Predicting how many games the Vegas Golden Knights will win this season

Often, predictions will go to the wayside, with numerous factors affecting them. That includes injuries, which can strike at any time. That also consists of linemates not gelling well with others, leaving them to find a different spot. That's the case for Victor Olofsson, who's struggled to fit in with the Golden Knights.

This time around is a bit different. Countless questions surround the Vegas Golden Knights this upcoming season, such as...

"When will William Karlsson get back to the ice?"

"How will Tomas Hertl fare in his first full season with the Golden Knights?"

"How many games will the Golden Knights win this season?"

That's the burning question on everyone's mind as October 9 rapidly approaches. The forward group will look drastically different from the past couple of seasons, with key departures taking solid production with them. It's up to the younger guys to pick up the slack if the Golden Knights want another Stanley Cup in Las Vegas.

Of course, there are other questions about the team, such as how well Jack Eichel and Mark Stone will do this season. Both have been the cornerstones for Vegas in recent years, creating the bulk of the production. Fans will also wonder how well Shea Theodore will do in a contract season. Will he stay or leave?

But let's explore the win prediction a little further. What are some questions that could determine the Golden Knights's season? Who should fans watch for? Buckle up because hockey season isn't far off. Let's see what's in store for Vegas as the 2024-25 season approaches.

Biggest questions for the Vegas Golden Knights this season

First, there has been some concern regarding William Karlsson's health status. He's up in the air for the season opener with an undisclosed injury, leaving fans wondering if he'll miss time. The Vegas Golden Knights fanbase has seen their fair share of devastating injuries to their best players. Will this be a sign of things to come?

There's also a question about whether Kelly McCrimmon will make another big trade during the season. Currently, the Golden Knights are projected to have $2,979,127 in deadline salary cap space ($651,684 projected). If another situation arises where Vegas needs to improve a position, McCrimmon won't be afraid to make a move. That's especially true if he can use LTIR space where he has some room to maneuver.

Finally, fans are anticipating Tomas Hertl and Noah Hanifin playing in their first full seasons with the Golden Knights. Last season's trade deadline acquisitions bring plenty of positives to the table, including the power play being improved. Other names like Victor Olofsson and Alexander Holtz will be names to watch, where fans will wonder how they'll fit in Bruce Cassidy's system.

Predicting the 2024-25 win total for the Vegas Golden Knights

One stretch that could determine the team's season lies at the start of February. The Vegas Golden Knights will head to the East Coast to take on teams such as the New York Islanders, New York Rangers, and Boston Bruins, starting on February 2nd. Last season saw the Golden Knights struggle in February with this year could be no different for the franchise. Things could worsen if injuries become a factor by leaving the team deprived of positional depth.

As for the win total, let's go with 47 wins for the Golden Knights this season. Fans should expect Tomas Hertl to fit in well, especially if Bruce Cassidy is deploying him on a line with Pavel Dorofeyev and Alexander Holtz. The trio showed promise in Saturday's game, which could lead to more ice time together. A strong defensive group will help Vegas stay afloat, giving them offensive production and solidifying the forecheck.

Given that Vegas also plays in the weaker Pacific Division, that gives the team more ample time for players such as William Karlsson to heal up. That could help them in the upcoming season, specifically with the health issues they've dealt with in recent memory. Who knows? Maybe this prediction goes up if the team stays healthy this year.