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Vegas Golden Knights ink Jonas Rondbjerg to entry-level deal

By Andrew Steele-Davis

LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 01: Jonas Rondbjerg (46) moves the puck during the Vegas Golden Knights Development Camp at the Las Vegas Ice Center on July 01, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Marc Sanchez/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 01: Jonas Rondbjerg (46) moves the puck during the Vegas Golden Knights Development Camp at the Las Vegas Ice Center on July 01, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Marc Sanchez/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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CHICAGO, IL – JUNE 24: Jonas Rondbjerg is interviewed after being selected 65th overall by the Vegas Golden Knights during the 2017 NHL Draft at the United Center on June 24, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL – JUNE 24: Jonas Rondbjerg is interviewed after being selected 65th overall by the Vegas Golden Knights during the 2017 NHL Draft at the United Center on June 24, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

There was some transaction news to digest on Thursday after the Vegas Golden Knights signed Jonas Rondbjerg to a three-year, entry level contract.

Rondbjerg was selected in the third round (65th overall) of the 2017 NHL Entry Draft by the Vegas Golden Knights.

Vegas General Manager George McPhee, who will soon officially take up the mantle of President of Hockey Operations with Kelly McCrimmon being promoted to the role of GM, announced the move.

Rondbjerg, who was born in Denmark, is currently cutting his teeth in the professional game with the Vaxjo Lakers HC of the Swedish Hockey League.

Heading to the Vaxjo Lakers after being drafted, Rondbjerg posted six goals and five assists for 11 points in 35 games, before lightning it up for Denmark at the 2018 World Junior Championships with 11 points (six goals, five assists).

However, this year was more of a struggle for Rondbjerg who only put up six points (two goals, four assists) in 45 games for Vaxjo and no points in five playoff contests, also posting a plus/minus rating of -9.

VANCOUVER, BC – JANUARY 2: Jonas Rondbjerg #16 of Denmark celebrates with his teammates after scoring a goal in relegation group hockey action of the 2019 IIHF World Junior Championship against Kazakhstan on January, 2, 2019 at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. (Photo by Rich Lam/Getty Images)
VANCOUVER, BC – JANUARY 2: Jonas Rondbjerg #16 of Denmark celebrates with his teammates after scoring a goal in relegation group hockey action of the 2019 IIHF World Junior Championship against Kazakhstan on January, 2, 2019 at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. (Photo by Rich Lam/Getty Images) /

Rondbjerg, known for having a good compete level and sharp anticipation levels, also served as team captain for Denmark at the 2019 World Junior Championships, posting one goal and one assist for two points.

So, what does this mean for the Vegas Golden Knights?

Well, when it comes to the present day, not a lot. Rondbjerg is a way off when it comes to being NHL ready, plus there are a glut of talented young studs ahead of him on the depth chart.

It is likely that Rondbjerg will get the chance to compete for a roster spot on the Chicago Wolves, the AHL affiliate of the Golden Knights.

The Wolves, who are currently preparing for Game 1 of the Calder Cup Finals against the Charlotte Checkers on Saturday, have proved to be the perfect breeding ground when it comes to development for the likes of Cody Glass, Nic Hague and Zach Whitecloud who are all expected to make the leap to the majors at some point in 2019-20.

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The Knights will be hoping that Rondbjerg can come in and compete at a high level against battle hardened NHL veterans and high-end prospects.

If he can do that then the left-shot could fast-track his path to the NHL a lot quicker but, for now, the focus for Rondbjerg will be to continue his development and continue to master his craft while getting used to his surroundings in America and the AHL.

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