Approximately one year ago, the Golden Knights signed both Braeden Bowman and Kai Uchacz to two-year entry-level contracts. The two undrafted forwards had impressed over the first half of the season with the AHL's Henderson Silver Knights, and GM Kelly McCrimmon expertly bet on both developing into NHL talents.
Now, here we are, with both bets starting to pay off, as Bowman has become a fixture in Vegas' lineup and Uchacz has made his NHL debut. While the latter has since been returned to Henderson, with Colton Sissons and others likely to return after the Olympics, the various ties between the two make them natural linemates in the future.
Both forwards share ties from before Vegas
Before even ending up in Vegas, there were commonalities between the two, with both serving as captains of their junior teams. Despite his controversial past, Uchacz was named captain of the WHL's Red Deer Rebels in 2023, with Bowman named captain of the OHL's Guelph Storm the same season.
That sort of leadership ability has been something Vegas has valued over time, with many, many captains coming and going throughout the team's history. Believe it or not, the two were also born just two days apart, on June 24 and 26 of 2003. Perhaps it's fitting that they joined Vegas's organization at the same time.
They were both invited to the same Vegas rookie camp as well, in 2024. Though neither made the team outright, the Golden Knights were clearly intrigued by their potential, as both were signed to Henderson directly; Bowman had previously signed over the summer, while Uchacz signed after rookie camp.
Since their signings, they've become close friends
As noted by both the Las Vegas Review-Journal and the Golden Knights' broadcast during Uchacz's debut, the two have become close since signing with Vegas. The day of Uchacz's NHL debut, Bowman recalled how he had to borrow Uchacz's truck for his own NHL call-up in November, as he lacked his own car in Las Vegas.
After subsequently buying his own, Bowman paid Uchacz back by giving him a ride to his first NHL practice following his call-up. The two are also roommates, currently living with Henderson teammate and 2022 Vegas sixth-round pick Ben Hemmerling.
In Uchacz's two games earlier this month, they played just over 19 minutes on the same line. While their stats weren't necessarily impressive, I personally won't expect too much from Uchacz yet, as he's still new to the bigs.
In terms of what they bring to the team? Well, not much needs to be said about Bowman by this point; he's been a fun surprise for the Golden Knights in an inconsistent season. As for Uchacz, we've written about his physical play and two-way upside. With them together? It'll be a good morale boost for both to have a close friend on the team, and ideally, those good vibes spread across the entire locker room.