If you're a Vegas Golden Knights fan, what more can you ask for? You're atop the NHL in points percentage (.716), second in overall points (53), and leading the Pacific Division. Sure, there might be some things fans will complain about, specifically after a loss. However, you're atop the mountain. It's good to be the king, eh?
What's even better is the Golden Knights representation at the 2025 World Juniors. They have notable prospects playing under the Vegas banner, including Trevor Connelly (United States of America), Mathieu Cataford (Canada), and Tuomas Uronen (Finland). That's a lofty list of young farmhands representing the silver and gold.
It also shows the adaptability of the Golden Knights organization as a whole. Who would've thought Pavel Dorofeyev, a 79th overall pick in the 2019 NHL Draft, would score 13 goals midway through the season? Nobody expected Nicolas Hague, the 34th overall pick in the 2017 NHL Draft, to average 112 blocked shots and 134 hits during his six-year NHL career.
The ability to draft well stems beyond ol' Kelly McCrimmon, who's fostered a reputation as one of the best general managers in the league. It's also Bill Foley, who established a winning culture from "Day F****** One". While the prospect pool in Henderson doesn't look promising now, they're getting reinforcements soon.
So let's check on the three stars and see how they're doing. One has been helpful during the 2025 World Juniors, getting his team to first place in their group. The others have... been there. How have the baby Golden Knights done during the biggest showcase for amateur players?
Checking on the lil' prospects for the Vegas Golden Knights
First, let's check on Mathieu Cataford representing Canada. The forward has achieved numerous things during his young career, including being named last season's QMJHL MVP with the Halifax Mooseheads (40 goals and 50 assists in 65 games).
The native of Quebec has been overshadowed by his teammates, including Easton Cowan (one goal, two assists). Overall, Canada has been quiet during the showcase, ranking 10th in scoring efficiency. However, Cataford does have a goal during the tournament, albeit an empty-net goal against Germany.
Still, you take what you can get in this tournament, especially when the Canadians have disappointed from a standings standpoint (Canada finished third in Group A). Cataford has the "golden" opportunity to bulk up the scoring for his home country against the Czech Republic. Can he advance the host team to the semifinals? Stay tuned.