The 10 NHL Players Who Received the Biggest Boost from the 2014 Winter Olympics

The Olympics are over and NHL teams are getting ready for the stretch run. For a few Olympians, feature roles during the tournament may give them new opportunities in the next few months.

Some played well enough to be viewed in a new light by their NHL teams. Others showcased their talents just in time for the trade deadline.

Here are 10 NHL players who received the biggest boost from the Sochi Olympics.

10. Anton Belov, D, Edmonton Oilers

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Sochi Highlights

Anton Belov played a depth role for Team Russia during the Olympics. He scored a goal and played in all five of Russia's games. Belov was effective in his role.

How the Olympics Helped

As Joanne Ireland from the Edmonton Journal reports, Oilers coach Dallas Eakins says Belov will get a chance to play after his Olympic performance. He played with greater confidence in Sochi.

What We Can Expect

Belov is a big defender with toughness and the ability to win battles. His foot speed issues lost him playing time during the NHL season. A new lease on life may result from his Olympic performance. The Oilers badly need Belov to play a regular role.

9. Sami Vatanen, D, Anaheim Ducks

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Sochi Highlights

Sami Vatanen played more minutes than any other defenseman on Team Finland. He was very effective, scoring five points during the tournament.

How the Olympics Helped

Vatanen played a feature role in Sochi. He was sent to the minors after his return to North America, but the demotion is a short-term transaction. The Anaheim Ducks need his puck-moving ability during the rest of the season and playoff run.

What We Can Expect

It's likely the Ducks will make room for Vatanen on the roster after the deadline, and he'll be a useful player during the postseason. There's a slight chance Anaheim trades him for a more established defenseman. Either way, his minor league career is coming to an end.

8. Marcus Johansson, C, Washington Capitals

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Sochi Highlights

Marcus Johansson's role for Team Sweden was depth center. Injuries hit, and Johansson stepped into a more prominent role on the team. He played in the gold-medal game for Sweden.

How the Olympics Helped

Johansson's elevated performance on such a big stage may improve his already strong NHL season. The Washington Capitals are in a struggle for the playoffs and will need to have production from all of their prime players.

What We Can Expect

He's on pace for a career year, and if he can improve on current production levels, Washington will benefit in a big way.

7. Michael Grabner, C, New York Islanders

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Sochi Highlights

Michael Grabner was the feature player for Team Austria at the Olympics. He had a major impact on the tournament, tying for the overall lead in goals.

How the Olympics Helped

Grabner's explosion in Sochi may have jump-started his season. He has been inconsistent for the New York Islanders, and his current production falls far below his established levels.

What We Can Expect

Islanders fans can hope his Olympic performance is a spark for a strong finish back in the NHL. John Tavares is gone for the season, and Grabner can help replace some of that offense.

6. Zemgus Girgensons, LW, Buffalo Sabres

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Sochi Highlights

Zemgus Girgensons and Team Latvia were a tough opponent during the Sochi Games. They beat Switzerland and gave Canada all they could handle.

How the Olympics Helped

A young player like Girgensons can use the Olympics as a catalyst to perform at a higher level in the NHL. His confidence should be very high after his performance.

What We Can Expect

His rookie NHL season has been solid overall, but it's a learning process for young players. Girgensons is very valuable, and Buffalo needs him to step forward. There will be more playing time available after the deadline, and the Olympic experience may allow him to take advantage.

5. Ales Hemsky, RW, Edmonton Oilers

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Sochi Highlights

Ales Hemsky played a feature role for Team Czech Republic and was among their scoring leaders.

How the Olympics Helped

It's been an offensive struggle for him this season. Hemsky's increased playing time with skilled players helped in Sochi. The Edmonton Oilers are shopping Hemsky, so his Olympic showing elevates his status as the deadline nears.

What We Can Expect

The Oilers will likely trade him at the deadline. If the club can showcase Hemsky during their three games leading up to March 5, they may attract more interested teams.

4. Chris Kunitz, LW, Pittsburgh Penguins

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Sochi Highlights

Chris Kunitz was chosen for his chemistry with Sidney Crosby and played the role Team Canada asked of him. 

How the Olympics Helped

Although he didn't score until the gold-medal game, Kunitz provided steady two-way play. He's a quality NHL player on his way to a career year. Kunitz has reached a new high in goals with about one-quarter of the schedule still to go.

What We Can Expect

The Pittsburgh Penguins need a strong finish from Kunitz, and his impressive display under pressure means he's ready to battle as things head down the stretch.

3. John Carlson, D, Washington Capitals

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Sochi Highlights

John Carlson's role increased during the Olympics. His overall time-on-ice totals for Team USA during the tournament were about four minutes less than his total in the semifinal game.

How the Olympics Helped

Carlson's increased role in Sochi should boost the confidence of the young blueliner with Washington.

What We Can Expect

The Washington Capitals are riding Carlson heavily this season. He could take a step forward after an Olympics that saw him emerge as a top option for Team USA.

2. Olli Maatta, D, Pittsburgh Penguins

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Sochi Highlights

Olli Maatta was a revelation for Team Finland. He skated miles, made great decisions and ended up among the leading defensemen in points.

How the Olympics Helped

Maatta is a teenager, and every hurdle he jumps makes him that much better. His Olympic performance is another example of his progress.

What We Can Expect

More improvement during his impressive rookie season can't be counted on. However, if he can maintain that level, Pittsburgh will benefit directly from the Olympics.

1. Carey Price, G, Montreal Canadiens

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Sochi Highlights

Carey Price played a major role for Team Canada in goal. He shut down the opposition during the semifinal and gold-medal games.

How the Olympics Helped

Price helped his team win it all in Sochi and returned a champion. He returned to Montreal, and as TSN reports, he sustained an injury during practice. When he returns, Montreal should see a confident goalie.

What We Can Expect

The Canadiens are in a playoff spot but will need strong goaltending down the stretch and into the second season. Price has always been a cool customer, and fans saw that at the Olympics. More of the same is probable in the spring.