The news might've been the Vegas Golden Knights losing to the Edmonton Oilers on Tuesday night. That's what happens when you don't play a full 60 minutes. 3-2 losses happen, specifically to a hated rival.
But! There is good news. The Golden Knights clinched a postseason berth thanks to the Utah Hockey Club. They defeated the Calgary Flames, 3-1, securing Vegas's seventh playoff berth in eight seasons.
Sadly, you can't say the same thing for the Henderson Silver Knights. They're on the verge of being booted from Calder Cup consideration entirely. In fact, they might already be eliminated. That's what happens when you don't coach your prospects well. They get axed.
While they're not the glowing beacons of hope named the Tahoe Knight Monsters, let's look at the AHL club for a second. They have some viable talent that could make the NHL team soon. Some are rearing and ready to go, while others could surprise the fanbase. The future is bright... Or so they say.
With that, these three youngsters could provide a spark for their NHL club. They have the necessary skills and expertise needed to impress the masses. Of course, this post will see one player from each primary position (forward, defenseman, goalie) selected. One might even surprise you given his disappointing season with Vegas in 2024-25.
1.) Alexander Holtz
Yes, Alexander Holtz gets to be on this list. He might've played 49 games with the Vegas Golden Knights this season, mustering three goals and eight assists. However, he has seven goals and five assists in 13 games with the Henderson Silver Knights. Therefore, he shall be counted here.
Sometimes, it takes a minor league stint to correct some things in your game. That includes fixing your shot, improving your backchecking, and playing better off the puck. Holtz is pressing the right buttons at the AHL level. That could translate to a better 2025-26 season with the Golden Knights.
2.) Kaeden Korczak
The Golden Knights have a good problem on their hands. They have a countless array of NHL-ready defensemen at their disposal. If they had their drothers, they could form a fourth pair with Ben Hutton and Kaeden Korczak.
Speaking of the latter, he's fit in nicely at the NHL level. The Silver Knights defenseman plays like a bulldog, battling for every puck. He also has 10 assists with Vegas this season (35 games played), showing growth at an offensive level.
These attributes make him a cost-friendly alternative to keeping blue liners like Nicolas Hague or Zach Whitecloud. Whether Kelly McCrimmon decides to move on from the two defenders is at his discretion. However, one thing's for certain: Korczak shouldn't be going anywhere.
3.) Carl Lindbom
Now, it could be Akira Schmid that gets the call-up instead of Lindbom. The Swiss goaltender is currently Adin Hill's backup with Ilya Samsonov day-to-day. Therefore, he could fit here in his own right. However, one shouldn't discount the Swedish netminder, especially during his Henderson Silver Knights tenure.
In 30 games with the AHL club (his first, mind you), he's raised some eyebrows. Lindbom has a GAA of 2.62 and a save percentage of .914. Sprinkle in two shutouts and the netminder should make a case for getting some NHL reps. That's especially true if Hill or another netminder goes down.