"To help sort out the best players taking the ice in Italy at various facets of the game -- as we did before last year's 4 Nations Face-Off -- we're once again turning to the NHL's EDGE tracking data and other advanced metrics. Specifically, we wanted to highlight the Olympic-bound NHL players who have been the best over the past season-and-a-half in four different measurable categories: Skating speed, shot power, offensive creation (between shooting and passing) and goaltending (turning away both the harder and the easier shots)."
"The Olympic tournament will bring together a deeper field of teams than the 4 Nations event did -- 12 squads instead of four -- which means even more contrasts in playing styles and skill levels. And while the biggest names will inevitably draw the spotlight (and mostly dominate the data), we'll also be highlighting less-heralded players in each category whose contributions are easy to miss until you know where to look."
Rosters are set and the Milan–Cortina rink appears ready as NHL players return to the Olympic ice for the first time since Sochi 2014, bringing increased star power. NHL EDGE tracking data and other advanced metrics are being used to identify Olympic-bound players who excel over the past season-and-a-half in four measurable areas: skating speed, shot power, offensive creation (shooting and passing), and goaltending (stopping both hard and easier shots). The tournament features 12 teams, creating wider contrasts in styles and skill levels, while analytics will also surface less-heralded contributors. All stats and rankings are current as of Jan. 9, 2026, with top speed and weighted speed bursts measured per game at even strength.
Read at ESPN.com
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