3 best offensive players for the Vegas Golden Knights ever
The Vegas Golden Knights have always been a balanced team offensively. Who've been the best offensive pieces for Vegas all-time?
When you say the Vegas Golden Knights, what's the first thing that comes to mind? Is it the pre-game ceremony that captivates audiences with an enchanting battle? Is it the Las Vegas Vivas? Perhaps it's the pre-game siren, which has become a ritual for the fanbase. Whatever the case, there's plenty to be excited about with the franchise, especially with their recent play.
That includes a 2023 Stanley Cup, where the Golden Knights capped off their remarkable journey. Behind a balanced forward unit consisting of Jack Eichel, Jonathan Marchessault, and Mark Stone, the team fulfilled Bill Foley's promise. Critics were silenced that year and Vegas became a hockey threat.
Of course, Golden Knights fans are familiar with the story itself. Nobody believed in the franchise when it originated. How could a hodge-podge team consisting of Marchessault, William Karlsson, and Marc-Andre Fleury possibly succeed? A team of "Misfits" couldn't possibly carry the team to win the Pacific Division and Western Conference in their inaugural season, right?
Arnold, it's your cue.
Vegas shocked the hockey world with their improbable run, winning the Pacific Division with 109 points. They won the Western Conference that season by breezing through the Los Angeles Kings, San Jose Sharks, and Winnipeg Jets. The seeds were planted for a competitive team to beat the competition.
Those seeds were placed because of three prolific names. These players set the standard for how the franchise wins every game. They go above and beyond to fool their opponents, score amazing goals, and deliver highlight-reel plays. Who are the three best offensive players for the Vegas Golden Knights all-time?
William Karlsson
William Karlsson has been an excellent "Misfit" since day one, showcasing his offensive chops in any situation. Whether it's even strength, on the power play (28), or even short-handed (12), the Swedish forward has proven his adaptability in each season with Vegas. That's what makes him a terrific piece for the franchise, sitting second all-time in total franchise goals (152) and third in assists (215).
That's why he's the single-season record holder for goals (43 in 2017-18). It put the "Misfit" at the forefront of the Vegas Golden Knights, making him a prominent name. On top of that, he came out of nowhere to become a prolific scorer, coming from his journeyman days with the Anaheim Ducks and Columbus Blue Jackets.
There have been rumors about William Karlsson being a trade piece for the Golden Knights. But why would Vegas trade someone adaptable in any situation? Such a player is an incredible threat to score any time, which makes the Golden Knights deadlier. Vegas fans are thankful for such a player, for he adds another dimension with his hockey sense and drive. Just ask the penalty killing unit, where he thrives the most.
Reilly Smith
Another "Misfit" who set the standard for the team offensively was Reilly Smith. The winger scored 124 goals (third all-time) and 162 assists (fifth all-time) with the Vegas Golden Knights. He was an important asset on the power play, scoring 27 goals on the man advantage (third all-time).
Like William Karlsson, Smith also had a knack for scoring short-handed goals. He had 12 goals in such a situation, making him an all-around threat. Back in the day, the "Misfit Line" made their money by being flexible in any situation. That meant adapting to the style of play and pinning their opponents down. In turn, they became an important asset for Vegas.
There's no doubt he'll be missed. He didn't require much to be successful and turned turnovers into scoring opportunities. However, Smith left behind a legacy where he made his living off being an incredible special teams player and all-around goal-scorer. That's how fans will remember the winger for his Vegas tenure, for he was one-of-a-kind.
Jonathan Marchessault
This is a no-brainer. The franchise leader in points (417), goals (192), and assists (225), became a offensive mainstay for the Vegas Golden Knights. In the process, he became one of the better snipers in the league, providing clutch shooting when Vegas needed it most.
That's despite being an undersized player who was limited defensively. When you're dealt with a tough hand in life, it's best to make do with what you have and adapt. That's what the undrafted star did, working hard and doing whatever it took to be successful. It's how he also won the Conn Smythe trophy in 2023 and became one of the biggest fan favorites in the community.
Players like Reilly Smith and Jonathan Marchessault will always be notable figures in the Vegas hockey community. They came from nothing and were crucial to the team's success. That includes Karlsson, who adapted well in any circumstance. In the end, that's what all three were all about. They changed their focus and attacked the ice from a different perspective. That helped make Golden Knights hockey what it is today.
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