Jack Eichel, Noah Hanifin, and Jaccob Slavin are just four wins away from achieving a rare double: an Olympic gold medal and the Stanley Cup in the same season. If one of them manages to accomplish this feat, he would become the first U.S.-born player to do so since 1980.
The Road to the Stanley Cup Final
Eichel and Hanifin are currently skating for the Vegas Golden Knights, while Slavin anchors the blue line for the Carolina Hurricanes. The Stanley Cup Final is set to begin Tuesday at the Lenovo Center, featuring two recent U.S. Olympic teammates on one side, facing off against another on the sport’s biggest stage.
All three players were instrumental in helping the United States secure its first men’s hockey gold since 1980 at the 2026 Winter Games in Milan-Cortina. During the six Olympic games, Eichel showcased his skills by producing six points (two goals and four assists), while Hanifin contributed three points (one goal and two assists), and Slavin added an assist. Following the Olympics, the focus quickly shifted back to the demanding NHL grind.
After the Olympic break, the Vegas Golden Knights faced a challenging period, recording a 5-10-2 record. In a bid to turn their fortunes around, they changed coaches on March 29, hiring John Tortorella to replace Bruce Cassidy. The team bounced back strongly, closing the regular season with a 7-0-1 streak and achieving a solid 12-4 record in the playoffs to reach the Final.
Jack Eichel already boasts a championship ring from 2023, while Noah Hanifin, who was acquired by Vegas from Calgary in a three-team deal involving Philadelphia on March 6, 2024, is on the hunt for his first Cup. Jaccob Slavin, drafted by Carolina in the fourth round (120th overall) in 2012, has spent his entire 11-season NHL career with the Hurricanes and is also striving for his first title.
The last American to achieve the remarkable feat of winning Olympic gold and the Stanley Cup in the same year was defenseman Ken Morrow in 1980. He was part of the legendary “Miracle on Ice” team and went on to win the first of four consecutive Cups with the New York Islanders later that year. Unlike today’s players, Morrow did not compete in the NHL during the Olympics, as the League only began sending its players to the Games in 1998.
Experience gained under the intense pressure of the Olympics is expected to be beneficial in the Stanley Cup Final, where every shift carries immense significance. The three American athletes have emphasized the importance of staying present, managing their nerves, and honing in on the details as the series kicks off.
After celebrating their Olympic victory together on the international stage, they now find themselves lining up on opposing sides: Eichel and Hanifin representing Vegas, while Slavin dons the colors of Carolina. While mutual respect remains between them, their priorities are crystal clear—four more wins and a place in history awaits.