It's easy to say that everyone has their eyes on Mitch Marner this upcoming season. Literally, the big story surrounding him is that he left the Toronto Maple Leafs to join the "Evil Empire" known as the Vegas Golden Knights. But he's not the only name that people will have their eyes on.
Jack Eichel will also grab some attention. He's in the final year of his current eight-year, $80 million deal, with a bigger deal on the horizon. Is the number too big for Kelly McCrimmon and company to consider right now? Or will a deal get done and everyone lives happily ever after?
Heck, even people are focusing on Pavel Dorofeyev. Like Eichel, he's a free agent after this season, only with a catch. He's of the restricted variety and he's arbitration-eligible. That could also be a distraction should the Golden Knights leave him unsigned for the upcoming season.
While those three are hogging all the attention and love from fans everywhere, you can't ignore the other guys on the team. Otherwise, you'd have a similar situation to the Edmonton Oilers: a top-heavy team with two world-class talents that carry the team. That's why you need depth to win the Stanley Cup, you know.
So, let's look at three names that should have some attention on them heading into the 2025-26 season. These Golden Knights deserve recognition and should have more eyes on them than last season. After all, it's always good to give a little love... or something like that, right?
1.) Adin Hill
Last season, Hill was spectacular for the Golden Knights, acting as a terrific netminder. He posted a GAA of 2.47 (sixth in the NHL), four shutouts (tied for seventh), and a save percentage of .906. That's worthy of some eyeballs being put on the netminder for this upcoming season.
But the bigger question is who'll back him up for the upcoming year? Akira Schmid might be trending towards the backup position. However, there are rumors that Vegas is looking at potential suitors, including Carter Hart. That's why you should pay attention to Adin Hill, namely the goaltender position.
2.) Kaedan Korczak
This will be the first full season that the young defenseman plays with the Golden Knights. Last season, he played 40 games and had 10 assists, making him an effective seventh defenseman when called upon.
Now? He carries a bigger role on the third pairing, establishing himself as a lineup mainstay. Granted, there are some things the 24-year-old could do. For example, he could stand to defend better in 1-on-1 situations.
However, he's shown an innate ability to get down and dirty in puck battles. Korczak is also an efficient two-way defenseman, adding much-needed offense when called upon. The big question is, will he be able to carry that in a full 82-game season and earn his payday?
3.) William Karlsson
There's plenty to talk about with the Original Misfit heading into the 2025-26 season. For example, his best buddy, Reilly Smith, is sticking around for another season. They're expected to start the season on the same line, invoking memories of the Misfit days.
Another big question (as mentioned) will be whether he'll rebound from his injury-plagued 2024-25 campaign. Here, Karlsson scored nine goals and 20 assists in 53 games. Suddenly, people were writing off the 32-year-old as they said that his age was showing. The Swedish center has a chance to prove everyone wrong with an incredible 2025-26 season, providing scoring bulk and a two-way prowess to the middle lines.