The United States is rolling into quarterfinal action, taking care of business and getting the No. 2 seed. They await their next opponent, whether that's Sweden or Latvia. If you're Jack Eichel and company, you're feeling great about yourself.
Right now, the Americans are riding high and aren't thinking too much about the future. But there's one Vegas Golden Knights prospect who's got plenty of potential for future Olympics iteration. His name? Trevor Connelly.
Fans know him as the controversial first-round pick from the 2024 NHL Draft. He had loads of talent, only to get in trouble for making poor decisions. However, he has a second chance looming large.
Of course, that wouldn't be the first time he's represented the United States internationally. Last season, he scored a goal and three assists in seven games with America's U-20 team at the World Junior Championship. He was also on the U-18 team a season prior, scoring four goals and five assists in seven games in that World Junior Championship iteration.
So what could make the first-round pick a future Olympian? Here's what Connelly brings to Team USA's future. After all, America's all about second chances and giving people new life!
Why could Trevor Connelly be part of the United States for the Olympics?
Everyone knows how well Trevor Connelly is on the offensive end. He sees plays happen before him and can attack accordingly. These are similar traits that superstars like Mark Stone and Sidney Crosby have displayed during the Olympics. It could also be what puts him on the team soon. If the defense sags? He cuts inside. It's part of the offensive brilliance that he displays as a player.
But he's also a terrific playmaker, setting his teammates up for incredible scoring opportunities. That's what made him a force during his amateur days. Of course, it was met with some controversy for prior actions. But he's shown that he's grown on this front as well.
It's what will put him in the conversation for being on the Olympic team in future iterations. However, there are some things that must swing his way to get to that point. Obviously, he must translate his offensive game at the NHL level. But there's more to the story than simply being good.
What must go right for Connelly to join Team USA in future Olympic installations
Health is a big thing that must go right for Connelly. He suffered a lower-body injury in a pre-tournament game before the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship, putting him out of commission. But as mentioned earlier, he must translate his offensive game to the professional level.
This season, he has three goals and 10 assists in 19 games with the Henderson Silver Knights. According to Elite Prospects, he's projected to score seven goals and 24 assists in 46 games, which aren't bad numbers. However, those can go up, especially if he stays healthy in future seasons.
Regardless, there's plenty of stock put into the former first-round pick. He's got plenty of potential to impact the Golden Knights and the NHL. That could lead to greater things for the forward, who's hoping to build a promising future. After all, the American Dream for hockey players is to hear "Free Bird" by Lynyrd Skynyrd play after they score a goal.