That camping trip your family still talks about? Science says it’s worth more than any toy under the tree.
Devon Toews isn’t sure if he’ll be on the ice for the 2026 Winter Olympics.
The 31-year-old NHL defenseman, who is in his sixth season with the Colorado Avalanche, was delighted to see his name on Team Canada’s 25-player men's hockey roster, which was released on Dec. 31.
But unfinished business at home could keep him away from making the trip to Milan, Italy in February.
"If my baby hasn’t arrived, I’m staying here," the soon-to-be dad of four told reporters ahead of the Avalanche’s Dec. 31 game against the St. Louis Blues. "That’s 100% what I’ll do."
"I’m not leaving until that baby’s here and everybody’s home safe,” he confirmed.
READ MORE: Dylan Strome Tears Up as He Announces Arrival of Baby No. 3 — in the Middle of a Hockey Game
Toews went on to reveal that his wife, Kerry, is pregnant with their fourth child. She’s currently due in February.
“Being there for that is something that’s on my mind more so than showing up for my country. I’ll be there when that time comes, but right now, I’m there for my wife," he told reporters.
If Toews were to make the trip, it would be his first-ever appearance in the Winter Olympics — which would come one year after he helped Team Canada win the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off.
The NHL veteran said his wife is excited for him and what he has accomplished this year.
"I think [my wife’s] excited, I think she’s excited for me to have this opportunity. It doesn’t come every day, so she’s excited for that, but I’ll be there for that baby, for sure," he added.
READ MORE: Gaudreau Family 5K Raises Enough Money to Build Playground at School Where Brothers’ Mother Works
Despite the uncertainty, Team Canada’s general manager Doug Armstrong joked that he’s “hoping that the Toews play nice and have that baby nice and early,” according to Sportsnet.
"I certainly respect his wanting to be here for the birth of his child, but this tournament is going on no matter what,” Armstrong added.
Devon Toews says being a father is his greatest accomplishment
Toews has already accomplished so much in his eight-year career in the NHL.
He made his debut in 2018 with the New York Islanders before being traded to the Avalanche ahead of the COVID-reduced 2020-21 season.
He quickly became one of the team’s best defensemen and won a Stanley Cup with the team in June 2022 before signing a seven-year, $50.75 million contract extension the following year.
With the Winter Olympics 2026 on the horizon, Toews was asked what his biggest accomplishment in 2025 was.
And it had nothing to do with what’s happening on the ice.
"Honestly, being a dad and being a father is my biggest accomplishment in life," he told reporters on Dec. 31. "Being able to watch my kids grow and help them grow is the best thing that I'll ever do."
ALSO ON MOD MOMS CLUB: Philip Rivers and Other Athletes Who Continued Their Careers After Becoming a Grandfather
Hockey at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan/Cortina begins on Feb. 11 and concludes on Feb. 22.
