3 Vegas Golden Knights that should be future Olympics stars
With the Olympics underway, that brings up a brilliant idea about who could appear in the Winter Games. Here are three names to watch in the future.
Every four years, a sporting event brings the entire world together. Despite geopolitical differences between some countries, the spectacle showcases the best athletes on Earth. That includes Simone Biles, LeBron James (without the Toon Squad), and Katie Ledecky. These athletes represent the dominance of the American empire in the competition, showing the world why they're a global powerhouse.
But hardcore hockey fans don't care what happens during the summer spectacle. They don't care for LeBron flopping on every play or who's competing in a rowing competition. They're patiently waiting for the winter version to roll around, which will happen in 2026 in Milan. The Italian city is similar to Paris, boasting a romantic-like feel to their games.
There's another bit of good news to this event: NHL players will participate in the global spectacle for the first time since 2014 in Sochi. This will help market the game of hockey to a worldwide audience, growing the game among the masses. That will help Gary Bettman and his NHL crew make the game stronger.
But let's play a little game with the Vegas Golden Knights and name Olympians. But there's a trick to this: You can't name current Golden Knights 23 or older. Names like Mark Stone, Jack Eichel, and William Karlsson would be regular bets to make the Olympic roster. That would make it less fun and interesting (although the players aren't boring).
Instead, let's look into the future, where the Golden Knights have plenty of viable contenders. These superstars can represent their respective nations in the future and Vegas, making both fanbases proud. Here are three Golden Knights superstars that could participate in future competitions.
Carl Lindbom, Sweden
Carl Lindbom has plenty of experience in international competition, serving as the goaltender for the Swedish national team during the World Junior Championship. His most recent stint came in the U20 competition, where he posted a GAA of 2.64 and a save percentage of .914 (seven games). Such experience has given him an edge among his peers, making him a battle-tested goaltender.
There are other strong suits to his game, including his fast movement and processing. He can break down the play as it happens, stopping the opposing attacker easily. Those skills make him one of the more promising prospects within Vegas's farm system, earning him accolades among his peers. It's no wonder he did well with Farjestads BK Karlstad (SHL), with a record of 17-7 and a save percentage of .911.
Yes, there might be some complications associated with his game. That includes not covering the entire net, which can be a problem. However, there's a reason why Lindbom is highly touted within the Vegas Golden Knights organization. Given his experience in international competition and skill set, he'll fit right in with his native country during the Winter Olympics.
Trevor Connelly, United States
Now, numerous factors hinge on this happening. The first-round draft pick in the NHL Draft must crack the Vegas Golden Knights roster first. That means moving on from his controversial past and developing into a superstar. Trevor Connelly has the skill set to do this. It's a matter of executing and being the playmaker he's destined to be. Otherwise, he'll become a similar bust to Alexandre Daigle.
However, there are many reasons why he could be representing the Stars and Stripes during the winter competition. For one, he was a marvelous amateur player, putting up monster numbers during his tenure. Take your pick from the different seasons, whether it was last year (31 goals, 47 assists in 52 games with the USHL's Tri-City Storm) or 2019-20 in a 14U AA league (87 goals and 50 assists in 67 games with the San Diego Saints).
Jack Eichel was deemed problematic before he came to Las Vegas, with fans saying he was too immature. Lo and behold, he becomes a Golden Knights star and wins a Stanley Cup, earning a 4 Nations Face-Off nod in the process. That could be the same fate for Trevor Connelly, who can make the most of a second chance with Vegas. That could even lead to an Olympics invitation, where he can show the world his boundless talent.
Alexander Holtz, Sweden
Another young Swede who could join Carl Lindbom in the global competition is Alexander Holtz. The recent acquisition is 22 years old and boasts plenty of scoring upside, making him a desirable wing candidate. He's also specialized in outside scoring, where he can make plays in tight spaces. There's a good reason why Kelly McCrimmon was keen on acquiring him and offloading Paul Cotter.
The winger also has international experience, competiting in numerous global competitions. That includes the World Junior Championship in 2020, where he scored three goals and two assists in seven games. His contributions helped Sweden win the bronze medal that year, showing why they were a hockey powerhouse.
The Golden Knights have developed a reputation for taking on Swedish stars in recent years. However, Alexander Holtz might be the one star who shines brightest, given his potential to score 30+ goals in a single NHL season. Fans across the world can see why he was a former first-round pick in the NHL Draft, with his scoring penchant in any space.
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