Introduction: A Historic Return to the Olympic Stage

Les Bleus are set to return to the world’s grandest sporting stage. This marks their first appearance since the 2002 Winter Games in Salt Lake City. France’s path to the Milano-Cortina 2026 Olympics was unconventional. The team finished second in their final qualification group. France earned its spot as the best-ranked runner-up. This position will be formalized following the widely anticipated confirmation that Russia will not participate in the tournament. This journey is a testament to the nation’s rising competitiveness. It also highlights the emergence of a golden generation of French hockey talent.  

The 2026 squad will feature a formidable collection of elite professionals. Unlike past French national teams, these professionals have excelled in the world’s best leagues. Those teams were built primarily from the domestic Ligue Magnus. This evolution marks a significant milestone in the nation’s hockey history. It builds on the legacy of pioneers like Philippe Bozon, the first French-trained player to become an NHL regular. Cristobal Huet, the first to win a Stanley Cup, is also part of this legacy. The current roster reflects this global presence. Players are making an impact in the NHL and the KHL. They are also in the top professional leagues of Switzerland, Finland, and Czechia. The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) has already acknowledged the strength of this core. It named six players to a preliminary roster. These players will form the undeniable foundation of the Olympic team. They include forwards Alexandre Texier, Pierre-Edouard Bellemare, and Jordann Perret. The defensemen are Yohann Auvitu, Hugo Gallet, and Jules Boscq. Their selection highlights top-tier skill. It also showcases veteran leadership and ascendant youth. These elements will define France’s historic return to the Olympic Games.  

The Goaltending Trio: A Youthful Bet in the Crease

The French coaching staff is led by Head Coach Yorick Treille. They are making a calculated and audacious bet on a young, talented goaltending trio. However, this trio is internationally unseasoned. This represents a clear strategic pivot away from older, more familiar options and toward a high-upside future. The performance of this group against lineups stacked with the world’s best NHL players is crucial. It will be the most critical factor determining France’s fate in Milan. The decision to entrust the crease to a new generation is clear in selecting the youngest member, Antoine Keller. He was given four of seven starts at the 2025 IIHF World Championship. This is a high-risk, high-reward strategy. None of the projected netminders have faced the sustained offensive pressure powerhouses like Canada will bring. The United States or Sweden will also present significant challenges. Yet, the potential payoff is immense. A young goaltender getting hot at the right time can steal a game. This scenario can author a classic underdog story.  

Projected Starter: Antoine Keller (Age in 2026: 21)

Antoine Keller is the anointed future of French goaltending. A 2023 7th-round draft pick of the Washington Capitals, he has the 6-foot-2 frame that NHL organizations covet. His athletic toolkit is also highly desirable. His development path has taken him from the Swiss junior system to the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL). Now, he is in the Capitals’ professional structure. This makes him the nation’s most promising long-term prospect. The coaching staff decided to give him the majority of starts at the 2025 World Championship. This decision clearly indicates his status as the goalie of the present and future. His 13 games with Lausanne HC in the top-tier Swiss National League, where he posted a 3.16 goals-against average and a .894 save percentage, demonstrate his ability to compete against high-level professionals. 

Projected Backup: Julian Junca (Age in 2026: 28)

Julian Junca brings a formidable 6-foot-5 presence to the crease and valuable North American professional experience. He played in the American Hockey League with the Chicago Wolves. He also played in the ECHL with the Tulsa Oilers. He has been seasoned by the pro-level shot volume and speed. This experience will be essential preparation for the Olympic tournament. A fixture on recent World Championship rosters, he has proven to be a reliable tandem partner. His recent career moves to the top Slovak league. He played first with HK Dukla Michalovce and then with HK Dukla Trencin. These moves show a continued upward trajectory in strong European competitions.  

