Vegas Golden Knights 2024-25 NHL Season Preview

Vegas Golden Knights 2024-25 NHL Season Preview

The Vegas Golden Knights usually respond best when they get back to their misfit mindset. Are the VGK still Stanley Cup contenders after the laundry list of offseason departures? We’re going to break down everything you need to know with the hockey team in Vegas. Here is your Golden Knights 2024-25 NHL Season preview!

Line Combinations (via DailyFaceoff.com)

*William Karlsson is currently starting the season on IR so the opening night lines aren’t reflective of how they will look when full healthy. I’ll provide that list below for the ideal lines Vegas will rock with.

1. Barbashev – Eichel – Olofsson
2. Dorofeyev – Hertl – Holtz
3. Howden – Karlsson – Stone
4. Pearson – Roy – Kolesar

1. Theodore – Pietrangelo
2. Hanifin – Hague
3. McNabb – Whitecloud

• Hill – Samsonov

New Faces

Tanner Pearson, Cole Schwint, Ilya Samsonov, Victor Olofsson

Vegas did most of their damage during the trade deadline. Hanifin and Hertl are basically the offseason additions. When it comes to free agency, Olofsson comes over from Buffalo, and has past chemistry with Jack Eichel. He’s going to get the first crack to replace Jonathan Marchessault on that first PP unit. Olofsson has always had a great shot but will he bring the fiery elements that Marchy did? Eichel being the center certainly helps ease that void.

Pearson will fill the William Carrier spot after a successful PTO. Pearson is a vet with 138 career goals. If he can actually provide offense on that 4th line, it’s a great investment by Vegas. It’s also a hell of a lot less of a commitment than the 6-year contract Carrier signed for in Carolina. Pearson needs to prove he can stay healthy, which hasn’t been the case lately. But that can also be said for Carrier.

Samsonov is the new backup goalie. Vegas traded away Logan Thompson on draft day. Samsonov is a former first round pick. Thompson was an undrafted reclamation project. Maybe Vegas can build Sammy back up too. They’ve done it in the past with plenty of guys. Adin Hill won a cup, remember?

Three Players To Watch

• Jack Eichel

Eichel has emerged as the team’s best player. He’s a star and is elite on both ends of the ice. He does things 99% of the league can’t do. Heading into age 28 and has all the makings post a career-high season if he can stay healthy. He’s far removed from the neck issue and is the true definition of a number one center. Vegas is lucky to have him and as long as he’s in his prime, the Knights are cup contenders.

• Shea Theodore

Contract year. Has missed substantial time over the last two years but he’s clearly gifted offensively. Has the sexiest backhand in the league for any defenseman out there. Posted 42 points in 47 games last year from the blue line. Theo has all the motivation in the world to play his tail off during a contract year. Hopefully, the two sides can come together and get a contract extension done. Theo is a big reason why Vegas has the best blue line in the NHL. Guys who move the puck like this don’t grow on trees.

• Tomas Hertl

Didn’t light the world on fire coming over after the trade but that was expected. Hertl the turtle was hurt last year and would have been shut down if he stayed in San Jose. The center depth Vegas has is truly remarkable. If Hertl is still prime Hertl, he takes this group to another level. Weirdly, he’s flying under the radar and shouldn’t be. Will be a huge net front guy this team has been missing.

Biggest Riser

I don’t think people realize how good Noah Hanifin is. He’s just really good at everything. 6-foot-3, has a super long reach, skates like the wind, and totally took over the top PP unit job. Had five points in seven playoff games last year. Getting out of Calgary looks like it’s taken his game to a whole new level getting to skate with this group. A monster year is coming.

Biggest Faller

Nic Hague just hasn’t taken that step offensively. Right now he’s a tall D man who has a long reach. Other than that, I’m not sure what he provides. Has a wicked shot but the point totals haven’t been there. He’s being promoted to the Hanifin line and needs to act like it. 12 points in 73 games last year, which was his worst since 11 points in his rookie year. It’s time to take the mother may I step forward moment or he could be out next year.

The Question Is…

Which one of these wingers will pop and can any of them effectively replace Jonathan Marchessault? Alexander Holtz, Pavel Dorofeyev, Brendan Brisson, and Olofsson. Who will take that leap? If Vegas gets a pop year from one or two of these guys, they’re going to be a very good team. Dorofeyev and Holtz likely have the best chance to do just that.

The Verdict

Vegas wins the Pacific and makes a deep playoff run. If you’re sleeping on this team, you’re playing yourself. They’re too good at center and the blue line to be overlooked. Vegas can easily win the Stanley Cup again. It’s a matter of if these young wingers take a step and if they add the finishing pieces at the deadline again. Plus, if they fall short, we all know they will land Mitch Marner for free in free agency in 2025 because that’s what Vegas does.

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