Just after the Vegas Golden Knights shut out the New Jersey Devils on Sunday, 2-0, Kelly McCrimmon signed Kai Uchacz and Braeden Bowman to two-year, entry level contracts. The two prospects are playing for the Henderson Silver Knights this season and have excelled at the forward position.
Bowman has 30 points (12 goals and 18 assists) in 52 games in his first year with the Henderson Silver Knights. Uchacz scored 23 points (12 goals and 11 assists) in 51 gams this season. Both were invited to compete at the 2024 Rookie Faceoff in September in El Segundo, California.
It's part of an ongoing wave of entry-level deals inked by the Golden Knights, solidifying their farm system. Trent Swick was signed to a three-year, entry-level contract on March 1. McCrimmon continues focusing on developing young talent at the forward position, giving more ammunition for Vegas. That starts with names like Trevor Connelly, who is getting his cuts in at Providence College.
Let's meet the youngsters and see what makes these players unique. How will they fit into the grand scheme of things? Is there anything that stands out with the youngsters? The future is bright, especially with these forwards in tow. Say hello to the players with the newest contracts in Las Vegas.
Meeting Kai Uchacz
First, let's look at the controversial figure known as Kai Uchacz. He was involved in a racial incident during his time with the WHL's Seattle Thunderbirds, making racist taunts towards his teammate, Mekai Sanders. They called him a racial slur and waved a banana in front of him, according to the Seattle Times.
As a result, he sat out the 2020-21 season and underwent training on anti-racism, equity, diversity, and inclusion. He rebounded well since that incident, scoring 106 goals and 93 assists in three seasons with the WHL's Red Deer Rebels (188 games). The 21-year-old hails from Calgary and primarily plays at center.
His incredible play earned him the distinction of being the team's captain despite his problematic past. Uchacz is projected to score 16 goals and 15 assists with the Henderson Silver Knights this season, wrapping up a solid rookie campaign.
What about his skill set? Well, the former Red Deer Rebels star has an innate hockey sense that allows him to move one step ahead of his opponents. He plays off the puck and knows when his teammates are coming. The result? An uncontested shot on goal or poaching a quick rebound. That adds another element to the Golden Knights (and Silver Knights) offense.
But what about Braeden Bowman?
Braeden Bowman has a less controversial past, hailing from Kitchener, Ontario. The 21-year-old plays the right wing position and made his living with the OHL's Guelph Storm. He had 97 goals and 83 assists in 184 games with the Storm, turning him into a reliable scorer.
The Storm alum likes keeping his touches short and precise. He has a booming shot that can also do damage as a one-timer, using a quick catch-and-release to finish plays. The winger can easily turn medium-danger chances into easy goals, making him a zone threat. Fantastic stick handles add to the mystique, turning him into the ultimate goal-scoring threat.
Kelly McCrimmon has been extremely ambitious during the regular season, signing tenured Golden Knights and aspiring stars to deals. Uchacz and Bowman are the latest names to join the club, giving the team hope for a bright tomorrow. Just make sure one of them is on his best behavior.