The upcoming Stanley Cup Final is set to offer at least one American player a rare “Olympic gold–Stanley Cup double.” Ken Morrow, a former U.S. hockey player, is cited as the only American to have won Olympic gold and hoisted the Stanley Cup in the same year. Since NHL players began going to the Olympics, several Canadians have achieved the feat, but American participation has remained limited. The U.S. recently won Olympic gold for the first time in 46 years, raising the possibility of expanding the list of Americans who accomplish both milestones in the same season.
Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Jaccob Slavin is identified as being one victory away from reaching that exclusive group if he wins the Stanley Cup. The sources note that his eligibility depends on whether the Vegas Golden Knights win the series and whether key players Jack Eichel and Noah Hanifin secure the championship. Specifically, the reports describe a scenario in which Vegas would need to win Games 6 and 7 to include those players. The outcome of the final therefore determines whether the Olympic gold–Stanley Cup double is achieved by additional Americans this postseason.
