The 2026 Winter Olympics are now underway, and the men’s ice hockey tournament is about to begin. Several players on the Seattle Kraken are representing their home nations at the Olympics, a significant honor. Let’s take a look at who and their schedule below.
Oscar Fisker Molgaard – Denmark
Oscar Fisker Molgaard has been called up to the Kraken twice this season and usually plays for the Coachella Valley Firebirds, the Kraken’s American Hockey League (AHL) team.
However, he has played in three games for the Kraken this season from two different call-ups. He played on Nov. 20 and Nov. 22, right before the short Thanksgiving break. Nov. 20 was his first NHL game, and he recorded his first assist. He was also called up for the Kraken’s final game before the Olympic break on Feb. 4. He took eight shifts and recorded 6:42 on the ice.
With the Firebirds, he has played 36 games and recorded 22 points, including seven goals and 15 assists. His performance in the AHL will prepare him for the Olympics, as he is getting ample ice time. Although he has only played three games in the NHL so far, this experience is valuable as he prepares to compete on the international stage. Even just playing for six minutes will make a difference.
When to Watch
Denmark is in Group C alongside the USA, Germany, and Latvia. Their preliminary schedule is as follows:
- Feb. 12 – Germany vs. Denmark (12:10 PM PT)
- Feb. 14 – USA vs. Denmark (12:10 PM PT)
- Feb. 15 – Denmark vs. Latvia (10:10 AM PT)
Kaapo Kakko & Eeli Tolvanen – Finland
Kaapo Kakko is one of two Kraken players representing his home country of Finland at the Olympics. He has played in 40 games with Seattle this season and recorded 21 points via six goals and 25 assists. He was injured during the preseason and returned in November. Just seven games later, he was dealt another injury, keeping him off the ice for two more weeks. Even with the unfortunate nature of Kakko’s injuries this season, he is hoping to put up a strong performance to bring Finland home the gold.
Kakko is not the only Finnish player on the Kraken representing their home country, as Eeli Tolvanen will be joining him. Tolvanen has played in all but one game so far this season and has recorded 31 points via 11 goals and 20 assists. He really started racking up the points in December, and his performance in the last week of the month earned him the NHL’s second star of the week. Let’s hope his strong play in the NHL carries over to the Olympics as well.
When to Watch
Finland is in Group B alongside Sweden, Slovakia, and Italy. Their preliminary schedule is as follows:
- Feb. 11 – Slovakia vs. Finland (7:40 AM PT)
- Feb. 13 – Finland vs. Sweden (3:10 AM PT)
- Feb. 14 – Finland vs. Italy (7:40 AM PT)
Philipp Grubauer – Germany
Probably the biggest surprise for the Kraken this season was Philipp Grubauer’s performance. He was named to Germany’s preliminary roster when it was announced back in June, following the 2024-25 season. It was during this season that Grubauer had the worst performance in his NHL career, going 8-17-1 in 26 games and earning his lowest save percentage (SV%) ever with a .875. He was even sent down to the AHL for a conditioning stint.
Related: Kraken’s Philipp Grubauer Has Redeemed Himself this Season
It appears this conditioning stint worked, as Grubauer has arguably been the Kraken’s best goaltender this season. He has played in 22 games so far with a record of 19-11-6 and a SV% of .916. He has been alternating this past month with Joey Daccord, working with him as a tandem. With the extra ice time Grubauer has earned in January, he will be ready to be Germany’s netminder in the Olympics.
Germany is in Group C alongside the USA, Latvia, and Denmark. Their preliminary schedule is as follows:
- Feb. 12 – Germany vs. Denmark (12:10 PM PT)
- Feb. 14 – Germany vs. Latvia (3:10 AM PT)
- Feb. 15 – USA vs. Germany (12:10 PM PT)
Kraken Talent Headed to the Olympics
This group of three forwards and one goaltender is a strong one, and it is a great honor for them to represent their home countries at the international level. This is also the first time all four players are playing at the Olympic level. This will be a great tournament to watch when it kicks off on Feb. 11.
