What Happened
The Vegas Golden Knights will be without five of their key players for the upcoming game against the Los Angeles Kings. The absentees include captain Mark Stone, winger Mitch Marner, and defenseman Shea Theodore from Canada, as well as U.S. gold medalists Jack Eichel and Noah Hanifin. These players participated in the gold medal game at the 2026 Winter Olympics and are currently unavailable due to various commitments, including attending the State of the Union address in Washington, D.C.
Why It Matters
The absence of these five significant players creates a considerable gap in the Knights’ lineup, presenting both challenges and opportunities. Coach Bruce Cassidy noted that this situation allows other players, such as wingers Alexander Holtz and Braeden Bowman, to step up and showcase their skills. The team’s performance in this game could impact their standings and momentum as they navigate the season.
What’s Next
Coach Cassidy expressed optimism that the Olympians will rejoin the team for their next game against the Washington Capitals on Friday. He stated, “We left (Marner, Stone, and Theodore) behind to give them a break, and we’re hoping they’ll be ready to join us (in Washington).” The team will assess their readiness after the game against the Kings.
