NEWARK, N.J. | For the first time since 1999 and just the second time in NHL history, the Stanley Cup will go to a team with an American-born captain. And if it’s Dustin Brown’s Los Angeles Kings, it will be the second year in a row with a U.S. goalie winning it, and possibly more if Jonathan Quick gets the Conn Smythe.
With those two leading the way for the Los Angeles and Zach Parise for the New Jersey Devils, it’s worth considering just how stacked the U.S. team could be when it arrives in Sochi, Russia, for the 2014 Olympics. Here’s a look at what that group might look like, with the obvious note that a lot can change in 20 months:
GOALTENDERS
Jonathan Quick, Kings
Ryan Miller, Sabres
Corey Schneider, Canucks
Also in consideration: Jimmy Howard, Red Wings; Craig Anderson, Senators
DEFENSEMEN
Ryan Suter, Predators
Jack Johnson, Blue Jackets
Brooks Orpik, Penguins
Ryan McDonagh, Rangers
John Carlson, Capitals
Tim Gleason, Hurricanes
Kevin Shattenkirk, Blues
Also in consideration: Dustin Byfuglien, Jets; Erik Johnson, Avalanche; Matt Niskanen, Penguins; Paul Martin, Penguins; Keith Yandle, Coyotes
FORWARDS
Ryan Callahan, Rangers
Zach Parise, Devils
Dustin Brown, Kings
Patrick Kane, Blackhawks
Ryan Kesler, Canucks
Jason Pominville, Sabres
Phil Kessel, Maple Leafs
Max Pacioretty, Canadiens
Bobby Ryan, Ducks
Joe Pavelski, Sharks
David Backes, Blues
T.J. Oshie, Blues
Kyle Okposo, Islanders
Brandon Dubinsky, Rangers
Also in consideration: Paul Stastny, Avalanche; James van Riemsdyk, Flyers; Derek Stepan, Rangers; Chris Higgins, Canucks, Jim O’Brien, Senators; Drew Stafford, Sabres
MORE READING: Brown, Parise highlight growth of USA Hockey.