Projected Third Goalie: Quentin Papillon (Age in 2026: 28)

Quentin Papillon is arguably the best goaltender currently playing in France’s domestic Ligue Magnus. He is a multi-time winner of the Trophée Jean Ferrand as the league’s top netminder. He provides a steady, reliable presence. Papillon is intimately familiar with the national team program. His consistently elite numbers with the Boxers de Bordeaux, including a stellar 1.81 goals-against average and a.932 save percentage during the 2024-25 season, prove his domestic dominance. He has earned the confidence of the coaching staff by being a trusted goaltender. He has been part of the rotation at multiple World Championships.  

The Blue Line: A Pan-European Assembly

France’s defensive corps is a unique collection of talent. This talent is honed in a wide array of Europe’s top professional leagues. It is supplemented by a new wave of prospects trained in North America. This diversity provides tactical flexibility. However, it also places a heavy burden on coaching and veteran leadership. They must establish cohesion against the world’s elite. The top six defensemen play across five different countries. Each country has a distinct style of play. The Swiss National League is skill-based and includes players like Enzo Guebey and Thomas Thiry. The Finnish Liiga is fast and structured, featuring Hugo Gallet and Jules Boscq. In the Czech Extraliga, players like Yohann Auvitu exhibit tactical play. Lastly, the Ligue Magnus is known for its physical style, with players such as Pierre Crinon and Florian Chakiachvili. The success of this unit will depend heavily on the leaders Auvitu and Gallet. Auvitu is a multi-lingual veteran of nearly every top league. Gallet is the captain at the 2025 World Championship. They must act as on-ice translators and unify the group’s approach.  

Projected Pairings & Profiles

First Pairing: Yohann Auvitu (36) & Hugo Gallet (28) Yohann Auvitu will serve as the elder statesman. He will be the primary puck-mover for the defense. He has an extensive resume. This includes 58 NHL games with the New Jersey Devils and Edmonton Oilers. He also had successful stints in the KHL, SHL, Liiga, and Swiss NL. This makes him the most experienced and skilled offensive defenseman on the roster. He is the logical choice to quarterback the first power-play unit. Paired with him is Hugo Gallet, a quintessential modern two-way defenseman. Gallet is 6-foot-4. He brings strong skating to the team. He has a responsible defensive game. This has been honed over several seasons as a top-four blueliner in Finland’s demanding Liiga. His captaincy at the 2025 World Championship cements his status as a core leader.  

Second Pairing: Enzo Guebey (26) & Thomas Thiry (28) This all-Swiss league pairing brings built-in chemistry and high-level experience. Enzo Guebey is a right-shot defenseman playing a significant role for HC Davos, one of Switzerland’s premier clubs. Having developed in the highly skilled Swiss system, he is poised and intelligent with the puck. His partner is Thomas Thiry. He is another reliable right-shot D-man seasoned in the Swiss NL. He has played for EV Zug, SC Bern, and HC Ajoie. Playing with a Swiss player license showcases his quality. It also demonstrates his deep integration into one of Europe’s best leagues.  

Third Pairing & Reserves The depth of the French blue line will be a key asset. Pierre Crinon, at 6-foot-5, provides a massive, intimidating presence and will be a crucial component of the penalty kill. Florian Chakiachvili complements him. He has been a long-serving national team member. He is also an elite offensive defenseman in the Ligue Magnus for the powerhouse club Rouen Dragons. He offers a valuable secondary power-play option. The future of the defense lies with 23-year-old Jules Boscq. He is skilled and mobile. His career is advancing rapidly. He has moved from the ECHL to a position in the Finnish Liiga with HPK. His inclusion on the preliminary roster signals the federation’s high hopes for his development. Vincent Llorca, a dependable veteran, rounds out the group. He is a right-shot defenseman from the Ligue Magnus. He provides positional depth and experience.  

