Controversy has a stranglehold on today's society. It doesn't matter if it's the Vegas Golden Knights and LTIR or Trevor Connelly. People love drama as much as they love In-N-Out Burger. After all, who doesn't love getting a double double with animal-style fries?
But the two sides agreed to a three-year, entry-level deal on Tuesday. No, this isn't an April Fools joke.
Connelly was drafted by the Golden Knights in the 2024 NHL Draft. He was a first-round pick (19th overall) that season, bringing plenty of controversy with it. The deal starts next season, meaning he's not playing with the Golden Knights in 2024-25.
There was an incident involving a Snapchat story and a swastika. There was also the whole "urinating on your teammate's equipment" after being hazed. Even racial slurs were involved, making him radioactive to every NHL general manager. Who would want someone who grates on his teammates?
All these would make him problematic to other teams, especially with a veteran team in Las Vegas. However, the native of Tustin, California, has taken significant steps in his progress. He has four goals and nine assists in 23 games with the Providence Friars this season. He also had a goal and three assists during the 2025 World Junior Championships.
Will he be absolved of his past sins and grow into a bona fide star? Will fans see him side-by-side with superstars like Pavel Dorofeyev and Jack Eichel in the future? The options are limitless with the prospect. His personal growth journey is one to watch for Las Vegas residents everywhere. Here's how.
What makes Trevor Connelly worth watching?
The 19-year-old has had an eye-popping amateur career. He scored 87 goals and 50 assists for the San Diego Saints in 2019-20. He also had 20 goals and 24 assists in 20 games for the Anaheim Ice Dogs the next season. Then he had a solid two-year stint with the Tri-City Storm. Here, he scored 55 goals and 70 assists in 109 games between 2022 and 2024.
Sure, he might've bounced around to different amateur clubs. However, he was young and dumb. It appears he learned his lesson and moved on from his past trespasses. Life should be about second chances. Why not give it to a young prospect with all the talent in the world?
He has the on-ice vision, puck-handling, and skill set to become a 50-goal scorer for the Vegas Golden Knights. He also plays great away from the puck, knowing when the next play is happening. All these make him the ideal player in Bruce Cassidy's system.
Now, it's only a matter of continuing that momentum. He's rated the top prospect in Vegas's farm system, according to numerous experts and publications. Having all the talent and potential in the world will do that for a young prospect.
But can he capitalize on that momentum? Keep in mind that Kelly McCrimmon hasn't shied away from trading away former first-round picks. The most recent example is Brendan Brisson, who was dealt to bring back Reilly Smith. Still, Connelly's entry-level deal offers him the chance to shatter that stereotype, keeping him around for the long haul.