With the NHL confirming that players will return to the Olympics, there is now talk of giving those with Italian roots a special opportunity to represent the European nation at the next Winter Games.
According to a Wednesday report from former NHL scout Bern Freimueller, the league is “eager to allow” players with Italian heritage to suit up for the motherland at the 2026 Games in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo.
“That would mean bypassing the 16-month rule that players have to play in Italy to be eligible,” Freimuuller added. “We will see what the IIHF has to say about this.”
Confirmed by several sources: The NHL is eager to allow their players with Italian ancestors to play for Italy at the Olympics. That would mean bypassing the 16-months-rule that players have to play in Italy to be eligible. We will see what the IIHF has to say about this…
— Bernd Freimueller (@bfreimueller) December 11, 2024
While it remains to be seen if the rule will take effect, many are already speculating about what a team of North American players with Italian roots might look like. And with the number of paisanos currently in the NHL, the roster could end up stacked with talent.
Hockey YouTube Steve “Dangle” Glynn has already crafted a mock lineup full of guys’ whose names end in vowels.
His proposed top six includes Marco Rossi, Tyler Toffoli, and 2024 No. 1 overall pick Macklin Celebrini, while the top defensive pairing features Dante Fabbro and Mario Ferraro.
For goaltending, Glynn suggested a tandem of Sebastian Cossa and Michael DiPietro.
Most of these are guesses, but…
Villardi – Rossi – Palmieri
Perfetti – Celebrini – Toffoli
Bertuzzi – Donato – Vatrano
M. Foligno – Fantilli – MangiapaneFabbro -Ferraro
Victor Mancini – Brandon Carlo
Marc Del Gaizo – Robert BortuzzoSebastian Cossa
Michael DiPietro https://t.co/xhuzlMnj3u— Steve “Dangle” Glynn (@Steve_Dangle) December 12, 2024
Meanwhile, veteran NHL stars like Mats Zuccarello, Max Pacioretty, and Alex Pietrangelo also trace their lineages to the boot. However, since all three players suited up for their respective countries at the 2014 Olympics in Sochi, they might not be eligible to wear an Italian uniform.
According to Hockey-Reference.com, just three Italian-born players have made it to the NHL. The most recent was defenceman Luca Sbisa, who represented Switzerland at the 2010 Olympics.
For those hoping to see Italy climb the ranks of international hockey, it’s worth noting that obtaining Italian citizenship is relatively straightforward for people with connections to the country. While certain requirements must be met and documentation proving these ancestral ties is needed, the process is much simpler than in most other European countries.