With the 2026 Winter Olympics fast approaching, NHL fans are starting to shift their focus from the playoff race to the international stage. And for the Vegas Golden Knights, that means more than just watching from afar - several of their key players are expected to make a serious impact in Milan.
While the Golden Knights have been holding steady atop the Pacific Division, a few of their stars are about to trade the gold and black for national colors. From seasoned Olympians to rising names, here are four Vegas players to keep a close eye on when the puck drops in Italy.
1. Akira Schmid - Switzerland
Switzerland might not be the first country that comes to mind when you think of Olympic hockey powerhouses, but don’t sleep on this group. With NHL-caliber talent like Timo Meier, Nico Hischier, and Akira Schmid in the fold, the Swiss are quietly building a respectable roster.
Schmid, in particular, has been turning heads this season. With a 2.52 goals-against average, he’s been a steady presence between the pipes for Vegas - and some fans are starting to wonder if he deserves an even bigger role. While Adin Hill still holds the starter’s crease, Schmid’s consistency is making that conversation a little more interesting.
An impressive showing in Milan could boost his stock even further, both internationally and back in Vegas. He won’t be the flashiest name in the tournament, but don’t be surprised if Schmid becomes one of the more talked-about goaltenders by the end of it.
2. Mitch Marner - Canada
Marner’s Olympic résumé already has a highlight: the primary assist on Connor McDavid’s tournament-clinching goal. Now, he’s back with a stacked Team Canada roster that reads like an All-Star ballot - McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon, and of course, Marner himself.
The Golden Knights winger has been a driving force offensively this season, racking up 12 goals and 40 assists. He’s been the engine behind Vegas’s attack, and that same playmaking brilliance should translate seamlessly to the Olympic stage.
Marner doesn’t just complement stars - he elevates them. And in an environment where every shift matters, his ability to control pace and create space will be invaluable. If Canada makes a deep run - and let’s be honest, they usually do - expect Marner to be right in the middle of it.
3. Jack Eichel - United States
Eichel’s international resurgence began with a strong Four Nations Face-Off, where he tallied four assists and helped lead Team USA to the Championship Round. That momentum carried over into a record-setting 2024-25 campaign with Vegas, where he posted 66 assists and 94 points - both franchise highs.
Now, the former No. 2 overall pick is poised to bring that same fire to Milan. Eichel has always had the tools - elite vision, slick hands, and a deceptive shot - but now he’s pairing that with veteran poise.
For Team USA, he’s not just another top-line center. He’s the guy.
There’s a quiet confidence about Eichel these days, and it’s earned. He’s no longer just a star - he’s a leader. And with Olympic gold on the line, he’s got a chance to cement his place among the game’s elite.
4. Shea Theodore - Canada
Canada’s blue line is a nightmare for opposing teams, and Shea Theodore is a big reason why. A smooth-skating, puck-moving defenseman, Theodore brings balance to a group that already features the likes of Cale Makar.
The Original Misfit is looking to bounce back after missing the latter stages of the Four Nations tournament due to a wrist injury. This year, he’s healthy - and producing. With seven goals and 19 assists so far, Theodore’s offensive instincts remain sharp, and his ability to jump into the rush makes him a perfect fit for Canada’s high-octane system.
What makes Theodore so valuable isn’t just the points - it’s the timing. He knows when to activate, when to hold, and how to transition the puck with purpose. That kind of decision-making is gold in a short tournament, and Canada will lean on it heavily.
The Bottom Line
The Olympics always bring a different kind of energy - faster pace, higher stakes, and national pride on the line. For these four Golden Knights, Milan offers more than just a chance at a medal. It’s a stage to showcase their talent, represent their countries, and bring that experience back to a Vegas team with championship aspirations of its own.
So whether you’re cheering for the Stars and Stripes, the Maple Leaf, or the Swiss cross, keep an eye on the Golden Knights. They’re not just contenders in the NHL - they’re about to be major players on the world stage.