Washington Capitals: A First Look at Who Could Play in Beijing

Team USA

John Carlson is sure to headline Team USA’s blue-line. The perennial Norris-trophy candidate was a member of the fourth-place team that competed in 2014. Since then, Carlson’s stardom has only blossomed. Many outside of DC will remember John Carlson for his 2010 OT goal that gave the US the victory over Team Canada in the gold-medal game in the World Junior Championships. Carlson scored one goal and added an assist in six games during the Sochi Olympics. 

TJ Oshie, now 35-years-old, might find himself hard-pressed to make the 2022 team but there is no doubt he deserves a long look. Despite his age, Oshie is still an elite-level NHL player, an experienced Olympian, and arguably the best shootout player in the game’s history. With that said, Oshie will have to compete with immensely-talented forwards in the NHL like Patrick Kane, Kyle Connor, Jake Guentzel, Johnny Gaudreau, and many others vying for limited roster spots. Oshie scored a goal and added 3 assists in 2014, even though his real contribution was in the shootout against Team Russia.