes that the projected defense looks deep, and Canada would pair Makar with other top right shots to manage matchups. Devon Toews is also on that list, giving Colorado fans two Avalanche blueliners in that core. Toews steadies breakout and transition play with calm under pressure. That's a luxury in international ice where mistakes magnify fast.
Goaltending on this projection has Scott Wedgewood in the mix too. Wedgewood's presence on a Canadian Olympic roster projection is a bit of a feel-good story for depth, and for Avalanche followers it adds a Colorado flavor up the middle of the ice. His experience and puck-tracking help in tight games could be a X factor if Canada leans on puck possession against European schemes.
Offensively, MacKinnon isn't the lone Avalanche on that projected list, but he's the most impactful. Canada's forwards are star-studded, and MacKinnon's ability to tilt ice and create chaos wins board battles. That electric style often turns a close game to Canada's favor when opponents overcommit.
Defense pairing possibilities raise exciting questions for fans. If Makar and Toews skate together for Canada, their transition play might be one of the most dynamic at the Games. That duo can break forechecks and feed odd-man rushes, and Avalanche fans know that threat intimately.
Avalanche supporters should feel a ton of pride in seeing two of Colorado's cornerstone talents projected for Olympic work, and it gives a midseason spark to track their North American campaign with an eye on February. If this roster sticks, it not only validates Colorado's star power, it places Avalanche hockey at the heart of Canada's international strategy.