Forward group
Jack Eichel led the way for the Vegas Golden Knights this season. He broke the single-season assists record (66) and shattered the single-season points record (94) in 2024-25. A major part of this group getting a solid grade is because of Eichel's emergence as an elite player.
But that's also because of Mark Stone (19 goals and 48 assists) getting back into being a solid complementary piece. Tomas Hertl (32 goals and 29 assists) showed up in a big way. Brett Howden (23 goals) and Pavel Dorofeyev (35 goals) had breakout seasons for Vegas. Overall, it was a solid showing for the forwards heading into the Stanley Cup playoffs.
Last offseason, critics asked who would replace Jonathan Marchessault's production after he formed a country-singing duo with Steven Stamkos. Well, the results speak for themselves.
The Golden Knights set a franchise record in goals scored this season with 274, six more than their previous high of 268 which they reached in the inaugural season. #VegasBorn
— VGK Communications (@VGK_PR) April 17, 2025
It's why they deserve an A for their efforts in 2024-25.
Defensemen
On the other hand are the defensemen. What sticks out with this group is Shea Theodore having a solid season with 50 assists. That's despite missing time with a wrist injury sustained at the 4 Nations Face-Off. Noah Hanifin (10 goals and 29 assists) was also decent despite some inconsistent periods. Even Brayden McNabb (15 assists) showed signs of offensive brilliance.
But part of the group's problem during the season was trying to make the pieces fit. There wasn't a perfect pair combination with the blue line. Putting Theodore and an injured Alex Pietrangelo together meant the front of the net wasn't taken care of (along with plenty of turnovers). Putting Nicolas Hague and Zach Whitecloud together meant you were getting backchecking and defense, but with no goals.
This group gets a B for their efforts. There are some bright spots in the group. Kaeden Korczak will be a starting defenseman in the future. However, the group does have some growing pains to sort out before next season. Who knows? McCrimmon might make a move with the group and get more picks.