McDavid, Hyman, Nugent-Hopkins, and Bouchard invited to Hockey Canada Orientation Camp

Hockey Canada has invited four members of the Edmonton Oilers to the National Teams Orientation Camp in preparation for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan.

Connor McDavid, Zach Hyman, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, and Evan Bouchard were among the 42 players invited who will take part in a three-day off-ice event that involves players and staff from the men’s, women’s, and para hockey teams. According to the press release, the event includes presentations, team-building opportunities, team meetings and media opportunities in preparation for the upcoming season.

In terms of players invited, the Oilers are tied with the Vegas Golden Knights with the second most players at the orientation with four in total, with only the Florida Panthers having more at five. This does not mean that all four Oilers players will be heading to Milan next February, since McDavid is the only one confirmed to be going at the time of filing.

For Hyman, Nugent-Hopkins, and Bouchard, their invitation suggests they are being heavily considered by management for Hockey Canada, and they will at the very least be high on their list for injury replacements. Out of the other three Edmonton players invited, Bouchard has the best chance to join McDavid, but there is certainly a world where all three get to represent their country on the biggest stage.

If Hyman were to make the cut, it would be his first chance playing for Canada since turning pro and his first time in general since the 2013 Maccabiah Games.

Nugent-Hopkins has also yet to play for Canada at a major international tournament since entering the NHL in 2011. He did play for Team North America at the 2016 World Cup of Hockey and for Canada at the 2018 World Hockey Championship, but he hasn’t gotten to participate in any major festivities since the 2013 World Juniors. 

As for Bouchard, this would also be his first appearance for Canada after turning pro since he last suited up for his country was as an alternate captain at the 2019 World Juniors.

While it is unclear which of those three will be joining McDavid in Italy, the likes of Hyman, Nugent-Hopkins, and Bouchard are at the very least on Canada’s radar and could be in the mix down to the wire.