VGK Banking On Historic 2015 Draft Class Talent

Having three players drafted in the top five picks on one roster is a dream come true for an NHL organization. Having three top five picks from the same draft class is another level of excitement, especially since they were all drafted by the three separate teams. Building and trading for a roster of three top five selections has now been proven to be a successful way to secure back-to-back Stanley Cup champions.

This summer, the Golden Knights dealt and paid for that type of winning formula.

2015 NHL Draft Top 5 Selections

1. Connor McDavid – EDM
2. Jack Eichel – BUF
3. Dylan Strome – ARI
4. Mitch Marner – TOR
5. Noah Hanifin – CAR

In 2015, the Golden Knights had yet to even be awarded a franchise yet. We were around, of course, but the NHL was still months away from having any real presence. The other 30 clubs were preparing for arguably one of the most influential drafts of all time. After years of success, three of the top five have now settled in Las Vegas, creating a 2015 draft class lineup all in their peak. Now, they’ll try and copy what’s worked for two straight seasons for the Florida Panthers.

This offseason the Panthers pulled off the improbable by extending three vital skaters to their dynasty-lurking operation. Two of the three were selected in the four picks of the 2014 draft. Years back the reigning champions tag teamed them with 2014’s second overall pick Sam Reinhart, and you have the same blend of highly touted talent that the Golden Knights recreated. Good news for Vegas, Florida has proven it’s a smart approach for two straight seasons (really three).

2014 NHL Draft Top 5 Selections

1. Aaron Ekblad – FLA
2. Sam Reinhart – BUF
3. Leon Draisaitl – EDM
4. Sam Bennett – CGY
5. Michael Dal Colle – NYI

Dating back to the time the Golden Knights raised their first-ever Stanley Cup trophy, three of the top four 2014 draftees were on the ice for the Panthers. That trio went on to be key impact players for Florida in back-to-back championship runs.

It should be noted that the Panthers are blessed with several other first round stars on their roster. Including 2013 2nd overall pick Aleksander Barkov, 2013 4th overall pick Seth Jones. Even the 2016 6th overall pick, Matthew Tkachuk, and the 2020 12th overall pick, Anton Lundell, have immortalized themselves in Florida.

Let’s not forget the collective talent in Vegas’ lineup. Currently, there are six active first round players expected to make an impact for Vegas next season. Of course, the spotlight is on Eichel and Marner, but they’ll need big seasons from other highly selected skaters too.

Let’s start with 2012 17th overall pick Tomas Hertl. The 31-year-old is still capable of scoring 30 or more goals in 2025-26. Matching his 60-point 2024-25 season will be crucial for Vegas’ desire to lock up a top playoff seed. More importantly, the Golden Knights will desperately need more than 5 points from Hertl in 11 postseason games. Same goes for 2013 26th overall selection Shea Theodore. It’s fair to predict that he’ll match or exceed his 57 points recorded last season. Like Hertl, it really comes down to Theodore’s performance deep in the playoffs. Now that he’s effectively VGK’s top defenseman, he cannot lead the club with a -9 rating in 11 postseason matches.

While some of Vegas’ older stars are aging and physically unable to play, it’ll be up to the next group to deliver owner The Creator his second Stanley Cup trophy. The current Golden Knights core are all around the same age and are in the prime of their careers. Assuming Eichel inks an extension soon, the window is wide open. The front office locked in the right players at the right age. The stage is set, and it’s up to the marquee players to perform.