They will face Italy on Wednesday: Victor Hedman and Erik Karlsson. © Tre Kronor

The NHL stars are here: Crosby & Co. have arrived in Milan

Following the flag bearers Leon Draisaitl (Germany), Nino Niederreiter (Switzerland) and David Pastrnak (Czech Republic), the other NHL stars, including Sidney Crosby (Canada), have also arrived at the Olympic Village in Milan.

February 08, 2026

From: Leo/dpa

Italy's group opponents, Sweden and Finland, have also been in Milan since Sunday morning. Pictures and videos posted on social media showed, among others, William Nylander of the Toronto Maple Leafs and Erik Karlsson (Pittsburgh Penguins). The Swedes now have three days to familiarize themselves with the conditions in Milan before they begin their tournament on Wednesday with a match against Italy (9:10 p.m.).

“The first few moments actually felt a bit surreal. It’s impressive to see so many athletes living together here and wanting to give their best performances,” said Tim Stützle of the Ottawa Senators.

The 24-year-old landed in Milan at midday along with most of the other NHL players. With the exception of the flag bearers, who had already arrived on Friday, the North American professional league had sent its players from New York to Italy on five planes. "It's almost a strange feeling to suddenly be here in Milan. Everything went quickly and smoothly with the journey," said defenseman Moritz Seider of the Detroit Red Wings.

Anticipation is great

A total of nine North American professionals are on the German team, which kicks off its tournament against Denmark on Thursday. The NHL players, who arrived in Milan on Sunday, are scheduled to train with the German team for the first time on Monday. Draisaitl was already on the ice with the German Ice Hockey Federation's squad on Saturday. "We're incredibly excited that it's finally starting for us too," said Seider.