For the first time since 2014, NHL players will compete in the Winter Olympics in 2026. Twelve years without participating in the Olympics is long enough for NHL players. So far, there have been two players on the Ottawa Senators roster that will play in the Olympics.
Brady Tkachuk was named for Team USA's roster; Tim Stutzle was named for Germany's roster. Tkachuk and Stutzle were both one of the first six players announced for their respected roster they made. More excitement for both Tkachuk and Stutzle will be there in February as Team USA and Germany will face each other in the Olympics.
Other Senators can potentially quality to make an Olympic roster. From Jake Sanderson for Team USA, to Linus Ullmark for Sweden and to even Nikolas Matinpalo for Finland. However, even with not a ton of NHL experience, there's one Senators prospect that could have a chance to make an Olympic roster.
How Sogaard could make Denmark's roster for 2026 Olympics
One of the 12 countries competing in the Olympics in men's ice hockey is Denmark. On June 16, the first six players of Denmark's roster were announced. One of the six players announced for Denmark was goaltender Frederik Anderson.
Anderson is the only Danish goaltender on an active roster in the NHL today as a member of the Carolina Hurricanes, where he has proved himself as a capable goaltender. However, the only other Danish goaltender who has currently played in an NHL game besides Anderson is Senators prospect Mads Sogaard.
Some might find it shocking, but Anderson and Sogaard are the only Danish goaltenders to ever play in an NHL game. With Anderson needing a backup for the Olympics, Sogaard could be an option because of his NHL experience.
Sogaard has played in 29 career NHL games, which all have been played with the Senators. Of those 29 games, 25 of them have been starts. Sogaard has recorded an 11-11-3 record with a 3.55 goals against average and .879 save percentage.
The best season Sogaard had was in the 2022-23 season. Sogaard recorded an 8-6-3 record with a 3.32 GAA and .889 save percentage in 19 games played (17 starts). Sogaard also added one assist on the season offensively.
If Sogaard is able to be on Denmark's roster, he will have a chance to play with Lars Eller, a newly signed forward the Senators signed this off-season, and also goal scorer Nikolaj Ehlers. Sogaard could also have the chance to learn goaltending tips from Anderson if he makes the Olympic roster for Denmark.