These three Golden Knights stars have a high ceiling in their NHL careers. They could lead Vegas to higher ground next season.
The Vegas Golden Knights might've been eliminated from the Stanley Cup playoffs. However, they have it better than most NHL fan bases. For one, they've made the playoffs in seven of eight seasons in franchise history. You know who can't say that? The Buffalo Sabres, who haven't been there since 2011.
They also won a Stanley Cup in 2023. Do you know who's still searching for their first Stanley Cup since 1967? That's right, the Toronto Maple Leafs, who can't figure out a 5'9" "rat" named Brad Marchand. Heck, the San Jose Sharks have become a combination of the two, marred by a dry spell from the playoffs and snakebitten postseason success.
But the good news for the Golden Knights is that they have some bright spots on the team. These players have given fans a strong sense of hope for the team's future, even if some people are writing off Vegas.
But it's not just one player who's behind the hope train in Sin City. Why not THREE players who give the fans hope? These players will be a critical part of the team's future, whether it's playing on the top-six or the bottom-six. Let's honor three guys who will lead the Golden Knights to future success.
1.) Pavel Dorofeyev
Imagine this, dear reader. You're 24 years old and taking the reins left behind by some prominent players. You're supposed to be proficient on the power play, using your left-handed shot to snipe goals.
You do exactly that, scoring 13 power play goals in 2024-25. On top of that, you led the Golden Knights in scoring goals (35), adding a threatening presence on the wing. Did I mention that you're only 24 years old? That's extremely important to the story.
Dorofeyev has a sky-high ceiling with the Golden Knights. Sure, he might've scored one measly goal and one meager assist during the Stanley Cup playoffs. However, you have your whole career ahead of you. After all, you're *say it with me, class* 24 years old. Next year is an opportunity to learn from your mistakes and grow as a player.
2.) Jack Eichel
This might sound corny, considering Jack Eichel set single-season franchise records in assists (66) and points (94). However, Eichel is playing in a contract year. He'll play on the last year of his current eight-year, $80 million deal.
That should give him more incentive to break more records and take the reins as the unequivocal offensive leader. He'll look to maximize his contract and get another eight-year deal worth even more.
Does that mean he breaks his own single-season franchise record of assists and points? That can happen. He's evolved into one of the best two-way players in the NHL and can bolster any linemate he's given.
3.) Keegan Kolesar
If you're wondering why Keegan Kolesar got a three-year, $7.5 million contract extension during the 2024-25 season, here's why. He got career highs in goals (12), assists (18), and points (30). Kolesar is also an excellent forechecker who adds a hard-hitting presence to the lower lines, specifically the fourth (237 in 2024-25).
Kolesar is one of the most important bottom-six forwards for the Golden Knights. He carries the play and has developed his puck-handling skills as the season progressed. The native of Brandon, Manitoba, is vital to building forward depth and getting back to winning the Stanley Cup.
