Given that the NHL is fielding players for the Olympic Games for the first time since 2014, teams from Canada and the USA are automatically among the main favorites.

There was already a separate article about these teams, but now let’s look at the situation in Europe’s best teams.

Sweden and Finland

If the NHL had not fielded hockey players in the Games again, these two teams would have immediately become the main contenders for the gold medal, given the strength of their championships. Finland, which won the last gold medal, has created a solid squad, but the main problem needs to be mentioned immediately. Seriously injured was leader and captain Alexander Barkov, who suffered a knee injury for the rest of the season and will definitely not be able to help at the Olympics. This is a global roster issue and Barkov’s shoes are impossible to replace.

The first number in goal will most likely be Juse Saros, while Miro Heiskanen, Rasmus Ristolainen, Esa Lindell and Niko Mikkola will draw attention in defense. The attack includes brilliant forwards Mikko Rantanen, Teuvo Teravainen and Sebastian Aho. Without Barkov, the main star is Rantanen, who has scored 19 goals and 63 points this season. Given the strength of the competitors, Finland is unlikely to realistically defend its title in this composition and remains among the second-place contenders for the awards.

Perhaps the situation is better in Sweden, which appears to be Canada’s main rival. The number one pick will most likely be Filip Gustafsson, and his opponent will be Minnesota teammate Jesper Wallstedt. Elite players Victor Hedman and Rasmus Dahlin, senior Erik Karlsson and champion Florida leader Gustav Forsling have been called up to the defensive line. The offense includes top players William Nylander, Mika Zibanejad, Filip Forsberg, Gabriel Landeskog, Elias Pettersson and others. It is interesting that they took young Anaheim forward Leo Karlsson, who is in his second season in the NHL and has already become the leader of the Ducks.

If we consider the goalkeepers and defensive line combined, Sweden is certainly not inferior to Canada and even looks preferable in some places, and is superior to the USA in terms of attack. There are three favorites ahead of the tournament and in my opinion Sweden are on par with the North American teams.

Czech Republic, Germany

The Czech national team is inferior to the top three teams in terms of overall team strength, especially when it comes to goalkeepers and defence. But offensively the Czechs will have something to show their opponents. The main stars are David Pastrnak, one of the NHL’s best forwards, as well as two-time Stanley Cup winner in Tampa Bay Ondrej Palat and good forwards Tomas Hertl, Pavel Zaha and Martin Necas. 40-year-old Roman Cervenka, who captained the team in the last major tournaments, is noteworthy.

There is a good selection of players overall, but inferior not only to the top 3 but also to the Finnish team.

Germany brought an interesting squad with Leon Draisaitl standing out. It’s unlikely one of the best players in the NHL can single-handedly lead the team to medals, but he has help.

There’s good Seattle goaltender Philip Grubauer, Moritz Seider, one of the NHL’s best young defensemen, and up-and-coming Ottawa forward Tim Stützle. There are many hockey players in the league who have extensive experience and are currently playing in the top European championships. It will definitely not be a surprise if Germany advances to the quarter-finals.

The Olympic hockey tournament will take place from February 11-22.