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

Team Czech Republic

While certainly not a roster with as much star power as Russia, Sweden, Canada, or the United States, the team from the Czech Republic will have some very talented NHL players on it. David Pastranak headlines the group. While far from a favorite to medal, making the Czech’s Olympic team would still be an honor for Capitals’ defenseman Michal Kempny. If healthy and playing to his potential like he did during the 2018 Stanley Cup run, Kempny will be the team’s top defenseman. Kempny represented the Czech Republic in the World Championships in both 2016 and 2017.

Vitek Vanecek burst onto the scene a season ago for the Washington Capitals and deserves serious consideration to make the Czech Republic’s Olympic roster for 2022. Petr Mrazek is all but a lock to hold down the net but aside from him, Vanecek is arguably one of the country’s best options in-net. The young netminder led rookie goaltenders in wins a season ago, going 21-10-4, with two shutouts, a 2.69 goals against average, and a .908 save percentage. After all, Vanecek won silver in 2014 at the IIHF U18 World Championships with the Czech Republic.