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Seven Ottawa Senators who could play in the 2022 Olympics

By Jack Baines

OTTAWA, ON - APRIL 1: Brady Tkachuk #7 of the Ottawa Senators celebrates with Thomas Chabot #72 after scoring a first period goal on the Tampa Bay Lightning at Canadian Tire Centre on April 1, 2019 in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Andrea Cardin/NHLI via Getty Images)
OTTAWA, ON - APRIL 1: Brady Tkachuk #7 of the Ottawa Senators celebrates with Thomas Chabot #72 after scoring a first period goal on the Tampa Bay Lightning at Canadian Tire Centre on April 1, 2019 in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Andrea Cardin/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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DETROIT, MICHIGAN – JANUARY 10: Rudolfs Balcers #38 of the Ottawa Senators skates against the Detroit Red Wings at Little Caesars Arena on January 10, 2020 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – JANUARY 10: Rudolfs Balcers #38 of the Ottawa Senators skates against the Detroit Red Wings at Little Caesars Arena on January 10, 2020 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

Rudolfs Balcers (Latvia)

The biggest question here is whether or not Latvia will make the tournament. Unlike Canada and eight other nations, Latvia did not get an automatic slot in the 2022 Men’s Olympic hockey tournament. Instead, they will have to go through a qualifying tournament next summer.

If they do make it, Balcers should be a no-brainer to make the team, as he’s one of only three Latvian skaters in the NHL, the others being Buffalo’s Zemgus Girgensons and Pittsburgh’s Teddy Blueger. Given his play at the NHL and AHL level since coming over in the Erik Karlsson trade, it’s not unfathomable that he may in fact be Latvia’s best player by the time the Olympics roll around.

Olympic Chance: 30%

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