Which Golden Knights Would Make an Olympic Roster?

On Friday, the NHL announced its players would be participating in the Olympics. Not since 2014 has this happened, which would showcase some of the league's best and boldest. That's right! Get ready to see Connor McDavid chomping on some black licorice in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo in 2026! You might even see some Vegas Golden Knights there!

Still, this is a cool idea that should go over well in the hockey community. Who doesn't want to see Auston Matthews and crew take on a Swedish army of hockey players? Returning to the Olympics and rooting for your favorite country brings the feels and the childhood memories a' floodin' back.

Speaking of the Olympics, which Golden Knights could appear in 2026? There's a laundry list of players that could make the cut. Get your pizza and Risotto alla Milanese ready, Las Vegas! We're going on an Italian trip with the Vegas Golden Knights (no, we're not heading to Park MGM)!

1. Mark Stone

You already know the Canadian national team will be loaded with superstars. McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon, and Mitch Marner are a few names that come to mind. But what 'aboot' adding the Captain to the mix, eh? After all, we can't get enough of how expressive Mark Stone is.

On the surface, the team leader in points (49) and assists (34) is getting the job done for the Vegas Golden Knights. But he's also good playing in an offensive and defensive zone (54% Corsi) and is always a threat to score with his hockey IQ (on-ice expected goals% of 55.5%). Stone would be a great addition to the Canadian Olympic roster filled with talent.

3. Carl Lindbom

The first two were obvious picks. But this one could fly under the radar for the Vegas Golden Knights if he builds off his World Junior performance. During last year's tournament, he posted a GAA of 2.64 and a save percentage of .914 in seven games. On a larger scale in 36 games last season, he posted a GAA of 1.86 and a save percentage of .930 with seven shutouts. with Djurgardens. This year, in 19 games with Farjestad BK, he's posting a GAA of 2.02 and a save percentage of .911 with two shutouts.

While Sweden does look like a solid defensive team that wouldn't allow too many goals, Carl Lindbom could bring youth and excitement to the crew. Of course, Lindbom is behind a logjam at the position for both the Golden Knights and Sweden. However, it's not far-fetched to see the young goalie make the team, especially if he uses his quickness to his advantage.

4. Jonas Rondbjerg

Believe it or not, Rondbjerg has international experience outside of being a regular Vegas Golden Knight and Henderson Silver Knight. With Denmark's Under-18 team in 2017, the forward scored nine points in five games. He displayed a good offensive acumen at the 2018 World Juniors, scoring seven points (two goals, five assists) in six games.

Denmark isn't going to compete with the likes of Canada, the United States, or Sweden. Still, it'd be fun to see Jonas Rondbjerg get a taste of Olympic hockey. He may get back there as an offensive leader, surprising people with the Danish team running wild.

5. Shea Theodore

So you're the Canadian Olympic team and you have all the weapons you could need. McDavid, Sidney Crosby, and Steven Stamkos. With a legendary team like this, you need defensemen that can hold the fort down. Look no further than Shea Theodore.

Aside from his usual defensive duties, Theodore plays both ends of the ice well. The native of Langley, British Columbia, generates rebounds with ease and is great on special teams. Canada will have an overwhelming offense with the defenseman on board.