Quick piece of news today, Insiders.
Kings defenseman Drew Doughty and forward Quinton Byfield were among the player selected to Hockey Canada’s Summer Orientation camp, in advance of the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan. This puts both players on the radar to make the final roster this winter, though they are amongst a large group of players vying for those opportunities. Doughty is one of 13 defensemen named to the list, with eight of those blueliners being right-shot defensemen. For Byfield, he’s one of 26 forwards on the list and his versatility of being able to play both center and wing could help him.
Per Hockey Canada – “The National Teams Orientation Camp is a three-day, off-ice event with players and staff from all three programs, which will include presentations, team-building opportunities, team meetings and media opportunities in preparation for the upcoming season.”
No on-ice practices or anything, just a few days to get everyone ready for what is to come, with a much larger group of players than will actually make the final roster.
Quick thoughts say that Doughty is the more likely of the two to make the team. He was on the 4 Nations Roster last February and his experience on the international stage is clearly valued. However, he was not at 100 percent down the stretch last season and wasn’t himself on the ice. A big summer for him and if he can hit the ground running in the fall, playing at the level he was at prior to his fractured ankle in September 2024, he’ll be firmly in the mix. Doughty is one of three players selected, alongside Sidney Crosby and John Tavares, to have won an Olympic Gold Medal. For Byfield, it’s a nice recognition for him to be named to that group. Byfield likely needs to have a huge start to the season to merit consideration, but he has a few things that make him valuable. First off, he’s an elite penalty killer and on a team that will have several superstars up front, versatile penalty killers in the bottom six are important. He could be that guy. He can also play both center and wing and that versatility could be important in a short tournament.
This is a ways away from the final roster, so nothing to be either happy about or concerned with at this stage. It is, however, surprising that Darcy Kuemper wasn’t selected coming off a Vezina nomination this past season. He could play his way onto the roster and certainly there is the possibility of injuries impacting decisions. But it’d be hard to say he wasn’t one of the top-3 Canadian goaltenders in the NHL last season. He certainly was. Interesting he wasn’t at least included on the roster for this event.
Additionally, Kings Head Equipment Manager Darren Granger is one of two equipment managers who will represent Canada during the event. Granger is a gold-medal winner already and was at the 4 Nations Faceoff in February. He would have been with the men’s national team in 2022 as well but NHL players and employees were ultimately not allowed to attend. Good for Grange, who is one of the best in the business.
All for now! Flying home to Los Angeles soon, from Europe, returning Saturday evening Pacific time! Will have a Q&A up on Monday for sure to chat after a few weeks away from it all!