Every NHL Team's Most Likely Olympic Star at 2014 Sochi Games

A few weeks ago, the various international organizations released preliminary 2014 Sochi Olympic rosters, but the final rosters for the tournament are not set in stone.

Each NHL organization has a chance to send at least one of their players to the Sochi Games, but who is each team's most likely Olympic star?

There are a number of players who could be selected, and here are the players who have skill and are best suited for the international atmosphere.

Anaheim Ducks: Ryan Getzlaf

Ryan Getzlaf has thrived at the international level his entire career, and he should be one of Team Canada's top pivots at the Sochi Games. On the international ice surface, speed and creativity will be crucial to a team's success.

While Getzlaf isn't the fastest of skaters who should appear on Canada's roster, he is a great cross-ice passer with tremendous vision. 

Some players can become overwhelmed on a larger ice surface, but Getzlaf is used to it from playing in the WJC and World Championships overseas. 

Boston Bruins: Tuukka Rask

There were a number of Boston Bruins like Patrice Bergeron and Zdeno Chara to choose from, but Tuukka Rask has the best chance to steal the show at Sochi. Rask could be Team Finland's starter, and he is coming off of an amazing season with the Bruins.

Pekka Rinne appeared to have a leg up on Rask, but a strong season by the Bruins netminder sent him up the depth chart. Rask is a star on the rise, and he could shine in Sochi.

Buffalo Sabres: Thomas Vanek

Thomas Vanek will be the star of Team Austria at the Olympic games. Vanek will have the tough task of helping his nation contend in Pool B, which is stacked with competition such as Team Canada and Team Finland.

The Buffalo Sabre sniper should be up for the task, because he is a speedy scorer who grew up playing on a larger ice surface. Vanek will look to shine on an international stage, and he could be one of the tournament's most underrated players.

Calgary Flames: Sven Baertschi

Sven Baertschi is one of Calgary's top young players, and he could be representing Switzerland for a few weeks in February. Baertschi burst onto the scene for the Flames last season, and it was tough making the adjustment from the AHL.

He got better as the season progressed, and he should be an asset for his national team. At the Olympics, Baertschi will be playing on a natural ice surface, and he will be motivated by international pride. 

Carolina Hurricanes: Eric Staal

Eric Staal is a strong and skilled center who captains the Carolina Hurricanes. He is a natural leader and has a skill set that suits him for Team Canada.

There are a number of Canadians who may supplant Staal offensively, but the Hurricanes' captain is an underrated two-way player.

At Sochi, Staal will be looked upon to be a secondary scorer, and he could see some time as an energy checker and penalty killer.

Chicago Blackhawks: Patrick Kane

The Chicago Blackhawks will be represented by a number of players at the Sochi Games, and Patrick Kane has the greatest chance of stealing the show. Kane will be one of Team USA's top wingers, and he is currently trending up.

Kane has become more committed to his on-ice activities, and that has resulted in tremendous achievements. But Kane still wants to win a gold medal, and it is a goal he could achieve this year.

Internationally, Kane will be paired with some of Team USA's best players, and he will look to improve on the silver he won in 2010.

Colorado Avalanche: Gabriel Landeskog

Gabriel Landeskog should make his Olympic debut with Team Sweden at the 2014 Sochi Games. Landeskog is a great two-way player who plays a complete three-zone game, and his skill set makes him a perfect fit for international ice.

The Colorado Avalanche captain is an amazing skater who covers a ton of ground with his speed, and it helps him remain strong positionally. Paul Stastny could also represent the Avalanche, but Landeskog will have the greatest impact of all potential Olympians from Colorado.

Columbus Blue Jackets: Marian Gaborik

Marian Gaborik is a superstar winger who thrives internationally. Gaborik has been one of Slovakia's top players throughout his career, and his speed will come in handy on the international ice surface.

In senior international competition, Gaborik has 40 points in 52 games, and his numbers were even better as a junior player.

Team Slovakia will face some tough competition at the Olympic Games, but Gaborik's goal-scoring acumen and overall skill set will come in handy during the medal round.

Dallas Stars: Kari Lehtonen

Team Finland will have no shortage of good goaltending, and Kari Lehtonen will give Tuukka Rask and Pekka Rinne a run for their money. Although Rask is coming off of an amazing season, Lehtonen is an underrated goaltender who has been held back by injury. 

The Dallas Stars transformed their roster over the summer, and a goaltender like Lehtonen can help the team thrive at the NHL level. Internationally, Lehtonen could steal the show, and because of it, Finland is a dark horse to take gold at the Sochi Games.

