The Vegas Golden Knights’ decision to hang onto their 2024 first round draft pick is more of a gift for fans than a shift in strategy.
The Golden Knights use draft picks more like tradable commodities than a means to stock their roster. Today’s roster shows six Vegas draft picks on their roster. Defenseman Nicolas Hague (drafted 34th overall in 2017) is the only one playing a critical role. GM Kelly McCrimmon prefers to use his draft picks or drafted prospects to acquire experienced players.
Eleven players on the current roster, including Jack Eichel, Mark Stone and Tomas Hertl, were acquired through the use of draft capital.
But this year, the draft will be in Las Vegas in the Sphere. Golden Knights management didn’t want their fans coming to the draft with nothing to do.
That’s why they kept their first round pick. Their No. 19 pick is their earliest pick since 2019 when they chose Peyton Krebs 17th overall. He was traded to Buffalo in the swap for Jack Eichel.
Based on discussions with scouts, the Golden Knights could end up with a quality prospect at No. 19. Here are some possibilities:
Left wing Michael Brandsegg-Nygard, Mora, Sweden
Determined Norwegian winger who went to Sweden for better competition. He registered three goals and five points while gaining valuable experience by playing for Norway at the World Championships.
Defenseman Adam Jiricek, Plzen HC Czechia
Injury at the WJC undermined his progress, but he is David Jiricek’s younger brother. He’s 6-foot-2, can skate and has offensive tools.
Left wing Trevor Connelly, Tri-City (USHL)
California native is one of the most skilled players in the draft. Some teams are reluctant to draft him because of some off ice behavior in his past.
Right wing Terik Parascak, Prince George (WHL)
Used exceptional offensive instincts to post 105 points in 68 regular-season games, and added 14 more in 12 postseason games.
Right wing, Igor Chernyshov, Dynamo Moscow, Russia
He’s a 6-foot-2 winger who has already played for parts of two seasons in the KHL. EliteProspects.com has him ranked 17th.
Left wing Liam Greentree, Windsor (OHL)
Greentree netted 36 goals and totaled 90 points. The puck finds him in the offensive zone.
Center Lucas Pettersson, Modo, Sweden
His skill package is attractive. He skates extremely well and has a scoring touch. Scouts see him as a two-way center.
Defenseman E.J. Emery, U.S. NTDP
He’s a 6-foot-3 defensive minder blueliner headed to play his college hockey at North Dakota. He has offensive potential.
Center Dean Letourneau, St. Andrew’s College
He’s a 6-foot-7 forward who totaled 127 points this season. NHL Central Scouting has him ranked 23rd among North American skaters. But his size intrigues some teams.
