Golden Knights Facing Mixed Bag During Olympics Break

Some players get rest, others grind on Olympic rosters

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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The Vegas Golden Knights are facing a mixed bag during the NHL's Winter Olympics break. While some players will get much-needed rest, nine Golden Knights are heading to the Olympics, including five for gold medal favorites the United States and Canada. Coach Bruce Cassidy expects the break to help some injured players recover, but the return to play will be a grind, especially for those competing in the Olympics.

Why it matters

The Golden Knights have had an up-and-down season so far, with stretches of poor play mixed in with recent convincing wins over the Canucks and Kings. The Olympics break could provide a reset, but it also risks disrupting any momentum the team had built up. How the Knights navigate this break could have major implications for their playoff push.

The details

The Golden Knights have nine players heading to the Olympics, including five for the U.S. and Canada. Coach Bruce Cassidy expects the break to help injured players like Brayden McNabb, Brandon Saad, and Colton Sissons recover, but others like William Karlsson, Brett Howden, and Jonas Rondbjerg remain week-to-week. The team has also struggled with overtime and shootout losses this season. Even with the injuries and inconsistent play, the Golden Knights are four points ahead of the Oilers in the Pacific Division.

  • The Golden Knights recently beat the Canucks 5-2 on February 1, 2026 and the Kings 4-1 on February 2, 2026.
  • The NHL's Winter Olympics break began on February 6, 2026.

The players

Bruce Cassidy

Head coach of the Vegas Golden Knights and an assistant coach for Team Canada.

Brayden McNabb

Golden Knights defenseman expected to return from an upper body injury after the Olympics break.

Noah Hanifin

Golden Knights defenseman who also plays for the U.S. Olympic team.

Shea Theodore

Golden Knights defenseman who also plays for the Canadian Olympic team.

Carter Hart

Golden Knights goaltender whose status is uncertain due to a lower body injury.

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What they’re saying

“The top guys are playing the most minutes, and they're the ones to go over there and represent their country. I think it's a better answer on the flip side when we see when the last game is played for Canada. Well, all our guys, right?”

— Bruce Cassidy, Head coach, Vegas Golden Knights (mymotherlode.com)

“It's obviously been a challenge for everyone this year dealing with that a little bit. We're all hoping the guys get the recovery and the stuff they need over this break and come back.”

— Noah Hanifin, Golden Knights defenseman (mymotherlode.com)

“I know our division isn't as strong as some of the others when you look at the records, but there are still good teams in there. For whatever reason, each of us has had our ups and downs. But I can only control what we do. We've been grinding the last 10 days.”

— Bruce Cassidy, Head coach, Vegas Golden Knights (mymotherlode.com)

What’s next

The Golden Knights will play 18 games in 35 days when they return to action after the Olympics, which will be a grueling stretch, especially for players who advance to the gold medal game.

The takeaway

The Golden Knights' Olympics break is a double-edged sword - it will provide much-needed rest for some players, but also disrupt momentum for others who will be grinding it out in the Olympics. How the team navigates this mixed bag could determine their success in the final stretch of the regular season.