Could Pavel Dorofeyev be on the top line in the future?

You're starting as an NHL rookie. You've been drafted by the Vegas Golden Knights and made your way through the AHL level. The Henderson Silver Knights are so impressed with your work that you finally get the call-up. Things start slow and steady as you're getting used to the different speeds and feel of the big leagues.

Still, that doesn't stop you as you continue to impress. You score 13 goals and 11 assists in 47 games, catching the collective eye of the fanbase, coaching staff, and front office. You're projected to be rewarded with a bump to the top six, where you're on the second line. Your name's Pavel Dorofeyev and you have a bright future ahead.

The upcoming season should be exciting for the Russian forward after taking the next step with the Golden Knights. He has the skill set to dominate the second line with assistance from Tomas Hertl and Mark Stone. These two veterans will be great mentors for the developing winger, who's ready to go beyond the second line.

But is that in the cards for Dorofeyev? Will the former KHL player move beyond his projected position of the second line and make it one step further? The future could see him playing with Jack Eichel on the opposite wing, giving the Golden Knights more speed and scoring prowess. Here's what could help him get there.

How Pavel Dorofeyev joins Jack Eichel on the Vegas Golden Knights top line

The Vegas Golden Knights signed Victor Olofsson to a one-year, $1.075 million deal this summer, taking a flyer on the former Buffalo Sabres forward. He's projected to reunite with his old teammate, Jack Eichel, and play on the top line this season. Whether that works out remains to be seen for the Vegas Golden Knights.

However, Pavel Dorofeyev can take the next step and develop his game further if Olofsson leaves. That starts with taking pointers from Hertl and Stone regarding his game. Here, he'll learn to become a better two-way player and take an enhanced role on the forecheck. Both veterans are seasoned in this aspect, taking away pucks and shrinking offensive gaps from the other team.

The good news for the Russian forward is he put on weight over the past year, bulking up to 194 pounds. Getting more involved in the physical aspect starts with these tasks and more. If Dorofeyev can do this and play more off the puck, he'll get more out of his newfound role. Taking away shooting lanes and using his speed on the forecheck will also help.

Making the transition game much better

That also goes for the transition game, where he could form a dynamic duo with fellow Russian, Ivan Barbashev. Both can break away from opposing defense and create havoc in the opponent's defensive zone. Watch how Pavel Dorofeyev suddenly emerges on this goal.

Dorofeyev moves through the Arizona Coyotes defense effortlessly, popping up for a timely goal. That could be what the future holds for him, Jack Eichel and Barbashev, where they create scoring opportunities in transition. If he continues to see the play evolve and become a 200-ft. player, that could lead to an elevated role.

The second line doesn't have the speed that the first line does. Barbashev and Eichel work together well since they have balanced offensive capabilities that complement one another. If Olofsson doesn't return next season, that could lead to an opportunity to add even more speed to the first unit. That's why 2024-25 is crucial for Dorofeyev to develop further on the Vegas Golden Knights.