Do you remember Miss Cleo, the fortune teller? Well, she was actually a television actress, as was everyone else in the 1990s. However, she made her living giving fortunes in a pay-per-call-minute service called Psychic Reader's Network. She was the go-to fortune teller (or actress) for many people seeking clarity in their lives. I wonder if she foretold the Vegas Golden Knights winning the Stanley Cup in 2023?
Speaking of which, the NHL universe is getting a healthy dose of Golden Knights players at the 4 Nations Face-Off. Jack Eichel has made the biggest impact of the five representatives, scoring hour assists in three games. Mark Stone also has a goal while Noah Hanifin has played sound defense.
Sure, there have been minor hiccups for Las Vegas hockey fans, such as an upper-body injury to Shea Theodore. But the tournament has been a smash hit overall, even surpassing the NBA All-Star Game in popularity. I guess all those flops and insufferable spectacles were too much for sports fans.
But back to Miss Cleo because it's time to gaze into the future. That's right, we're looking into the future and seeing which prospects will represent the Golden Knights... and their countries. Who will sing "Free Bird" by Lynyrd Skynyrd in the next installment or two? Who's bringing the Swedish fans over to party? Who's downing a pint of maple syrup and poutine before every game starts?
Trevor Connelly, United States
Passing along the "Free Bird" tradition down is Jack Eichel, who will bestow that honor upon Trevor Connelly. Granted, he got a taste during the World Junior Championships, where he scored a goal and three assists in seven games. However, a trip to the big leagues might be in his future, along with the prospect of annoying Canadians everywhere.
With the Providence Friars this season, he has four goals and eight assists in 17 games. The native of Tustin, California, has dealt with knee and upper-body injuries in 2024-25. However, Connelly is 18 years old and has had a productive amateur career. One can point to seasons such as his 2019-20 campaign with the San Diego Saints (87 goals, 50 assists) as what's to come.
Carl Lindbom, Sweden
Part of the Henderson Silver Knights suddenly turning things around has stemmed from Carl Lindbom leading the charge. The Swedish netminder has a GAA of 2.73 and a save percentage of .914 (21 games) this season. There's plenty to like about his game, including his overall quickness and preparation. However, he's in line to eventually take the starting goaltender gig for the Vegas Golden Knights.
And why not? This season has shown he can adapt to the faster pace of North American hockey. He's a major contributor to the Silver Knights have suddenly been thrust into Calder Cup playoff contention. Watch for him to eventually tend the goal for the Swedes and possibly start a game or two.
Mathieu Cataford, Canada
Of course, this list wouldn't be complete without someone from Canada. They're not America's buddies, guy, and they would hate the United States more if this post didn't include at least one name. Luckily, one prospect exists and his name is Mathieu Cataford.
While the former QMJHL MVP had a quiet World Junior Championship in 2025 (one goal in five games), he's back to his old ways. The 19-year-old has 15 goals and 36 assists in 44 games in 2024-25 with Rimouski Oceanic, putting him on track to potentially get another MVP in the QMJHL. He could lead Team Canada back to prominence in hockey, setting up beautiful goals with his vision and passing prowess.