Last season was a great year for Henderson Silver Knights defenseman Lukas Cormier. The young prospect scored eight goals and 39 assists in 49 games, making him one of the team's key elements. Without Brandon Hickey's buddy, would you get to the Second Round of the 2026 Calder Cup playoffs?
The simple answer is no. The Silver Knights might've benefitted from having Carl Lindbom in net and Trevor Connelly on the wing. But it was Cormier's puck-moving abilities that helped Henderson achieve one of its best (if not the best) seasons in franchise history.
That's what makes him vital for the upcoming campaign. You're set to lose a vital piece in Braeden Bowman and are adding something else to the mix. That's right, dear reader. Ryan Craig has graduated to the Golden Knights and will man the team.
With a new head coach in tow, the season approaches with new faces all around. But that doesn't mean that Cormier can lag. In fact, he can build off his monster season in 2025-26 and go further. Here's how the youngster can do that in the upcoming season.
How can Lukas Cormier build off his successful 2025-26 campaign with the Henderson Silver Knights?
Let's get one thing straight about Cormier. He's not going to be the best defensive player on the ice. The former Charlottetown Islander stands at 5'10" and weighs 190 lbs., making him a defensive liability based on his size alone. So he must rely on his playmaking abilities to get the job done.
Believe it or not, he's done that during his time with the Silver Knights. The 24-year-old has 22 goals and 89 assists during his five-year Henderson residency. That included a solid 2022-23 campaign, when he scored 10 goals and 25 assists.
Cormier is capable of putting up points despite his small stature. He knows how to read defenses and pounce on scoring opportunities. But that's not the only thing that he's done well in recent years. The past season has also seen him develop in other facets, making him a more complete offensive player.
What else can Lukas Cormier bring to the table for the Henderson Silver Knights?
Scouts have pointed out one particular aspect that has improved Cormier's game. They've noticed that the defenseman has become more mature and handles pressure much better. That's promising if he wishes to stand a chance of making the NHL.
Alas, it'll still be a tough sell in making a solid run in the big leagues. Still, some hockey fans will point to Nick Blankenburg as a shining example of someone who made a good run despite his smaller size. Like Cormier, he specialized in reading opposing defenses and he made up for being small with gritty play.
If Cormier can add that to his repertoire, he could make the underdog story happen. But for now, he'll be relegated to Silver Knights duty, barring the injury bug biting again. That could be what Henderson ordered if they want to return to the Calder Cup playoffs.
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