Pairing	Left Defense	Right Defense	Primary Role
1st	Yohann Auvitu	Hugo Gallet	Two-Way / Puck-Moving
2nd	Enzo Guebey	Thomas Thiry	Shutdown / Transition
3rd	Pierre Crinon	Florian Chakiachvili	Physical / Offensive Depth
Reserves	Jules Boscq, Vincent Llorca
PP1	Auvitu (QB), Gallet
PK1	Gallet, Crinon

The Forwards: A Potent Mix of Elite Skill and Professional Grit

The French forward group is the team’s engine, and it is clearly stratified into three distinct tiers. At the top is an elite duo capable of driving offense against any opponent in the world. The second tier consists of high-level European and North American professionals who form a strong and versatile supporting cast. The third tier includes veterans and role players. They will provide energy and defensive responsibility. Additionally, they will showcase penalty killing prowess. This structure gives France a dangerous top-six that can score. It also provides a dependable bottom-six that can grind. This is a sign of a maturing hockey nation. France can now fill a 14-man forward roster with legitimate professionals.

Projected Lines & Profiles

First Line: Alexandre Texier (26) – Stéphane Da Costa (36) – Tim Bozon (31) This line has the potential to be dynamic. It has the chance to excel. They can shine in the tournament. They can shine outside of the traditional powerhouses. The offensive centerpiece is Alexandre Texier, a versatile NHL forward with the St. Louis Blues who can control the play in all three zones. He will be flanked by Stéphane Da Costa, France’s most dangerous pure goal-scorer. Da Costa’s record stands out in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) with Avtomobilist Yekaterinburg. He is one of its most productive players. His achievements make him an elite finisher. Tim Bozon completes the trio. He is a skilled and creative winger. He has become a consistent offensive threat in the Swiss National League with Lausanne HC.  

Second Line: Pierrick Dubé (25) – Louis Boudon (27) – Dylan Fabre (25) This line is based on North American professional experience. It draws from their professional experiences in North America. The line benefits from a mix of strategy and skill. It is also characterized by speed. Pierrick Dubé is a pure goal-scorer. He brings a shooter’s mentality. His impressive AHL totals include 28 goals in 66 games during the 2023-24 season. Louis Boudon centers the line. He is a smart and responsible two-way forward. He developed through the NCAA as a Hobey Baker Award nominee. He has adapted well to the AHL/ECHL professional ranks. The line’s speed element comes from Dylan Fabre, a winger whose greatest asset is his skating. Dylan Fabre dominated the Ligue Magnus before moving to the Finnish Liiga. He has successfully transitioned to this faster-paced league. This transition proves he can compete at a high European level.  

Third Line (Checking Line): Jordann Perret (31) – Pierre-Edouard Bellemare (40) – Charles Bertrand (35) This unit is a typical shutdown line. It is centered by the team’s captain and undisputed leader, Pierre-Edouard Bellemare. Though he will be 40, he has a decade of experience as a premier defensive forward. He is also a faceoff specialist and penalty killer in the NHL. This makes him indispensable. He will be joined by Jordann Perret. He is a tireless worker and veteran of the physically demanding Czech Extraliga. Perret excels as an energy player and penalty killer. The final member is Charles Bertrand. He is a versatile veteran winger who has won championships and scoring titles in Finland. He has been a solid contributor in Germany’s DEL. He brings a responsible two-way game and a touch of offense to the checking line.  

Fourth Line & Reserves The depth forwards provide France with size, skill, and experience. Justin Addamo is a unique asset at 6-foot-6. His height makes him an effective net-front presence on the power play. He is also a physical force along the boards. Valentin Claireaux, Anthony Rech, and Guillaume Leclerc are veterans. They are reliable utility forwards with years of experience in top European leagues. These players can be plugged anywhere in the bottom six. They are trusted to play a responsible game. Finally, Sacha Treille, at 38, will bring physicality. He will add energy in limited minutes. He will also offer a strong veteran presence in the locker room.  