Detroit Red Wings: Pavel Datsyuk

This was a tough decision because players such as Henrik Zetterberg, Jimmy Howard and Daniel Alfredsson should all represent the Detroit Red Wings. However, Pavel Datsyuk will be playing in his native country as one of Team Russia's top centers, and he has the best chance to be a standout.

Datsyuk is one of the NHL's top two-way centers, and he is an amazing passer with terrific vision. With multiple elite wingers at his disposable, Datsyuk could have an amazing impact at the Sochi Games.

Edmonton Oilers: Taylor Hall

Taylor Hall is a young Canadian winger with tremendous upside. He projects to be one of the NHL's top scorers in 2013-14, and he should shine for his home country at the Sochi Games.

Hall is a fluid skater who is very intelligent, and that will help him thrive in Sochi. He knows when to pass and when to shoot, and he will be paired with very talented players during the Olympic Games.

Hall's youth, speed and overall skill set makes him one of the NHL's future stars, and the Sochi Games could be one moment in a monster season for the 2010 No. 1 draft pick.

Florida Panthers: Nick Bjugstad

Here is the first "out of left field" pick, because the Florida Panthers don't have many international options when it comes to Olympic representation.

Nick Bjugstad could be a long shot to make Team USA's roster, and his potential upside could be a huge benefit to the Olympic squad.

The 6"6" and 215-pound center moves pretty well for his size and has a booming shot from the point. Bjugstad could fill a niche role as a third- or fourth-line player, and a strong start could allow him to gain support for an Olympic roster spot.

Los Angeles Kings: Anze Kopitar

No disrespect to Jonathan Quick, but Anze Kopitar will be the best player on his team at the Olympic Games. Kopitar will have the greatest chance of being a star, because he is on Slovenia's roster.

The United States' roster is loaded with talent, but Team Slovenia is pretty barren outside of Kopitar. The Kings' top center will finally get the chance to play for his country at the Olympic level, and it should be a great experience for him—win, lose or draw.

Minnesota Wild: Zach Parise

The Minnesota Wild have a number of players who could represent them internationally, but Zach Parise is going to be a bright spot for Team USA. He is a top favorite to be named team captain, and he should be one of Team USA's top-line wingers.

Parise is an amazing skater, two-way player and an accomplished scorer. The Minnesota Wild assistant captain was a standout at the Vancouver Games, and look for Parise to go for gold in 2014.

Parise's ability to be in perfect position on the ice is a huge plus, and it will allow him to create offense in multiple situations.

Montreal Canadiens: P.K. Subban

P.K. Subban was a standout for the Montreal Canadiens this past season, and he won a Norris Trophy for his defensive efforts. Subban is one of Canada's top defenders, and he is skilled offensively and defensively.

There are a number of players such  as Alex Galchenyuk who could make an Olympic roster, but Subban will have the largest potential impact on an international stage.

Nashville Predators: Shea Weber

Shea Weber is a hulking defender with a howitzer of a slap shot. The Nashville Predator captain is known for his physicality, offensive acumen and strong skating ability.

Weber will be a top-four blueliner for Team Canada, and he will be an important player in all situations. The Canadians will look to defend their gold medal, and Weber can play a huge role in the title defense.

New Jersey Devils: Patrik Elias

Patrik Elias is a tenured veteran, and the leader of the Czech Republic national team. The 2014 games will be Elias' fourth time playing for his country, and it could be his last considering his age.

The 37-year-old is still a solid secondary scorer and two-way player at this stage of his career, and he will be a vital member of the Czech Republic national team at the Sochi Games. Expect Elias to play with Tomas Plekanec and Jaromir Jagr, and don't be surprised if the trio is one of the tournament's best.

New York Islanders: John Tavares

John Tavares is a star in the making, and he will be a fixture of Team Canada for many years to come. The New York Islanders' first-line center is a dynamic playmaker with a great shot and amazing vision.

Although Canada has a number of centers, Tavares could be shifted to the wing if necessary because of his goal-scoring acumen. The Islanders have the future face of the NHL on their roster, and he will represent his nation. 

New York Rangers: Rick Nash

Henrik Lundqvist seemed like an obvious pick here, but upon further review, Rick Nash is a better pick because of his history.

At the 2010 Olympics, the tandem of Sidney Crosby, Rick Nash and Jarome Iginla was amazing for Team Canada. The line featured a blend of size, speed and skill that led Canada to gold.

While Iginla likely won't make the cut this year, a player such as Corey Perry could fill that role. Nash is a dominant power winger, and with Crosby as his pivot, he could be a monster for Team Canada at the Sochi Games.

Ottawa Senators: Erik Karlsson

Erik Karlsson is one of the NHL's top blueliners, and he will be a key cog for Team Sweden's blue line. With extra space on international ice, Karlsson will be free to roam up and down the ice, and he can hit forwards like Henrik Zetterberg with cross-ice stretch passes.

