Have you ever seen a player rise to prominence before? That player breaks out and scores double-digit goals in a season, indicating they're well on their way to becoming a superstar. For Pavel Dorofeyev, that was the case with the Vegas Golden Knights last season. He scored 13 goals in 47 games, providing steady offense in his limited time on the ice.
Now, he's expected to take on a bigger role, playing with forwards like Tomas Hertl and Mark Stone. The 2024-25 season could be the breakout campaign the Russian forward needed, for he has all the offensive talent in the world to create highlight-reel goals. That's bad news for the NHL, who's looking to find a way to stop the Golden Knights.
Another solid forward means Vegas has more options at the forward position, specifically one with speed and a powerful shot. But what will the new year hold for the speedy Russian? Will there be 20 goals in his future? Perhaps he can take it one step further and go for 30 this season? That would be a shocker, proving he's ready to become a regular NHL star. Here's what's in store for Dorofeyev heading into the 2024-25 season.
What factors could dictate the season for Pavel Dorofeyev?
Pavel Dorofeyev should get a bump in the lineup after scoring 13 goals in 47 games last season. He's shown he can carry the workload with his offensive capabilities, making moves throughout the ice. He's added bulk to his frame as well, making him a more well-rounded hockey player. Now, he weighs 194 lbs., making him a more imposing figure on the ice.
There's the possibility his hard work will get him second-line starts this season. The Russian forward is projected to slot in this spot, where his skills and speed will be put to the test. He'll get plenty of helpful tips from Tomas Hertl and Mark Stone on expanding his game, making him even more potent.
If Dorofeyev handles the spotlight perfectly fine, then there will be a bigger increase in his offensive production. This time, he's not hanging around the bottom six and will have more reliable forwards. His new linemates can guide him through becoming a bigger star, from setting up the right scoring opportunity to becoming a threat in front of the net.
Predicting the 2024-25 season for Pavel Dorofeyev on the Vegas Golden Knights
Pavel Dorofeyev makes for a good skill player for the Vegas Golden Knights. He's young and can learn the game quickly, both admirable attributes for Bruce Cassidy and Kelly McCrimmon. If the Russian forward meshes well with Tomas Hertl and Mark Stone, that's excellent news for a Golden Knights team looking to maximize their Stanley Cup window.
With that, the upcoming NHL season has Dorofeyev scoring 29 goals and 23 assists in 75 games. The winger will take another leap in his career progression, becoming a more promising player for the Golden Knights. The team can use more depth on the wing, which would be excellent for fans to witness.
Dorofeyev's emergence means great things for both himself and the team. For the Golden Knights, it means they're one step closer to winning another Stanley Cup. They have a reliable star who can ease the pressure off the team. For the Russian winger, it means he'll get more opportunities on the team, including special teams. That could also lead to superstardom, making him into another legendary Russian player.