Way back in July, when the NHL released their initial six players for each country participating in the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympic Games Victor Hedman was a lock to make the roster. Sure, enough the Tampa Bay Lightning’s captain was part of that initial wave of players, and expressed delight at finally being able to represent his country at the preeminent international tournament for hockey.
Also back in July, Lightning fans were still figuring out exactly what role the newly signed Pontus Holmberg would play for the team. Not once did it seem remotely possible that he would be in the Olympic discussion.