Which current Canada line will be the first to change?

We’re just a few days away from the start of the men’s hockey portion of the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy, and there’s plenty of speculation as to what the lines for Canada will look like.

On the first day of practice, we saw Sidney Crosby center a line with Mark Stone and Mitch Marner, while Tom Wilson and Macklin Celebrini were on the wing with Connor McDavid. Meanwhile, the current NHL goal leader in Nathan MacKinnon was on a line with Brad Marchand and Nick Suzuki.

On Tuesday’s episode of Daily Faceoff LIVE, Tyler Yaremchuk and former NHL goaltender Carter Hutton discuss the first set of lines for Canada and whether they will stick throughout the tournament.

Tyler Yaremchuk: When you look at the top-nine forwards, is there a line that you’re less convinced will work and will be able to stick throughout the tournament?

Carter Hutton: I think it’s the third line with Sidney Crosby, Mark Stone and Mitch Marner, with the lack of speed. I think there’s a lot of defensive awareness and they’re a responsible line, but then you’re underestimating what Marner can bring you offensively, what Crosby can do when paired with someone.

I think those lines might mix around a bit. As for the fourth line, it feels odd seeing Sam Reinhart on the fourth line. I know he’s not known for his speed, but his hockey IQ and goal-scoring ability are ultra high.

I don’t know if this is a feel out, but I think you do need to match speed with smarts, and that’s what they’re trying to go for. If I do see a line change quickly, it may be that third line, where they inject a little more speed into it.

You can watch the full segment and the rest of the episode here…