Line	Left Wing	Center	Right Wing	Primary Role
1st	Tim Bozon	Stéphane Da Costa	Alexandre Texier	Scoring / Offensive Zone
2nd	Dylan Fabre	Louis Boudon	Pierrick Dubé	Speed / Scoring Depth
3rd	Jordann Perret	Pierre-Edouard Bellemare	Charles Bertrand	Shutdown / Defensive Zone
4th	Guillaume Leclerc	Justin Addamo	Anthony Rech	Energy / Physicality
Reserves	Valentin Claireaux, Sacha Treille
PP1	Texier, Da Costa, Bozon, Addamo (Net-front), Auvitu (Point)
PK1	Bellemare, Perret, Gallet, Crinon

Final Roster Projection and Concluding Analysis

We thoroughly analyzed the current talent pool and development trajectories. We also reviewed the national team history. From this analysis, we identified 25 players. These players are part of the projected roster. This roster is for the French men’s national ice hockey team. They will compete at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano-Cortina.

Position	Player	Age (in 2026)	2025-26 Club	League
Goaltender	Antoine Keller	21	Hershey Bears	AHL
Goaltender	Julian Junca	28	HK Dukla Trencin	Slovakia
Goaltender	Quentin Papillon	28	Boxers de Bordeaux	Ligue Magnus
Defense	Yohann Auvitu	36	HC Vítkovice	Czechia
Defense	Hugo Gallet	28	KalPa	Liiga
Defense	Enzo Guebey	26	HC Davos	NL
Defense	Thomas Thiry	28	HC Ajoie	NL
Defense	Pierre Crinon	30	Brûleurs de Loups	Ligue Magnus
Defense	Florian Chakiachvili	33	Dragons de Rouen	Ligue Magnus
Defense	Jules Boscq	23	HPK	Liiga
Defense	Vincent Llorca	34	Ducs d’Angers	Ligue Magnus
Forward	Alexandre Texier	26	St. Louis Blues	NHL
Forward	Stéphane Da Costa	36	Avtomobilist Yekaterinburg	KHL
Forward	Tim Bozon	31	Lausanne HC	NL
Forward	Pierrick Dubé	25	Traktor Chelyabinsk	KHL
Forward	Louis Boudon	27	Nybro Vikings IF	HockeyAllsvenskan
Forward	Dylan Fabre	25	HC Ässät Pori	Liiga
Forward	Pierre-Edouard Bellemare	40	HC Ajoie	NL
Forward	Jordann Perret	31	Mountfield HK	Czechia
Forward	Charles Bertrand	35	Sport	Liiga
Forward	Justin Addamo	27	Jukurit	Liiga
Forward	Valentin Claireaux	34	HC Vítkovice Ridera	Czechia
Forward	Anthony Rech	33	Dragons de Rouen	Ligue Magnus
Forward	Guillaume Leclerc	29	Brûleurs de Loups	Ligue Magnus
Forward	Sacha Treille	38	Brûleurs de Loups	Ligue Magnus

The primary strengths of this team are clear. It possesses elite, game-breaking talent at the top of the forward group in Texier and Da Costa. This is a level of skill France has rarely, if ever, brought to an Olympic tournament. The team is supported by a deep roster of players. These players are seasoned in high-level professional leagues across Europe and North America. This ensures that every player on the ice is a legitimate pro. Finally, the veteran leadership of captain Pierre-Edouard Bellemare is invaluable. Alternate captain Yohann Auvitu’s guidance will also be essential. They will guide a team with many players making their Olympic debut.

However, significant challenges remain. The most pressing concern is the goaltending, which lacks experience against sustained, world-class NHL shooters. The trio of Keller, Junca, and Papillon is talented. They will face a barrage unlike anything they have encountered in their careers. Further questions surround the team’s scoring depth beyond the top-six forwards. Another major issue is the immense challenge of building defensive cohesion quickly. The team must do this to withstand the speed and precision of the world’s top hockey powers.

For Team France, a successful tournament will not be measured in medals. The primary goal will be to deliver competitive performances. The team aims to challenge for a victory in the group stage. They want to prove that Les Bleus belong on the Olympic stage. Achieving an appearance in the quarter-final round would be monumental. It would serve as a powerful statement about the remarkable and undeniable progress of French ice hockey.