The 3 most promising prospects for the Vegas Golden Knights

One of the unintended consequences of going all-in on your Stanley Cup contention window is the absence of quality prospects. Not many teams can skirt this fine line, for they use these young players as trade chips. You're on one side of the fence, consisting of developing a young team into NHL stars, or you're fighting for the Stanley Cup. Of course, this doesn't just apply to hockey; it's a general concept throughout sports, whether it's prospects or draft picks.

That's been the case for the Vegas Golden Knights in the past year, for they've acquired big names to crack open their contention window. Gone are young players like David Edstrom, for Vegas is ready to capitalize on their opportunity to win another Stanley Cup. With Kelly McCrimmon's aggressive acquisitions, the Golden Knights have become a de facto destination for trade rumors.

Granted, there are other unintended consequences to this, including the loss of beloved players. That's what happens when some new acquisitions get contract extensions, after all. You can't spend money like Mike Ilitch did in a salary cap era. Otherwise, the other teams would cry foul and raise a stink to Commissioner Gary Bettman.

But don't fret, dear reader. Three names in the Golden Knights system have the potential to become regular NHL players. These players have either taken the amateur world by storm or did well in the minor leagues. Regardless, they've made their marks in hockey and are looking to take the next step soon. Here are three promising prospects that Vegas hockey fans should look forward to seeing.

Carl Lindbom

There's a good reason why Vegas Golden Knights brass has been high on Carl Lindbom in recent years. The Swedish goaltender has showcased his talent throughout the world, displaying his quick moves in the crease. In 2022-23 with Djurgardens IF of the Hockey Allsvenskan league in Sweden, he had a GAA of 1.86 and a save percentage of .930 in 36 games. There's also his performance during the World Junior Championships (U20), where he posted a GAA of 2.64 and a save percentage of .914 in seven games.

Last season, he came to the Swedish Hockey League on a loan, playing for Farjestad BK. Here, he allowed 2.12 goals a game and had a save percentage of .911 in 26 games. Overall, he's had an incredible amateur career and will face better competition in the AHL next season. Fans will see what the Swedish goaltender can do next season when he joins the Henderson Silver Knights.

Lindbom might not be the biggest goaltender in the game, standing at 6'1". However, he makes up for that disadvantage with poise and speed in the crease. He moves around effortlessly and can read the play without any issues. Add in fast reflexes and he can become a future starter for the Golden Knights.