The Winnipeg Jets have four players currently at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina. Each of the 12 countries in the Men’s tournament wrapped up their preliminary games over the past two days, and now it’s time for them to get ready for the playoff qualifying round. Nino Niederreiter (Switzerland), Josh Morrissey (Canada), Kyle Connor (USA) and Connor Hellebuyck (USA) have each tried to do what they can to make an impact, but of the four only Hellebuyck has gotten on the stat sheet (with 2 wins). Here’s a look at each of the players first three (or less for two of them) games at the Olympics, and a look at their upcoming games as the elimination games begin on Tuesday.
Nino Niederreiter – Switzerland
Nino Niederreiter was named an assistant captain for Switzerland just before the games began. In 3 games, Niederreiter has 0 points and is a -3 with 2 penalty minutes. Devils forward Timo Meier and Lightning defenceman Janis Moser lead the Swiss with 4 points. Despite no points, Niederreiter hasn’t been completely “unnoticeable” on this Swiss team. Looking back at game highlights, Niederreiter has played a solid defensive game, and his leadership qualities have contributed to a successful preliminary round for Switzerland.
Switzerland opened their Olympics with a 4-0 win over France. Switzerland fell 5-1 to Canada in their following game, setting up an important third game against Czechia. Switzerland kept Czechia’s attack to a minimum at the start of the game, and in the end Switzerland won 4-3 in overtime. The win secured Switzerland 2nd in their group, and gave them the five seed for the qualifying round. Niederreiter and the Swiss will have what should be an easy next game against twelfth seeded Italy on Tuesday, where hopefully we will see Niederreiter get on the scoresheet.
Josh Morrissey – Canada
Josh Morrissey only played in Canada’s first game against Czechia (a 5-0 win), as he left the game after suffering a lower-body injury (likely his leg) from an awkward collision late in the 1st period. Morrissey looked good on his pairing with Colton Parayko, and Morrissey tried to return in the 2nd period but was unable to go. Morrissey wasn’t able to play in Canada’s 5-1 win over Switzerland and Canada’s 10-2 win over France.
Canada’s head coach John Cooper reassured Jets fans though, saying “by no means is he out for the tournament”. This is a positive update, as it could be precautionary for Morrissey to sit out before he can hopefully return for the elimination rounds. Canada finished as the first seed with a perfect 3-0 record and a +17 goal differential, and will now await the winner of Czechia (8th seed) vs. Denmark (9th seed). Jets fans will be hoping for another positive Morrissey update before Wednesday’s game.
Kyle Connor – USA
Kyle Connor is also scoreless at the Olympics with a -1 rating in 2 games. Team USA opened their tournament with a 5-1 win over Latvia, followed by a 6-3 win against Denmark. Kyle Connor didn’t have much of an impact in either game, and he seemed to be “buried” down in this USA lineup full of very talented players.
Team USA played their final preliminary on Sunday against Germany and won 5-1, but this time Kyle Connor wasn’t in the lineup. Kyle Connor was replaced by Utah forward Clayton Keller, as Connor was a healthy scratch for USA just as he was back in the 4 Nations Face-Off final against Canada. It’s been another disappointing tournament for Connor, who will hopefully be back in the lineup for Team USA’s next game. The second seeded Americans await the winner of the 7th seeded Sweden and 10th seeded Latvia game on Tuesday.
Connor Hellebuyck – USA
Seeing as the other three Jets players have yet to find the scoresheet at the Olympics, Hellebuyck has been the most impactful Jets player through this first part of the tournament. Hellebuyck wasn’t super busy in his first start against Latvia, but still played well, making 17 saves on 18 shots in a 5-1 win. USA switched to Jeremy Swayman for USA’s 2nd game, as USA secured a 6-3 victory. Team USA went back to Hellebuyck for their game against Germany on Sunday, and Hellebuyck made 23 saves on 24 shots in a 5-1 win.
Hellebuyck hasn’t had to face too many “top end” players yet (apart from Draisaitl and Stutzle), but he’s still done what’s been needed to get Team USA two of their three wins. Hellebuyck should be considered the “projected starter” for USA’s next game against the winner of Sweden vs. Latvia. Sweden are likely heavy favourites to win this game, and it would set up a tough challenge for Hellebuyck and the Americans on Wednesday.
Make sure to stay tuned here at JetsNation and on the official Olympics website for updates on the Men’s hockey tournament as it progresses. Although three of the four Jets players in Italy haven’t had the Olympics they’ve wanted so far, there’s still time for all of them to leave their mark before they return to Jets hockey in 10 days.
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