The latest NHL Rumors Heat dives into the 2026 Winter Olympics, where former No. 1 overall picks like McDavid, Matthews, and Celebrini are absolutely dominating the scoring charts in Milan.
The preliminary round of the 2026 Winter Olympics has officially wrapped up, and the leaderboard looks like a “Who’s Who” of hockey royalty. If you’ve been following the NHL Rumors Heat, you know the hype surrounding the return of NHL stars to the international stage was massive. Now that the dust has settled in the round-robin stage, one thing is crystal clear: the top picks in the draft aren’t just living up to the hype—they are running the show.
Scoring Leaders: The No. 1 Overall Club
| Player | Draft Year | Team | Points (Round Robin) |
| Connor McDavid | 2015 | Canada | 9 Points (2G, 7A) |
| Macklin Celebrini | 2024 | Canada | 6 Points |
| Sidney Crosby | 2005 | Canada | 6 Points |
| Juraj Slafkovsky | 2022 | Slovakia | 6 Points |
| Auston Matthews | 2016 | USA | 5 Points |
McDavid and the Canadian Super-Line
Leading the charge in our NHL Rumors Heat is none other than Connor McDavid. The Edmonton Oilers captain has been nothing short of spectacular, racking up nine points in just three games. His vision on the ice has been the talk of Milan, especially after Team Canada coach Jon Cooper decided to put his lines through a “blender.”
McDavid found himself on a line with fellow top picks Nathan MacKinnon and the 19-year-old phenom Macklin Celebrini. This trio represents three different generations of No. 1 overall talent, and the results were devastating for their opponents. MacKinnon even went as far as to suggest that Celebrini might already be the best player in the world, a statement that has set social media ablaze in every recent NHL Rumors Heat thread.
The Resurgence of Sidney Crosby
While the youth are making waves, 38-year-old Sidney Crosby is proving that age is just a number. “Sid the Kid” was drafted first overall in 2005, before his teammate NHL Rumors Heat Celebrini was even born. Yet, when he puts on that Maple Leaf jersey, he becomes an unstoppable force.
Crosby’s presence in this NHL Rumors Heat is a reminder of his legendary Olympic history. Having secured gold in 2010 and 2014, he is now chasing a third medal. His ability to control the pace of the game has allowed the younger stars to thrive, making Canada the team to beat as we move into the quarterfinals.
Slafkovsky and the Slovakian Upset
The biggest surprise of the tournament so far came from Team Slovakia. Spearheaded by 2022 No. 1 pick Juraj Slafkovsky, the Slovaks pulled off a stunning upset against Finland on day one. Slafkovsky has been a major talking point in the NHL Rumors Heat, as fans in Montreal are thrilled to see their young star finding his elite form on the world stage.
He scored a crucial goal to secure a tiebreaker for his country, proving that he can carry the weight of a nation on his shoulders. For a player who is still finding his footing as a consistent NHL star, this NHL Rumors Heat Olympic performance could be the springboard he needs for a massive second half of the season.
Matthews and Team USA’s Slow Burn
South of the border, Auston Matthews has been leading Team USA with a quiet intensity. The Toronto Maple Leafs captain started the tournament a bit sluggishly, but he exploded for two goals in Sunday’s win over Germany. According to the latest NHL Rumors Heat, Matthews is finally finding chemistry with his Olympic linemates, which spells trouble for whoever the Americans face next.
The US and Canada have taken the top two spots heading into the knockout rounds, setting the stage for a potential “dream final.” With so many former top picks playing at the peak of their powers, the quality of hockey in Milan is unlike anything we’ve seen in over a decade.
Conclusion
As the tournament shifts to the elimination bracket, the NHL Rumors Heat will continue to focus on these elite performers. The fact that six of the top seven scorers in the Olympics were former No. 1 overall picks tells you everything you need to know about the talent on display. Whether it’s the veteran wisdom of Crosby or the raw speed of McDavid, the “first overall” pedigree is currently the gold standard in Milan. Keep an eye on the wire, because the real drama is just beginning.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who leads the Olympics in scoring after the round robin?
Connor McDavid leads the tournament with 9 points, as frequently mentioned in the latest NHL Rumor Roundup.
2. How has Macklin Celebrini performed in his first Olympics?
The 2024 No. 1 pick has been incredible, recording 6 points while playing on a powerhouse line with McDavid and MacKinnon.
3. Did Slovakia really beat Finland?
Yes! Led by Juraj Slafkovsky, Slovakia pulled off a massive upset on the opening day, a highlight of this NHL Rumor Roundup.
4. Is Sidney Crosby still a top player at 38?
Absolutely. Crosby is currently tied for second in tournament scoring and remains a vital leader for Team Canada.
5. Which NHL team has the most No. 1 picks at the Olympics?
While multiple teams are represented, the NHL Rumor Roundup notes that players from the Oilers, Leafs, Canadiens, and Sharks are leading the charge.
