Ladies and gentlemen, we have hockey happening this week.
The 2025 Rookie Showcase is happening in Colorado and the Vegas Golden Knights are invited. 24 names will grace the ice for a reinvented Golden Knights team, hoping to move one step closer to achieving their NHL dreams.
For some, it's a long shot. It's a combination of not getting drafted high enough, being forgotten among their superstar teammates, and/or not elevating their games to fit the faster pace of professional hockey.
For others, they're the apple of the organization's eye. They have all sorts of talent and potential to make it to the big leagues. It's no wonder the Golden Knights have high hopes for these players, especially since they keep tearing up their respective leagues (see Trevor Connelly and Carl Lindbom).
But these three names could change the course of their current trajectories with a strong showing at this year's Rookie Showcase. They could elevate their games to be on par with Connelly or Lindbom, making them the go-to prospect for the Golden Knights. Get your guides out and start looking up these names because they're ready to take over the 2025 Rookie Showcase!
1.) Cameron Whitehead
All of the hype surrounding the goaltending prospect has fans noticing Whitehead's performance. Last season, he dominated with Northeastern University, posting a GAA of 2.74 and a save percentage of .911.
This season, he's expected to take the next step with the Henderson Silver Knights. Whitehead should fill out a strong goaltender room that could lead Henderson back to prominence.
In the meantime, he has a chance to elevate his game at the 2025 Rookie Showcase. The netminder can make an impact by continuing his dominance from his NCAA days and building more confidence at a professional level. Who knows? He might raise some eye brows for the scouts watching.
2.) Mateo Nobert
Fun fact: when I was looking up the 2025 NHL Draft pick's name, I came across Mateo Retegui. I'm sure the Golden Knights faithful don't care much for an Italian soccer player. But that doesn't mean they shouldn't care for the newest prospect.
The 18-year-old center had a stellar season with Blainville-Boisbriand Armada, scoring 28 goals and 39 assists last season (57 games). He's expected to return to the QMJHL club, where he hopes to build off that breakout season.
In the meantime, the Rookie Showcase will have to do. Like Whitehead, he can carry his momentum over and continue developing into a bona fide Golden Knights star.
3.) Alex Weiermair
Another pick from the 2025 NHL Draft, the sixth round pick had a nice season with the Portland Winterhawks. He scored 21 goals and 25 assists last season (41 games) with the WHL club, marking a breakout campaign as a hockey player.
Golden Knights fans will watch intently as the center starts his NHL journey. He's terrific in transition and can dominate the neutral zone without sweating. Such play makes him an ideal fit for Bruce Cassidy's system, especially since he's looking for youth in his group.