Jack Eichel just got his ticket to the 2026 Olympics, and yes, that’s a big win for Vegas hockey, too. USA Hockey tapped Eichel as one of the first six players named to the preliminary Olympic roster, joining Auston Matthews, the Tkachuk brothers (Matthew and Brady), Quinn Hughes, and Charlie McAvoy. He gives USA Hockey a dynamic two-way center who thrives in big moments while boosting the Golden Knights’ profile on the world stage. At a time when the city has faced discouraging tourism headlines, Eichel’s star power and Olympic spotlight reinforce Las Vegas as a premier hockey destination with momentum far beyond the Strip.
Eichel Represents the Golden Knights For Team USA
This is the first time Eichel will skate under Old Glory at the Olympics, which is a proud milestone for a star who’s already hoisted the Stanley Cup with the Golden Knights in 2023. And let’s be real: his vision, defensive savviness (as reflected by his Frank J. Selke Trophy votes), and leadership make him a perfect fit for Team USA’s big-game style. Listing him early isn’t just a symbolic nod; it’s a signal that he’s a pillar of the U.S. offense for Milan-Cortina.
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The messaging isn’t lost on Golden Knights fans, either. Having one of their stars, if not their biggest, playing on the Olympic stage does wonders for team brand power, fan pride, and yes, some potential merch sales abroad. If Eichel brings the same energy to the American jersey as he did to the team, it’s a full-on win for the Golden Knights’ global cachet, too.
Jack Eichel Brings Star Power to Team USA
Golden Knights fans know all about what makes Eichel special. He has a rare blend of size, speed, and puck control. At 6-foot-2 with smooth skating ability, he’s capable of carrying the puck through the neutral zone and creating offense on his own. He thrives in transition, using long strides to back off defenders, then cutting inside with control. His impact shows in the numbers, too. This past season, he remained a solid player at 5-on-5 (51.3% Corsi for percentage/CF%) as the Golden Knights’ 13.1% shooting percentage was at its peak when he was on the ice.
For Team USA, that style of play is critical. International hockey often comes down to which team can generate controlled entries and sustain offensive pressure against the world’s best defensemen. Eichel excels in exactly that role. He not only creates chances for himself but also unlocks opportunities for his linemates, often drawing multiple defenders and opening passing lanes.
On the power play, his versatility is another asset. He can set up on the half wall as a shooter, but he’s just as dangerous working down low, where his vision allows him to slip passes through tight coverage. In Vegas last season, he put up 34 power-play points as the Golden Knights finished with the second-best power-play percentage during the regular season.
For the U.S. men’s squad eyeing its first Olympic medal since 2010, Eichel’s all-around game isn’t just a nice bonus; it’s essential. His deft scoring skills, coupled with his two-way prowess and winning mentality, give Team USA another dimension. He will be one of the engines that power Team USA in 2026.
Eichel’s Presence Brings a Boost For Vegas
Eichel’s selection to Team USA’s training camp isn’t just a personal milestone; it’s a win for Vegas. The Golden Knights’ star center has been on a tear since being acquired in a blockbuster deal with the Buffalo Sabres. He proved to be the Golden Knights’ missing piece as they finished what they started in their inaugural season by winning it all in 2023. Eichel finished as the Conn Smythe Trophy (Playoffs MVP) runner-up for his efforts. Off the ice, he also gave Vegas an American star.
The Olympic build-up with Eichel comes at a perfect time. Headlines around the city haven’t been kind lately. But Eichel’s success, and the visibility that comes with being one of Team USA’s centerpieces, is organic marketing for Las Vegas as a sports town. When a Golden Knight is in the spotlight on the international stage, it reflects on the franchise and, by extension, the city itself.
