The preliminary round is over and the games are about to go up a notch in Milan. The 2026 men's Olympic ice hockey tournament has been quite entertaining so far. Which of the seven New Jersey Devils representing their respective countries is seeing their stock rise, versus fall?
Standings are set. Canada and the United States were the only undefeated teams in the first three matches of the tournament, winning their respective groups. Slovakia also won their group, defeating both Sweden and Finland. And Finland earned a bye into the quarterfinals as the best second-place team in the tournament.
Some devils have done more than others.
Let's take a look at the barometer heading into the play-in round.
Devil's Stock Up
jack hughes
Jack Hughes is silencing his critics. Hands up, I was one of them. And good on them. The Devils star needed to prove that he wasn't just there to keep his brother, Quinn Hughes, happy in the eyes of America and the Minnesota Wild GM.
Hughes is reminding the Devils faithful that they probably weren't happy with him before the Olympic break because he wasn't there when New Jersey needed him most.
The Devils star has scored one goal and two assists in three matches so far. He is one of the top opportunity creators for Team USA in a limited role, which has seen him skate 13 minutes or less in each of the first three games of the tournament, a far cry from his season average of 20:57 with the Devils.
Hughes is not only showing off his offensive mobility, but he has become a pest in the neutral and defensive zones as a former checker. Number 86 is still making a name for himself on the world stage. And with their toughest competition yet, Devils fans want to see this version of Jack succeed, and then bring this championship back to New Jersey with him.
simon german
Everyone is excited about Simon Nemec, and rightfully so. Nemec is proving to be an international powerhouse, and his chemistry with countryman Juraj Slafkowski continues to be a factor.
Skating in the No. 1 role, Nemec has two points in three games for Slovakia. Both of his assists were primary dishes for Slafkovsky in meaningful moments, helping Slovakia win their group and earn a bye into the quarterfinals.
Nemec is proving everything the Devils brass are still unsure about. He has top pair size, displays poise with the puck on his stick, transition ability, responsible play in the defensive zone and a touch for playmaking.
His play in Milan is certainly similar to what the Devils saw from Nemec in their last international game. That's why he was taken second overall in the 2022 NHL Draft.
When Nemec was first given an increased role in New Jersey, we saw him flourish. He seems to be struggling in fewer and fewer roles, although those struggles are becoming less frequent. Nevertheless, he is good for the occasional mistakes that lead the opposition to scoring opportunities. We've seen it once or twice in Milan too. But come on. He is competing against the best players in the world.
One thing has become clear. The 22-year-old defenseman can still reach a high ceiling and scouts always believed he had gotten there. He needs a bigger role in New Jersey.
Timo Mayer
This is the Timo Meier the Devils wanted. He shows his intensity in New Jersey, but often cools down and remains idle for long periods of time.
But not in Milan.
Meier has three goals and one assist, which ranks him 10th overall in points in the tournament.
He is scoring as a volume shooter and remains Switzerland's top chance creator. Additionally, he continues to win his puck battles down the middle, struggle for net-front presence, forecheck responsibly, and prove that he is a viable puck transitioner.
Meier's unique talent is being showcased globally. There must be some way to unlock it in New Jersey.
neutral stock
jacob markstrom
Jacob Markstrom's got a short runway. He played in one of three games for Sweden and helped them win their last game in the prelims. However, a mistake in the final seconds cost Slovakia a goal that could have affected their ranking.
It was canceled after Finland scored 11 goals anyway. However, this is not the first time Markstrom has missed a key moment this year.
Nevertheless, Markstrom still managed to manage a .906 SV% against Slovakia and was solid for the most part.
Let's see what happens in the Swede's net because games matter most right now, but it appears Markstrom remains in line to own the cage.
Nico Hischier and Jonas Seigenthaler
Nico Hischier only has one point in the tournament, but it's not for lack of effort.
In Sunday's 4-3 overtime win over Czechia, Hischier assisted on Meyer's goal to give Switzerland a 2-0 lead. However, the secondary tally remains his only points so far in the tournament.
Nevertheless, he managed approximately 2.5 chances for himself and 2.5 chances for his teammates in the win. Against Canada, it was a little more of a struggle, but still had two chances overall in the game. I mean, this is Canada after all.
But still, after Switzerland's first defeat of the tournament against France, he left with a total of seven scoring chances (four for himself, three for his teammates), and is overall a net positive in the creation department.
On the blueline, Jonas Seigenthaler remains on top-pairing duties alongside Roman Josi. He hasn't recorded any points, but that's not his game. Seigenthaler's consistent home presence has helped Switzerland post a 1-1-1 record through the prelims, with the likely outcome being that the Swiss will face Finland in the quarterfinals following the Italy vs. Italy play-in game.
devil's stock down
jasper bratt
Is it really Jespers Bratt's fault too? Sweden head coach Sam Hallum has drawn some criticism over the way he has deployed his roster.
Sweden started with Filip Forsberg as the odd-man out. Now, heading into the play-in against Latvia, it appears Bratt is the 13th forward.
The Devils forward will still dress, but he is unlikely to spend much time on the ice, as he was benched for the entire match against Slovakia.
In three games, Bratt earned one assist. After the first two days of the tournament, Bratt was one of the top chance scorers in Milan, creating a total of nine chances in Sweden's first game against Italy. Yet, against Finland, when the game became more physical, he was shut down, allowing only two chances in 60 minutes.
Bratt's chances against Slovakia ended due to Hallam's reluctance to play the Devils forward.
So, is it Bratt or Hallam's fault that the Devils forward's stock has fallen here?
Everyone is looking to point the finger, but it's probably a bit of both.
