William Nylander, Leon Draisaitl lead European pre-Olympic picks

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It’s nearly the summer solstice, but the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan are suddenly on the minds of hockey fans.

That’s because the competing nations began rolling out their first six selections this week, starting Monday morning among the European powers.

For the Toronto Maple Leafs, the news was not surprising that 45-goal right winger William Nylander is in Team Sweden’s first half dozen. He’s represented Tre Kronor on numerous occasions and flew across the pond after the Leafs were eliminated in May to play at the end of the world championships in his home country, eventually finishing third after the United States beat Switzerland, who’d upset Canada, in the gold medal game.

Among Swedes joining Nylander are Colorado’s Gabriel Landeskog, who made a late-season return from injury for the Colorado Avalanche and Tampa Bay Lightning captain Victor Hedman.

Sweden’s great rival, Finland, named Aleksandar Barkov, who hopes to win a second Stanley Cup this week with the Florida Panthers, plus three Dallas Stars; Mikko Rantanen, Miro Heiskanen and Anton Lindell. Sebastian Aho of the Carolina Hurricanes with Jusse Saros in net.

The Swiss will be bolstered by Roman Josi of the Nashville Predators, two New Jersey Devils in Nico Hischier and Timo Meier, and Winnipeg Jet Nino Niederreiter. Germany leader is Edmonton’s Leon Draisaitl, this year’s Rocket Richard Trophy winning scorer with 52 goals, a further 33 playoff points to date, and Ottawa Senators Tim Stutzle.

Czechia’s six pack includes Boston great David Pastrnak, defenceman Radko Gudas and goaltender Lukas Dostal. Two netminders were prominent in Latvia’s selections, Elvis Merzlikins of Columbus and Vancouver Canuck Arturs Silovs.

Canada and the U.S. are expected to unveil their top six later Monday.

lhornby@postmedia.com

X: @sunhornby