Five Vegas Golden Knights rookies that must prove themselves at the Rookie Faceoff
There are plenty of names that should impress at the upcoming Rookie Faceoff. But here are five Vegas Golden Knights that must prove themselves at the showcase.
A week from now, the 2024 Rookie Faceoff will happen in El Segundo, California. It'll usher in the new season and... finally bringing hockey back into the forefront. Hallelujah because hardcore hockey fans (and regulars) can pass the time with the best pastime around. Yes, it might be an appetizer before the main course. But that appetizer is the equivalent of mozzarella sticks (and nearly everyone loves mozzarella sticks).
Hockey is hockey regardless of the circumstances. It's just a matter of, well, if the games matter or not. Still, fans can see the franchise's future and what these players can offer down the road. Names like Carl Lindbom and Mathieu Cataford provide an outlook for what fans can expect with the Vegas Golden Knights later.
While there are some players that should impress the home crowd, there are others who need this stage to prove themselves. There are numerous reasons behind this, including running out of time or being behind a logjam of prospects. Whatever the case, September 13 through 16 will give these players the platform needed to succeed.
With that, there are five names that come to mind. These players can elevate their Golden Knights stock and become more attractive prospects. It's a matter of making that big first step to being a roster mainstay for the future. Meet the five prospects that must show they have staying power at the Rookie Faceoff with Vegas.
Jesper Vikman must separate himself from the Vegas Golden Knights goalie competition
Jesper Vikman is in a logjam regarding goaltending prospects. He's sitting behind names such as Carl Lindbom, Pavel Moysevich, and Isaiah Saville, making his ascension tough. On top of that, he hasn't had the most promising minor league career. His 2023-24 season consisted of below-average stints with the Henderson Silver Knights (3.48 GAA and a save percentage of .891 in 19 games) and the Savannah Ghost Pirates (3.01 GAA and a save percentage of .899 in 15 games).
One problem mentioned with Vikman's game is he doesn't use his size enough. He stands at 6'4", yet he tends to allow soft goals. Part of that is his inability to use his whole body to swallow shots, which has become a cause of concern. Seeing the shots better will also help him become a more prominent name at the Rookie Faceoff.
The good news is this competition will be a good practice for him as he tries to ascend to the NHL level. This will allow him to make necessary adjustments and see the puck better. A good performance in El Segundo means he'll get more looks as a goaltending prospect, elevating him up the depth charts.
Can Joe Fleming break through?
For Joe Fleming, he's gone from being an undrafted defenseman to making the Rookie Faceoff roster for the Vegas Golden Knights. It's a similar journey taken by a famous "Misfit" in Jonathan Marchessault. He went from being undrafted to winning the Conn Smythe Trophy in 2023, capping off an incredible postseason run.
He's not a prominent goal-scorer, given his position. However, he's evolving into a solid complimentary piece, setting up plays and acting as a good No. 2 on the attack. The blue-liner showed this by scoring 18 assists with the Savannah Ghost Pirates last season. That could bode well for the Golden Knights in the future, especially if they plan on putting him into the regular lineup.
He'll have the opportunity to take the next step in his development journey at the competition in El Segundo. Showing his offensive skills as a complimentary piece will give the Golden Knights hope regarding their defensive prospects and blue-line future. That means it'll be easier to move towards younger prospects or even acquire big names.
The Rookie Faceoff could continue Mathieu Cataford's ascension
It's no secret that Mathieu Cataford has made a name for himself in the amateur scene. He was the MVP of the QMJHL with the Halifax Mooseheads, scoring 40 goals and 50 assists in 65 games this season. It's safe to say fans will watch the young forward with eager eyes, waiting to see what he'll do next.
The Quebec native also had a strong campaign in 2022-23 with Halifax, scoring 31 goals and 44 assists in 68 games. That's part of how he ascended through the prospect ranks with the Golden Knights. He's shown incredible playmaking ability and agility, making him one of the most promising farmhands in the system. He can score goals and make plays, which is a rare talent in today's hockey landscape.
His time in El Segundo will provide more development in his game, where he can further boost his stock. He can provide the front office with a better look at how he can lead the Golden Knights offense effectively. If he succeeds in this regard, he can become a vital part of the team's future, becoming a superstar.
Can Daniil Chayka shine?
The Vegas Golden Knights have a terrific Russian player on the main roster. His name is Pavel Dorofeyev and he had a spectacular 2023-24 campaign. He scored 13 goals in 47 games, elevating his status within the organization. Ironically, the winger got his feet wet at the Rookie Faceoff, showcasing his skills.
There's another Russian playing in the showcase, only he's a defenseman. His name's Daniil Chayka and he's bringing his speed with him. The blue-liner hunts down pucks quickly, closing gaps without any trouble. He's a perfect fit for a forecheck focused on taking away shooting lanes and creating turnovers.
One thing he can improve is his transition game, where he doesn't go zone-to-zone much. But Chayka is a larger defenseman and stands at 6'3", which makes matters complicated. Still, he can start putting pieces of his game together at the upcoming competition, becoming the ideal defenseman for the Golden Knights.
Ben Hemmerling can bring "the hammer" for the Vegas Golden Knights at the Rookie Faceoff
Another offensive player who could shine for the Golden Knights at the upcoming showcase is Ben Hemmerling. Like Mathieu Cataford, he had a terrific season in the amateur leagues, dominating the WHL. He scored 30 goals and 61 assists in 65 games with the Everett Silvertips last season, raising eyebrows among Vegas hockey fans. That's in part to his intelligent passing and offensive instincts.
The right winger might not be the biggest player on the ice (he stands at 5'11" and weighs 174 lbs.). However, the 20-year-old still has ample time to develop other aspects of his game. That includes his skill set, which isn't as strong as his hockey smarts. While he won't outmaneuver you on the ice, he can combine that intelligence with his puckhandling, where he can make ridiculous passes.
He'll be in a position to prove himself when he heads to El Segundo, for he can advance in his NHL journey. The former sixth-round pick will become a more prominent prospect for the front office to consider if he has a strong showing. In fact, he could become part of a dynamic duo with Cataford, creating a speedy mismatch for opposing defenders.
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