Three Buffalo Sabres Named to Olympic Rosters

With the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina now just a month away, national federations have begun unveiling their men’s ice hockey rosters. Among the selections are three Buffalo Sabres who earned spots as top choices for their respective countries.

This tournament marks the long‑awaited return of NHL players to Olympic competition for the first time in twelve years.

Tage Thompson – United States

Tage Thompson, 28, will represent Team USA after a decorated history with the national program. The Phoenix‑born forward is already a three‑time gold medalist, most recently at the 2025 IIHF World Championship, where he scored six goals in 10 games. His resume also includes gold at the 2015 U18 World Championship and the 2017 World Juniors, as well as bronze medals in 2018 and 2021.

This season with Buffalo, Thompson leads the Sabres in goals (20) and points (37 in 39 games). Since his breakout in 2021-22, his 178 goals rank 10th among all NHL players and second among American‑born skaters, trailing only Auston Matthews.

Thompson learned of his Olympic selection Wednesday morning when general manager Jarmo Kekäläinen handed him a phone call from Team USA GM Bill Guerin.

He admitted the moment came with nerves and uncertainty, saying he felt “a big sigh of relief, excitement, a bunch of different emotions” when he heard the news. Representing the U.S. at the Olympics, he said, fulfills a dream he has chased since childhood.

Rasmus Dahlin – Sweden

Sabres captain Rasmus Dahlin was among the first six players named to Sweden’s roster back in June. This will be his second Olympic appearance; he previously competed at the 2018 PyeongChang Games as a 17‑year‑old, during the NHL’s absence from Olympic play.

The 25‑year‑old from Lidköping has been a fixture on Sweden’s international stage, earning medals at the World Juniors (silver in 2018) and World Championships (bronze in 2022 and 2024). He also played in last year’s 4 Nations Face‑Off, scoring once in three games.

Dahlin leads all Sabres defensemen with 28 points (4-24–28) and ranks fifth among active Swedish blueliners with 388 career points. He is projected to skate on Sweden’s top defensive pairing.

Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen – Finland

Goaltender Ukko‑Pekka Luukkonen was named to Finland’s roster on Friday, joining Juuse Saros and Kevin Lankinen as part of the team’s three‑goalie group.

Luukkonen’s last major international appearance came at the 2019 World Juniors, where he posted a .932 SV% and 1.80 GAA en route to a gold medal.

Among the seven Finnish goalies who have appeared in the NHL this season, Luukkonen ranks first in goals‑against average (2.46), first in save percentage (.903), and second in wins (7). He has been especially sharp during Buffalo’s recent 10‑game winning streak, going 3‑0‑0 with a .962 save percentage and 1.00 GAA.

His 78 career NHL wins rank third among active Finnish goaltenders, and his 27 victories in 2023–24 were the most by a Sabres goalie since Ryan Miller’s 31 in 2011-12.

Luukkonen was part of Finland’s roster for last year’s 4 Nations Face‑Off but did not dress. With his recent stretch, he may be in stronger contention for playing time in Milano Cortina. He will also be joined by Kekäläinen, who is serving on Finland’s management staff.

Luukkonen called the Olympic opportunity “huge,” adding that he grew up watching the Games and is thrilled to now be “on the other side of the screen.”

The 2026 Olympic Winter Games run from February 6 to 22, and the men's ice hockey tournament will be staged in Milan.

Photo Credits: 

• Tage Thompson in Team USA jersey (WGR Sports Radio 550)

• Rasmus Dahlin in Team Sweden jersey at the 4 Nations Face-Off (thehockeynews.com) 

• Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen in Team Finland jersey (Kevin Light/Getty Images)