Grading the Golden Knights 2024 NHL Draft class
The Vegas Golden Knights might've had four overall picks. But they made an impact on the NHL Draft. What should fans make of this year's picks?
This offseason has been a roller coaster of emotions for the Vegas Golden Knights. They made a solid trade to acquire two younger pieces from the New Jersey Devils and getting two drafts picks in another. That was followed up by all six unrestricted free agents leaving town. It's safe to say fans have had their ups and downs throughout the past week.
Then there's the NHL Draft, where the Golden Knights had four picks. One of their picks came from the aforementioned trade(s), where Logan Thompson was sent to the Washington Capitals. In came a 2024 third-round pick, used on goaltender Pavel Moysevich. Vegas also has a 2025 third-round pick which bolsters their selections for next year.
Vegas will have 12 draft picks for the next two years, giving them needed ammo to reload on young skaters. Compare that to this year, where they had only four draft picks. That made it imperative for the franchise to get each pick right, given the limited arsenal. When a team has a productive trade deadline that gives away many of these draft picks, it makes it much more important.
So did the Vegas Golden Knights hit a home run in the 2024 NHL Draft? What did they get right and what could've been better? There's a little bit of both for the team, coming from this year's iteration. This offseason will prep them for years to come, with hopes of keeping that Stanley Cup contention window wide open. Here's a look at how Vegas did in the draft overall.
What the Vegas Golden Knights got right
Believe it or not, the Golden Knights trading away Logan Thompson for two third-round picks actually bolstered their goaltending prospect pool. As mentioned, they used one of those third-round picks on Pavel Moysevich, a promising KHL prospect who was productive last season.
The Belarusian goaltender had a GAA of 1.25 and a save percentage of .942 in 13 games. He was a noteworthy star for SKA St. Petersburg, holding his own against NHL-level competition. Paired with Carl Lindbom, Vegas's goaltending room suddenly gets much better.
NHL TEAM PROSPECT POOL STRENGTH RANKINGS (JULY 2024 - POST DRAFT)!! pic.twitter.com/4wsgaMmJSU
— Byron Bader (@ByronMBader) July 5, 2024
Also, make what you want of the 19th overall pick, Trevor Connelly. But he was ranked the sixth-best North American skater according to NHL Central Scouting. He might be a controversial figure based on his past mishaps. But his contributions make him a high reward pick.
It might not catapult Vegas to the top of the farm system rankings. However, scoring 31 goals and 47 assists in 52 games is a noteworthy accomplishment (to name one). It's solid enough for any general manager to pick up with a first-round pick, especially Kelly McCrimmon.
You also have to like what sixth-round pick Trent Swick brings to the table. Standing 6'7", he can become an imposing force for Vegas. He'd be an offensive forward version of Nic Hague, standing as an intimidating body in front of opposing players.
What the Golden Knights got wrong
But going back to that Trevor Connelly pick, it can become a double-edged sword. What if his character issues rear its ugly head again? Would Vegas be forced to trade yet another former first-round pick? It's something the team doesn't need now, especially with the skater prospect pool stretched thin.
As for Lucas Van Vliet, the Vegas Golden Knights's seventh-round pick (197th overall), there's nothing that stands out with his game. He doesn't specialize in anything and projects to be a third/fourth-line player. It's the old addage of "Jack of all trades, master of none."
Now, that's not to say that Van Vliet's a bad pick. He energizes his teammates and has the potential to considerably improve his offensive game. However, his ceiling projects to be nothing more than a lower-line player. Add in other areas of improvement like puck-handling and he's some ways away from being an impact player.
The NHL Draft grade
Vegas Golden Knights 2024 NHL Draft. Vegas Golden Knights. A-. .
As it stands, the 2024 NHL Draft class has a high ceiling. Trevor Connelly has the offensive tools to be a solid NHL player, with an incredible hockey IQ and gifted athleticism. If he can stay out of trouble and get out of his own way, the former Tri-City Storm star can thrive as a Vegas Golden Knights star.
Pavel Moysevich is another big goaltender who's proven himself at a professional level. He's simplified his game to shorten his movements and see the play happen. In turn, he can become one of the hidden gems of this year's draft based on his experience alone.
Trent Swick has the build and offensive acumen to make an impact. He can see the play happen and scans non-stop for the next play. Even Lucas Van Vliet can be a steal if he focuses on developing a skill or two. This year's Golden Knights draft looks good... on paper.
The funny thing is it's tough to gauge how good a team does in a draft. That's because fans don't know what to expect until that talent develops (or doesn't). Who knows? This could be one of the biggest duds in draft history. While that's the case, the Vegas Golden Knights took a good first step to ensuring they have better prospect depth. That should be a small victory in itself.
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