While the 2026 Winter Olympics feature over 140 active NHL players, several standouts currently playing in European or junior leagues have used the global stage to boost their professional stock.
Martin Gernat, Defense, Slovakia
Leading Slovakia’s blue line, Martin Gernat has been described as the team’s “most noticeable” player through the preliminary round. Currently productive in the KHL, his transition play and point production (4 points in 3 games) have reignited NHL interest. Gernát’s standout moment occurred during Slovakia’s final preliminary match against Sweden, where he notched a goal and an assist in a 5-3 loss, to help secure a first place finish in Group B. He is currently under contract for the 2025–26 season with Lokomotiv Yaroslavl in the KHL, where he has recorded 29 points in 52 games. His performance in Milan has reignited discussions about a potential NHL return. Scouts have highlighted his 6’4″ frame, puck-moving ability, and high-level productivity in Europe as traits that could earn him a contract as a “late-bloomer” defensive addition.
Filip Chlapik, Forward, Czechia
A former Ottawa Senators draft pick now playing for Sparta Prague, Chlapik was a late injury replacement for Pavel Zacha and has impressed scouts with his ability to slide into a top-six role against elite competition. Through the preliminary stage, Chlapík recorded 3 points (2 goals, 1 assist) in three games. He excelled while playing on a top line alongside NHL star Martin Nečas, using his size (6’2″, 212 lbs) and previous professional experience to thrive in high-leverage situations. Chlapík is currently the captain of HC Sparta Praha in the Czech Extraliga, where he entered the Olympic break with 45 points (19 goals, 26 assists) in 45 games this season. His Olympic performance has led to speculation about an “NHL out” clause, as teams searching for a physical, productive middle-six forward have heavily scouted him in Milan.
Samuel Hlavaj, Goalie, Slovakia
Samuel Hlavaj has been the statistical backbone of Team Slovakia during the 2026 Winter Olympics, setting multiple national records while leading his country to a first-place finish in Group B. Despite his struggles in the AHL this season, he has emerged as one of the tournament’s top goaltenders, recording a .934 save percentage through the preliminary round. His high-volume shot-stopping has been credited with earning Slovakia an automatic bye to the quarterfinals. Hlavaj is under contract with the Minnesota Wild, who currently already have two NHL caliber goalies on their roster, but they have dangled the possibility of trading Jesper Wallstedt for a top 6 center, if Hlavaj can step in and fill in as the backup to Gustavsson.
Lukas Sedlak, Forward, Czechia
Lukáš Sedlák is a primary offensive standout for Czechia at the 2026 Winter Olympics, currently serving as a top-six forward and a key member of the nation’s leadership group. As the captain of HC Dynamo Pardubice in the Czech Extraliga, Sedlák entered the Milan-Cortina games as one of the most productive players outside the NHL, ranking second in his domestic league with 1.02 points per game during the 2025–26 season.Analysts have praised his versatility, noting his ability to win critical faceoffs and play significant minutes in both power-play and penalty-kill situations. Despite his recent extension, his dominant play against NHL-heavy rosters in Milan has kept him on the radar of North American scouts as a potential “short-term” solution for teams needing a reliable, veteran bottom-six center.
Dominik Kubalik, Forward, Czechia
Dominik Kubalík has utilized the 2026 Winter Olympics as a primary showcase for an NHL return. Entered the Olympics as a 2025/26 LGT MVP Award nominee in Europe after leading the Swiss National League (NL) in goals during his 2024-25 resurgence. As a key veteran for Czechia, Kubalík has provided veteran presence and a heavy shot in the preliminary round. While he has faced discipline issues—recording minor penalties for interference and holding in games against Canada and France—his physical play and role on the power play have been central to Czechia’s strategy. Despite playing for EV Zug in Switzerland this season, he remains one of the top former NHLers on the radar of North American scouts due to his proven scoring pedigree and a specific “NHL out” clause in his current contract. Scouts view him as a potential middle-six scoring addition for teams needing a power-play boost.
