Pacific Primer: The Vegas Golden Knights look weaker after losing a bunch of forward talent in the off-season

It’s time to preview the Pacific Division with Pacific Primer. As usual, the Flames will be playing these teams four times in 2024–25 (with the exception of the Oilers who they’ll only play three times). In Pacific Primer, we are going to take a look at the moves made by each team this offseason. Then, we’ll take a look at how they stack up against the Flames.

This Pacific Primer will be focused on the Vegas Golden Knights. It was an interesting off-season for Vegas. They lost a lot of forward talent, including Jonathan Marchessault, Chandler Stephenson, Michael Amadio, Paul Cotter, and William Carrier. Marchessault in particular is a big loss, given he won the Conn Smythe trophy just two seasons ago. Him and William Carrier are two more original Golden Misfits that left the team. It sounded like the relationship between goaltender Logan Thompson and the organization had soured, so it’s not a surprise he was dealt. Taking an upside swing on Alex Holtz is an interesting gamble for a team that lost a bunch of forward talent. People are counting out the Knights a little bit, which likely means they’ll surprise the league with a big season.

Offseason moves:

Trades

• Traded G Logan Thompson to the Washington Capitals in exchange for a 2024 3rd round draft pick and a 2025 3rd round draft pick.
• Acquired RW Alex Holtz and G Akira Schmid from the New Jersey Devils in exchange for LW Paul Cotter and a 2025 3rd round draft pick.

RFAs

• Re-signed LW Pavel Dorofeyev to a 2-year, 1.835M AAV deal.

UFAs

• Signed Ilya Samsonov to a 1-year, 1.8M AAV deal.
• Signed RW/LW Victor Olofsson to a 1-year, 1.075M AAV deal.

Mock Lineup

The Vegas forward group doesn’t look nearly as strong as it has in previous years. Still, there is insane depth up the middle of the ice, assuming Eichel and Hertl can stay healthy. Victor Olofsson has started training camp on Eichel’s wing. Him, Holtz, and Pavel Dorofeyev will be playing higher in the lineup than they likely expected, so it’s time for them to seize the opportunity. This is a win for the Knights when comparing to the Flames, but this group looks weaker than last year. It’s Vegas, so I’m sure everything will work out and they’ll lead the league in scoring.

One thing that didn’t change is the Knights defence. It’s one of the best defences in the league. Just an unreal amount of riches. One thing to watch will be whether or not the Knights keep eight defenceman on their opening night roster. Korczak is waiver eligible and will get scooped up by someone if he’s waived. This defence doesn’t even rival Calgary’s and Vegas should get a couple points here.

Adin Hill returns and the Knights take a stab on Ilya Samsonov. Samsonov has had his good and bad stretches in recent seasons. Playing behind Vegas’ defence will be an ultimate test for his future in the NHL. I like buying low on him and Hill as a solid tandem this season. Neither has played over 45 games in a season, so I expect this to be a 50/50 split. They’ve got Akira Schmid hanging out as third goaltender insurance, if needed. This is a win for Vegas when comparing to the Flames, but goaltending is definitely a question mark for the Knights.