Canada, USA Lead 2026 Olympic Men's Hockey Odds as NHL Stars Return

Canada and the United States are set to reignite their storied rivalry as the top favorites for men's hockey gold at the 2026 Winter Olympics, according to the latest betting odds. With NHL players making their much-anticipated return to the Olympic stage, oddsmakers and fans alike are bracing for a tournament rich in elite talent and high drama.

As the men's ice hockey tournament begins Wednesday, anticipation is surging not just among passionate hockey nations, but also across the betting landscape. Per DraftKings, Canada is currently favored to claim gold at +115 odds, closely trailed by the United States at +175. These lines highlight the perceived gap between the North American powerhouses and the rest of the competition as the puck drops in Italy.

• Canada: +115 (DraftKings odds to win men's gold)
• USA: +175
• Other nations: Significantly longer odds

The return of NHL players, after absences in 2018 and 2022, is a game-changer. Fans can expect rosters packed with superstars, including potential Olympic debuts and final appearances for some of the league’s greatest names. This injection of world-class talent not only boosts the level of play, but also drives tighter odds at the top—most notably for Canada and the USA, whose player pools are considered the deepest in the tournament.

International hockey’s traditional heavyweights such as Finland, Sweden, and the Czech Republic also enter with competitive squads, but their odds lag behind the two North American giants. The gap underscores the impact NHL participation has on Olympic hockey, often tilting the scales toward countries with the largest contingents of top-tier professionals.

On the women’s side, while the spotlight remains on the men’s tournament, the USA and Canada are also perennial favorites. Both programs have dominated the women’s Olympic scene, and betting markets reflect their continued supremacy entering the 2026 Games.

With the action set to begin and NHL stars poised to shine on the world’s biggest stage, the 2026 Olympic hockey tournaments hold the promise of classic matchups, potential upsets, and a fierce battle for gold. The odds tell the story: Canada and the USA are the teams to beat as the world tunes in for a new chapter in Olympic hockey history.