Karlsson's skating ability will give him a huge leg up in this tournament, and it will be fun to watch him make magic in the open ice.

Philadelphia Flyers: Claude Giroux

Claude Giroux is a natural center, but he will likely line up at right wing for the Sochi Games. The Philadelphia Flyer captain is a playmaker by trade, but he also is a skilled shooter and goal scorer.

Giroux also has an underrated two-way game, a skill that will come in handy on a larger ice surface. The 5'11" center is one of the younger veterans who should make Team Canada's final roster, and he could fill a versatile role on the second or third line.

Phoenix Coyotes: Oliver Ekman-Larsson

Team Sweden is a dark horse to win gold at the Sochi Games because of its young talent, and Oliver Ekman-Larsson is one of its top young stars.

With the Phoenix Coyotes, Ekman-Larsson has transformed into a great defenseman, and he will be an asset in Sochi. "OEL" has great skating legs, a high hockey IQ and plays an effective two-way game.

On the larger ice surface, Ekman-Larsson's game should flourish, and he could be an Olympian for years with Team Sweden.

Pittsburgh Penguins: Sidney Crosby

This is an absolute no-brainer; Sidney Crosby is the NHL's best player, so naturally he has the best chance to be a standout at the Sochi Games.

Sid the Kid is an amazing offensive player, and he can utilize the open space to create some offense.

Crosby will look to add another medal to his mantle, and Team Canada could be a tough team to beat this winter. 

St. Louis Blues: Vladimir Tarasenko

Vladimir Tarasenko dominated on larger ice surfaces during his time in the KHL, and he will be at home during the Sochi Games. Tarasenko is a youthful power forward who has a ton of speed and strength, and his game is suited for international ice.

When you factor in his skill set and familiarity, Tarasenko could be a true standout at the 2014 Winter Olympics.

San Jose Sharks: Joe Pavelski

Joe Pavelski earned a new contract this summer, and the 29-year-old forward will be one of the most important forwards on Team USA's roster. Although Pavelski is a natural center by trade, he has been slotted at both wings during his time with the San Jose Sharks.

Pavelski is a solid playmaker and scorer, and he can be an asset on almost any line. Team USA is looking to win gold this year after a heartbreaking defeat in 2010, and Pavelski has the potential to become a huge difference-maker.

Tampa Bay Lightning: Steven Stamkos

Steven Stamkos is the NHL's top goal scorer, and he will likely be slotted out of position at the Olympics.

The 2008 first overall pick is an amazing sniper and offensive player, but he isn't a great defensive player—especially when it comes to faceoffs.

Having Stamkos on the wing will allow him to set up for multiple one-timers, and it will allow Canada to carry an additional center for the Sochi Games. 

Toronto Maple Leafs: Phil Kessel

Phil Kessel will be one of Team USA's top wingers at the Sochi Games, and his skating ability will give him an edge over other forwards playing in the tournament.

Kessel is one of the NHL's fastest skaters, and a larger ice surface will give him more room to make plays. The United States' roster will feature a balance of youth and skill, and Kessel happens to have both in full supply.

Vancouver Canucks: Roberto Luongo

Roberto Luongo will be Team Canada's starter at the Sochi Games. It may seem like a bold statement, but it is going to happen.

Luongo has the experience, and he was a rock in net at the 2010 games in his home arena. Contrary to popular belief, Luongo is an amazing goaltender.

Unfortunately, he was put in a difficult situation by management, and his game declined a bit.

If you take a look at Bobby Lou's numbers, you will see that he is a pretty good goaltender. It is fair to say that John Tortorella will help Luongo get back to top form, and he will end up being Canada's starter at the Sochi Games.

Washington Capitals: Alex Ovechkin

This is another no-brainer. Alex Ovechkin is the league representative for the Sochi Games, and the Russian scoring forward was very vocal that he would be playing in the Sochi Games even if the NHL and IIHF didn't come to an agreement, according to Sportsnet.

Ovechkin is a dominant player who should be motivated to perform on home ice, and expect him to do everything possible to secure a gold medal for Mother Russia. 

Winnipeg Jets: Tobias Enstrom

Evander Kane could have been chosen here, but he doesn't have a great shot at making the final Olympic roster. Therefore, the best representative for the Winnipeg Jets is Tobias Enstrom.

Enstrom will be a young veteran on Team Sweden as a 29-year-old by the time the games start in February. He will only be appearing in his second Olympic games, but the Jets' blueliner previously played for Sweden at the World Championships.

Enstrom is a solid puck-moving blueliner, and his offensive acumen will be an asset to Sweden. Erik Karlsson is Sweden's top blueliner, and Enstrom will be a solid defense partner for him in Sochi.