With the 2025-26 NHL season in the books, three St. Louis Blues forwards are set to represent their countries at the upcoming 2026 IIHF Men’s World Championship. The tournament begins Friday, May 15 in Zurich and Fribourg, Switzerland, and runs through May 31 giving Blues fans roughly 10 more days until international action kicks off.
Robert Thomas is expected to be a key forward for Team Canada. The skilled center will join a deep Canadian roster featuring centers like John Tavares, Mark Scheifele, and former Blues captain, Ryan O’Reilly. Thomas brings elite playmaking and two-way play after a strong NHL campaign, adding valuable depth as Canada opens Group B play against Sweden on May 15.
Oskar Sundqvist has confirmed his commitment to Team Sweden. The pending Unrestricted Free Agent provides size, experience, and reliability up front for Tre Kronor. His participation gives Blues fans another familiar face to follow in what should be a competitive Group B that also includes Canada.
Pius Suter, a native of Zurich, will represent host nation Switzerland. Playing in front of home crowds at Swiss Life Arena and BCF Arena supplies extra motivation for the Blues forward, who boasts previous World Championship and Olympic experience. Switzerland opens Group A against the United States on May 15.
The 2026 tournament features 16 teams across two groups, with games split between Zurich’s Swiss Life Arena and Fribourg’s BCF Arena. It marks Switzerland’s return as host after 17 years.
For the Blues, this serves as an early look at how their players perform on the biggest international stage. Thomas and Suter are under contract, while a strong showing from Sundqvist could boost his value on the upcoming free-agent market.