Canada’s men's hockey roster for the 2026 IIHF World Championship is beginning to take shape, with notable names like John Tavares, Mark Scheifele, Robert Thomas, and Ryan O'Reilly set to join. The tournament, taking place in Switzerland from May 15-31, will see these players represented even after their NHL seasons end. While Hockey Canada will announce its full roster in early May, enthusiasm is strong among those expressing interest in joining for what is expected to be a competitive event.

By the Numbers
  • John Tavares has 36 points in 31 World Championship games played and scored 31 goals, totaling 71 points in the NHL this season.
  • Mark Scheifele achieved 103 points this season, including 67 assists, marking a personal best.
  • O'Reilly recorded 74 points in 81 games with the Nashville Predators, his best output since 2018-19.
State of Play
  • Canada will kick off the tournament on May 15 against Sweden.
  • The roster is expected to include several players with previous national team experience.
  • Canada has a strong track record at the World Championship with 28 golds and 53 total medals.
What's Next

As the tournament nears, more players from the NHL could declare their intentions to join the roster, potentially bolstering Canada’s competitiveness. Hockey Canada will finalize and announce the complete lineup shortly after the NHL’s first-round playoff matches conclude.

Bottom Line

With a mix of experienced and emerging talent, Canada aims to reclaim its dominance at the World Championship after failing to medal in the last two tournaments. The team's historical successes and the caliber of returning players indicate a strong chance for a medal run in 2026.