Vegas used their final three picks of the draft in the fifth round, where they achieved their mission of re-stocking their farm system and addressing a number of key needs.
Pick No. 135:
Isaiah Saville was ranked as high as #67 by McKeen’s Hockey and you can see why after he posted impressive numbers of a 1.90 GAA and a .925 SV% for Tri-City Storm in 2018-19.
He has been praised for his lateral movement from post to post and, given that the cupboard is bare when it comes to goalie prospects, Saville could find himself on a fast-track to the NHL if he lives up to his potential.
Grade C+
Pick No. 139:
A skilled forward of Brazilian and Finnish heritage, Marcus Kallionkieli formed one of the most potent lines in the USHL alongside Bobby Brink and Martin Pospisil.
Kallionkieli totalled 29 goals and 24 assists for 53 points in 58 games for the Sioux City Musketeers this year, and he’s certainly got plenty of upside. You can never have too much of a good thing and the forward can both create and score goals, which is a big plus for the Golden Knights.
Grade C
Pick No. 141:
The Golden Knights’ final pick of the draft, Mason Primeau is another big-bodied forward who can be used on the penalty kill and in other big-time situations.
He comes from good lineage with his dad, Wayne, and uncle, Keith, both having enjoyed long careers in the NHL.
Mason will be hoping to follow in their footsteps and, at 6’5″ and 203 lb, he’s certainly got the power to match and is only going to continue to grow.
He has the potential to become a power-forward and he can produce, having registered 10 goals and 16 assists for 26 points for the North Bay Battalion.
He has a long way to go yet and will need to hone his craft in the AHL, but there’s no reason to suggest that Primeau can’t develop into a bottom-six two-way forward.
Grade C+
That was it for the 2019 NHL Entry Draft with the Vegas Golden Knights addressing a number of needs with their eight picks, as well as gaining a potential elite stud in Peyton Krebs.
We will continue to wrap up our coverage from the draft over the coming days, including taking a deeper look at what Krebs could turn into for the Golden Knights.