Ottawa Senators veteran Lars Eller sits on the Denmark roster at the 2026 Olympics, sweating out whether his squad draws Czechia or Denmark in the qualification round for a shot at mighty Team Canada. The grinder's been around long enough to know these best-on-best moments don't come cheap, especially for a Danish crew punching above its weight with NHL vets like Nikolaj Ehlers leading the charge.

Mike Sullivan's Team USA stumbles out of the gate against a gritty Denmark squad packing NHL firepower like Nikolaj Ehlers, but the Americans flip the script with sheer talent overload. Jack Hughes dazzles on what might as well be their fourth line, while the roster's depth turns a shaky start into a statement. Sullivan, fresh off his Rangers bench and Penguins Cups, knows these early Olympics reps build the chemistry needed for a medal run against the big dogs like Canada.

Denmark's hockey team steps into the Olympic glare feeling a bit out of place, with players like Lightning forward Oliver Bjorkstrand admitting it's surreal for their small country to draw this much attention. Packing six NHLers including Senators vet Lars Eller and Hurricanes stars Nikolaj Ehlers and Frederik Andersen, the Danes just absorbed a 3-1 loss to Germany and now face a powerhouse U.S. squad loaded with top talent.

A bold mock deal sends Seattle's Shane Wright packing to the Jets for assets that fit their Cup window. Wright's untapped potential tempts Winnipeg's brain trust, who've eyed center depth since the Ehlers extension. Kraken brass ponders the return as prospect patience wears thin in a loaded system.

Carolina's Nikolaj Ehlers steps into the Winter Olympics spotlight representing Denmark, bringing his Hurricanes speed to an international stage that's been years in the making. The winger thrives in big moments, and this Olympic bid gives him a chance to shine beyond the NHL grind. With Denmark eyeing an upset or two in the prelims, Ehlers' readiness hints at the stakes for NHLers balancing club and country right now.

Germany rolls into Milan with Leon Draisaitl, Tim Stutzle, Moritz Seider and Philipp Grubauer leading a stacked roster that's their best Olympic squad ever, facing a gritty Denmark side banking on Frederik Andersen and Nikolaj Ehlers to channel last year's World Championship magic. The odds heavily favor the Germans at -286, but Denmark's recent upset history against them adds real intrigue in this Group C opener.