Jon Cooper, the Tampa Bay Lightning head coach, has been facing challenges due to injuries to key players during the early NHL season. Despite this, he is also gearing up for the much-anticipated return of the NHL players to the Olympics at the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Games after a 12-year hiatus.
Cooper, who recently guided Canada to victory in the 4 Nations Face-Off and will lead the team in Italy in February, anticipates making difficult decisions when finalizing the national roster. He emphasized the tough choices ahead as the competition among players intensifies.
Two rising stars, Macklin Celebrini and Connor Bedard, have caught Cooper’s attention. Initially overlooked due to stiff competition, the young talents from North Vancouver, B.C., have forced their way into consideration for the Olympic squad.
Celebrini, 19, ranked second in NHL scoring with 43 points, while Bedard, 20, held the fourth spot with 40 points before the latest games. Cooper commended their impact on the selection process, highlighting the exceptional talent they bring to the table.
Canada’s roster already includes standout players like Nathan MacKinnon, Connor McDavid, Sidney Crosby, and others who played a pivotal role in the 4 Nations victory. With the roster deadline approaching on December 31, the team management faces the task of finalizing the squad for the upcoming Games.
Cooper noted the progress in shaping the team and building relationships with the players, indicating a positive outlook as Canada aims for gold in the upcoming Olympics.