Last Word On Hockey
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We are back with a Monday edition of NHL (and Olympics, too) Rumours. There was a potential shake-up on the tight fight for the final roster positions. The main topic of this article, however, is someone that we think has firmly planted their stake, on the land that is the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics Team Canada hockey roster. So, let’s check it all out.
Rumour: The experts at 32 Thoughts the Podcast, Elliotte Friedman and Kyle Bukauskas had some strong words on today’s podcast. Elliotte Friedman insists that San Jose Sharks youngster Macklin Celebrini is a lock for the Team Canada roster.
Analysis: There’s a lot of reasons why it makes sense. Not only statistically, but also from an intangible point of view. An example of this, is someone like Sidney Crosby suggesting that Celebrini is one of the best players in the league. This was following the Sharks dramatic come-from-behind, overtime victory on the weekend. There was even an example of Celebrini sticking up for teammate Will Smith.
Friedman used the term Lock, no less than three times. He is saying in the context, of all the other guys fighting for those final spots, he would be the lock. His best quote, “I will be in shock” (if he doesn’t make the team) seems to fit the current climate for Celebrini.
Celebrini is noted as having terrific two-way skills. His offensive talent is undeniable, plus the chemistry he has shown with fellow young star Will Smith and others. As of print, Celebrini is third in the entire NHL in scoring with 47 points. His average ice time is up to 20:24, an incredible level for a young player in the NHL. Also, as Friedman referenced, even back to last year, fellow NHLers were commendable of his off-the-puck and defensive positioning and compete level. With his speed and incredible head for the game, it almost seems a travesty to leave him off at this point.
The aspect of his versatility, is that he could play anywhere in the loaded Team Canada lineup. You could sneak him on the top-six, maybe in hopes of matching Connor McDavid’s pace of play. After all, Celebrini is showing that on the NHL leaderboard, he can play at that level. This would have the further benefit of sliding a very skilled player down the lineup. But also, Celebrini has the two-way skills to fill a role on the bottom six. Although, let’s be honest, where would the fans rather see him?
Depending on the extend of the Connor Bedard injury, this just helps to paint the picture for those remaining spots up for grabs. Friedman had previously called Bedard, the People’s Choice for a selection. That type of designation makes it hard to deny the possibility of him having a spot. But the injury timing could put this in jeopardy. Another potentially costly injury is that to Bo Horvat. There was some thought he was narrowing in on a bottom-six centre-ice position. Now, that is likewise in jeopardy.
Connor Bedard placed on injured reserve, keeping him out until at least Dec. 19. https://t.co/5hhtcXjcqy
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) December 15, 2025
In previous Olympics and NHL Rumours, we already mentioned Tom Wilson as having a leg up on the competition for spots on the roster. He’s a point-a-game on the year, but brings the punch, including 84 hits. Also, his ice time of 19:35 is well above his previous career high (last year 18:44). Another potential bubble player we like is Brandon Hagel. He is doing well offensively, likewise as Wilson, at exactly a point-per-game. Furthermore, Hagel has a couple advantages. He played on the 4 Nations Face-Off Team Canada and his coach, Jon Cooper, is the Olympic coach, too.
We also got final confirmation that Team Canada plans to release their roster on December 31st. The International Ice Hockey Federation were hoping they’d lean towards after the World Junior Championships. In contrast, the teams want it done and out of the way. So, be sure to check us out then, for those major announcements.
Main Photo: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Levi Pike is an editor and writer here at Last Word on Hockey. He has lived all over Canada but grew up in Nanaimo, BC. Currently, he lives with his loving wife, three kids, and dog in the capital of the Easterly most province of Canada, St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador. He’s passionate about hockey, in particular, the Ottawa Senators and statistics. He received both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Statistics at Memorial University of Newfoundland.
Dec 15, 2025
Dec 15, 2025
Dec 15, 2025
Dec 15, 2025
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