Joachim Blichfeld, Forward, Denmark
Joachim Blichfeld has used the 2026 Winter Olympics to cement his status as one of Europe’s premier offensive snipers. Entering the games as a leading scorer in the Finnish Liiga, Blichfeld has anchored Denmark’s top-six forward core, showcasing the high-end shot that previously earned him time in the San Jose Sharks organization. He serves as Denmark’s primary power-play trigger man, noted for his “Draisaitl-worthy” one-timer from the left faceoff circle. Playing for Tappara in the Finnish Liiga, Blichfeld leads the team with a blistering 1.33 points per game average for the 2025-26 season. He is currently on pace for nearly 80 points, making him one of the most productive players outside the NHL. His dominant Olympic showing against NHL rosters has led to significant speculation regarding a potential NHL return for the 27-year-old winger.
Ondrej Kase, Forward, Czechia
Ondřej Kaše has been a key veteran presence for Czechia during the preliminary round of the 2026 Winter Olympics. Playing in the men’s hockey tournament’s first edition with NHL players since 2014, the 30-year-old winger has used the global stage to demonstrate his offensive utility and physical readiness following several injury-plagued seasons. Kaše has primarily served as a middle-six forward, frequently skating on a line with David Kämpf and, more recently, Tomáš Hertl. He is currently playing for HC Litvínov in the Czech Extraliga, where he has spent the last three seasons, but before the 2025-26 European season, he reportedly garnered NHL interest but elected to remain in Czechia to play with his brother, David. Scouts in Milan have noted his continued ability to “play in all situations” and contribute offensively against elite NHL-heavy rosters.
Renars Krastensbergs, Forward, Latvia
Renārs Krastenbergs has been a primary offensive standout for Latvia during the 2026 Winter Olympics, helping lead the team to its first Olympic win in 12 years. Through the preliminary round, the 27-year-old forward has recorded 3 points (2 goals, 1 assist) in three games, establishing himself as one of Latvia’s most reliable scoring threats. Analysts have praised his “relentless play” and ability to produce against elite NHL-heavy rosters, describing him as a crucial weapon for a Latvian team that lacks deep offensive scoring. Krastenbergs currently plays for HC Olomouc in the Czech Extraliga (ELH), where he has recorded 20 points (8 goals, 12 assists) in 45 games during the 2025-26 season.
Eduards Tralmaks, Forward, Latvia
Eduards Tralmaks has emerged as one of Latvia’s most impactful forwards during the 2026 Winter Olympics, finishing the preliminary round with 3 points (2 goals, 1 assist) in three games. His “hardest-working” style of play and offensive production against NHL-heavy rosters have established him as a breakout standout in Milan. Despite a scoreless opener against the United States, Tralmaks matched up against Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin and was one of the few Latvians to finish the game without a minus rating. Tralmaks is currently under an NHL contract but has spent the 2025–26 season primarily in the American Hockey League (AHL) with the Grand Rapids Griffins; analysts suggest his Olympic dominance against elite competition has significantly raised his stock for a late-season call-up to Detroit or a potential NHL roster spot in 2026–27.
Justin Addamo, Forward, France
Justin Addamo has been a notable physical and offensive presence for France at the 2026 Winter Olympics, most notably playing a key role in surprising Team Canada during the preliminary round. Standing 6-foot-6 and weighing 240 pounds, the 27-year-old forward has used his massive frame to create scoring opportunities against elite NHL-heavy rosters. Addamo finished the preliminary round with 2 points (both assists) in three games. His impact was most visible in a 10-2 loss to Canada on February 15, 2026, where he was named one of the game’s top standouts. Scouts noted that while not exceptionally quick, his “pure strength” allowed him to force his way into scoring lanes against top-tier NHL defenders like Cale Makar. Teams always like adding Big forwards with size, his play at the Olympics might be enough to give him a shot to make an NHL roster out of camp next season.
HockeywizScouts 