What could have been: Team USA's potential Olympic roster if NHL players were participating

USA Hockey officials are in the final stages of determining their men’s roster for the 2018 Olympic hockey tournament, scheduled for February in Pyeongchang, South Korea.

Because the NHL is not allowing its players to go for the first time since 1994, the American squad, to be announced Jan. 1, will consist of players from European professional leagues, the American Hockey League and college ranks.

Projections of that team will be coming over the next couple of weeks, but what if the NHL had allowed its players to participate in the Winter Olympics?

More:NHL rookie race top seven: Brock Boeser, Mathew Barzal lead the race

More:Five reasons 2017-18 Predators might be scarier than last season's version

Here is what the American team might have looked like:

Centers

Auston Matthews, Toronto Maple Leafs; Vincent Trocheck, Florida Panthers; Jack Eichel, Buffalo Sabres and Dylan Larkin, Detroit Red Wings

Discussion: The Americans are stronger at center than they were in 2014, but the USA’s top centers aren’t as experienced as centers from other countries. If Ryan Kesler was healthy, he would be on the team.

Left wings

Johnny Gaudreau, Calgary Flames; Anders Lee, New York Islanders;  Chris Kreider, New York Rangers; Jason Zucker, Minnesota Wild

Discussion: Max Pacioretty has netted 30 or more goals five times over the past six seasons, so it’s hard to leave him off the list. He's having an off year — eight goals (on 117 shots) and 16 points — but you’d have to be looking for reasons to add him at the last minute. Matthew Tkachuk and James van Riemsdyk would have to be under consideration.

Right wings

Patrick Kane, Chicago Blackhawks; Blake Wheeler, Winnipeg Jets;  Phil Kessel, Pittsburgh Penguins; T.J. Oshie, Washington Capitals

Discussion: It’s probably too early for Brock Boeser, although he looks like he could contribute. Right wing is a strength for the Americans. Oshie has extra value because of his shootout ability.

13th forward

Jake Guentzel, Pittsburgh Penguins

Discussion: As a general rule, you would want an extra center in case there are injuries. Guentzel can play center or wing. Tyler Johnson, Paul Stastny and Derek Stepan are also possibilities here.

Defensemen

Left-shot: Ryan Suter, Minnesota Wild; Zach Werenski, Columbus Blue Jackets; Ryan McDonagh, New York Rangers; Nick Leddy, New York Islanders

Discussion: Cam Fowler should receive consideration, along with Shayne Gostisbehere and Brady Skjei. It is time for some younger players to be given an opportunity.

Right-shot: John Carlson, Washington Capitals; Seth Jones, Columbus Blue Jackets; Charlie McAvoy, Boston Bruins; Dustin Byfuglien, Winnipeg Jets

Discussion: Justin Faulk would be in the conversation, along with Kevin Shattenkirk and Erik Johnson.

Goalies

Jonathan Quick, Los Angeles Kings; John Gibson, Anaheim Ducks; Connor Hellebuyck, Winnipeg Jets

Discussion: When you consider what Quick’s good health has meant to the Kings this season, he seems like a clear No. 1.