Team Germany shared the lineup for their Olympic hockey team, as reported by Daily Faceoff, showing Leon Draisaitl as the center for the top line, joined by former Oilers player Dominik Kahun.
Team Germany blends NHL and European players
A strong goalie often determines how well a team performs in competitions. For Team Germany, their chances at the Olympics mostly depend on Philip Grubauer’s performance, especially since they have fewer NHL players compared to other teams expected to win medals.
A look at Team Germany’s 🇩🇪 projected lineup for their opener on Thursday. Leon Draisaitl was given a maintenance day, so Marc Michaelis skated in what is presumably Draisaitl’s spot. So unclear if Michaelis will slot in elsewhere or serve as their 13th forward vs. Denmark 🇩🇰 pic.twitter.com/vDvkjH4CNI
— Daily Faceoff – Fantasy (@DFOFantasy) February 10, 2026
Leon Draisaitl will definitely play an important role too. He will be the center of the top line, with Dominik Kahun, his former teammate from the Oilers, on the right wing, and Lukas Reichel, who was picked in the first round in 2020, on the left wing.
For fans in Edmonton, it’s important to note that team prospect Josh Samaski is set to play as the center on the third line and is also expected to be part of the powerplay with his Oilers buddy, number 29.
How far do you think Leon Draisaitl and Team Germany will go in Milan?!
📸: © Amber Searls-Imagn Images. pic.twitter.com/R6nHVGBMbH
— Oilersnation.com, Oily Since ‘07 (@OilersNation) February 9, 2026
Considering the talent that Team Canada, USA, and Sweden are bringing to Italy, it might be easy to overlook Team Germany. But they do have some very skilled players who can help make an impact in any game.
Tim Stützle, Lukas Reichel, Moritz Seider, JJ Peterka, along with Draisaitl and Grubauer, are all talented NHL players ready to compete for their country.
That said, Germany also understands their chances of winning a Gold Medal are realistic.
Draisaitl has said some interesting things that likely reflect how fans and the media feel, and it reminds us of the 1980 Miracle on Ice.
In those Olympics, a surprising underdog US team made up of amateurs won the Gold Medal and shocked the hockey world at that time.
The takeaway is that anything can happen, making the Olympic tournament an exciting event to watch.
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