The Vegas Golden Knights will send nine players and one coach to the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, marking the first best-on-best Olympic hockey tournament in 12 years. The delegation includes representation from five nations, with the United States and Canada leading the way with two players each.
Team USA
Jack Eichel — The center was among the first six named to the U.S. roster. During the 4 Nations Face-Off, he drew the team’s toughest defensive assignments and is expected to play a similar shutdown role in Milan.
Noah Hanifin — The defenseman appeared in every 4 Nations game, though partly due to injuries. With a deep U.S. blue line, his ice time in Italy remains uncertain.
Canada
Mark Stone — The Knights captain was initially viewed as a bubble pick for Canada but has silenced doubters with a stellar season, scoring a point in all but five games. His versatility allows him to line up with any teammate effectively.
Shea Theodore — Theodore’s 4 Nations tournament ended abruptly with a broken right wrist just one period into Canada’s first game. The defenseman’s improved all-around game gives Canada flexible deployment options.
Mitch Marner — Marner was clutch for Canada in the 4 Nations, scoring the overtime winner against Sweden and recording the game-tying and game-winning assists in the championship game against the U.S.
Bruce Cassidy — The Knights’ head coach will serve as an assistant on Jon Cooper’s staff, tasked with running Canada’s power play, which features a wealth of talent including McDavid, MacKinnon, Crosby, Makar, Marner, and Celebrini.
Czechia
Tomas Hertl — The center is a first-time Olympian and last played for Czechia at the 2022 World Championships, where he won a bronze medal. He projects as a top-six center and first-unit power-play option.
Denmark
Jonas Rondbjerg — The forward, the Knights’ last remaining original draft pick, was among the first six named to Denmark’s roster. He previously represented Denmark in four World Junior championships from 2016-19.
Sweden
Rasmus Andersson — Sweden boasts perhaps the deepest blue line in the tournament. Andersson played just one game in the 4 Nations but recorded five blocked shots in that contest. His playing time may again be limited, but the experience is valuable for the Knights’ newest defenseman.
Switzerland
Akira Schmid — The goaltender, a first-time Olympian, helped Switzerland win silver at the 2024 World Championships, going 3-0 with a 0.86 goals-against average. He is the youngest of Switzerland’s three goalies and the only one with active NHL experience, making him the likely starter.
