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Vegas Golden Knights: AHL team in Henderson will be a game-changer

By Andrew Steele-Davis

LAVAL, QC - OCTOBER 16: Jeremy Lauzon #15 of the Providence Bruins(C) speaks with teammates Zachary Senyshyn #9 (L) and Trent Frederic #7 (R) against the Laval Rocket at Place Bell on October 16, 2019 in Laval, Canada. The Laval Rocket defeated the Providence Bruins 5-4 in a shoot-out. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images)
LAVAL, QC - OCTOBER 16: Jeremy Lauzon #15 of the Providence Bruins(C) speaks with teammates Zachary Senyshyn #9 (L) and Trent Frederic #7 (R) against the Laval Rocket at Place Bell on October 16, 2019 in Laval, Canada. The Laval Rocket defeated the Providence Bruins 5-4 in a shoot-out. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images) /
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The Vegas Golden Knights will have an AHL franchise next door to them in Henderson, and that could be a game-changer for this organization.

We learnt last month that the Vegas Golden Knights were buying the rights of the San Antonio Rampage, AHL affiliate of the St. Louis Blues, with the intention of moving them to Las Vegas.

Well, we now know that the new AHL franchise, which will have Henderson in its name, will play at a brand-spanking new 6,000 seater arena at Henderson.

The new arena, which was announced at the Henderson “State of the City” address by Vegas Golden Knights President Kerry Bubolz this week, will be a state-of-the-art facility.

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They will practice at Lifeguard Arena and will play at Orleans Arena starting 2020-21 until the facility at Henderson is finished.

This is significant because having an AHL team right on the doorstep of their NHL franchise will be a home run for the Golden Knights.

Firstly, players won’t have to travel halfway across the country if they are called up or sent down, giving both teams huge flexibility.

But, perhaps more importantly, it will give the Golden Knights an added weapon when it comes to nurturing their prospects.

With an AHL team so close to where the Knights practice and play, the front office and the Vegas coaching staff will have more access to the franchise’s pipeline of young talent.

Furthermore, prospects will be within touching distance of the big club and, as such, they will be able to study what it takes to make it and flourish in the National Hockey League.

That in itself can’t be underestimated and it should only help the Golden Knights continue to become a powerhouse in the NHL.

Fans will also be able to satisfy their hockey cravings even more, while growing more of an affinity with some of Vegas’ hottest prospects by the time they get to the NHL.

But you can’t understate how crucial it will be for Vegas to have their NHL and AHL teams aligned side-by-side.

This will be crucial for player development and you only have to look at three National Hockey League franchises to know why.

The Toronto Maple Leafs have the Toronto Marlies in the same City, while the Boston Bruins are close to the Providence Bruins as is the Philadelphia Flyers with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms.

And, what do all three teams have in common?

They have a reputation for developing high-end prospects.

LAVAL, QC – MARCH 08: Rasmus Sandin #8 of the Toronto Marlies skates against the Laval Rocket during the AHL game at Place Bell on March 8, 2019 in Laval, Quebec, Canada. The Toronto Marlies defeated the Laval Rocket 3-0. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images)
LAVAL, QC – MARCH 08: Rasmus Sandin #8 of the Toronto Marlies skates against the Laval Rocket during the AHL game at Place Bell on March 8, 2019 in Laval, Quebec, Canada. The Toronto Marlies defeated the Laval Rocket 3-0. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images) /

The Bruins have nurtured the likes of David Pastrnak, Charlie McAvoy and Brandon Carlo, the Leafs have brought through Morgan Reilly to name but one, while the Flyers have a bevy of young studs in their lineup including Carter Hart and Travis Konecny.

There is no doubt that having a streamlined operation and having their prospects right there at their disposal has helped those three franchises nurture so much talent.

And that is why the Golden Knights investing in their own AHL franchise to have right next door to them is such a shrewd move.

They will now have day-to-day access to some of their more high-end talent, ensuring that they have all the tools at their disposal needed to make the leap to the next level.

It will also be easier to get players not on the NHL roster on the ice with NHL players during practice given that the two teams will be so close to each other, and that sort of exposure will be invaluable to prospects.

Toronto, Boston and the Flyers have all made sizeable investments to ensure that their hockey operations are streamlined and, as a result, their AHL teams have a close working relationship with their NHL counterparts.

Plus, all three teams have a bevy of studs on their roster that have come through the AHL or their farm system, with Pastrnak spending time with the Providence Bruins before making the transition to the NHL with Boston. Now look at what he’s doing on the biggest stage.

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With the Vegas Golden Knights deciding to do the same, it just highlights their desire to become a real powerhouse in the National Hockey League.

This is a home run of a move.

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