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.