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The Three Biggest Surprises for the Vegas Golden Knights This Season

The 2023-24 NHL regular season is closing, with numerous ups and downs behind it. Who stood out as a surprise for the Golden Knights?

By Jacob Walters |
Colorado Avalanche v Vegas Golden Knights
Colorado Avalanche v Vegas Golden Knights / Candice Ward/GettyImages
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Being the defending champions is never easy. Whether it's dealing with numerous back-breaking injuries or the proverbial target on your back, it can provide a swift reality check. That's what the Vegas Golden Knights got this season, with numerous trials and tribulations standing in their way.

However, the defending champs are back in the postseason, awaiting their opponents for the first round. Expect no surprises in the first round, for the Golden Knights are getting the West's best. Whether it's Quinn Hughes or Connor McDavid, life isn't getting any easier.

But the following players surprised the Vegas faithful this season. They came through in the clutch for the Golden Knights, helping them clinch the playoffs for the sixth time in seven years. Here are the three most surprising players for the Vegas Golden Knights this season.

1. Nicolas Roy

Minnesota Wild v Vegas Golden Knights
Minnesota Wild v Vegas Golden Knights / Candice Ward/GettyImages

One Golden Knights who's earned serious consideration for a top-six role in the future is Nicolas Roy. The Quebec native has 12 goals and 28 assists in 68 games this season, signaling an uptick in production.

Roy also has significant contributions on the power play this season, scoring a goal with six assists. Expect the center's role to grow with the Vegas Golden Knights in the future, starting with an uptick in playing minutes (15:32 TOI/G this season).

2. Pavel Dorofeyev

Colorado Avalanche v Vegas Golden Knights
Colorado Avalanche v Vegas Golden Knights / Candice Ward/GettyImages

Also, expect Pavel Dorofeyev to get more playing time as a Golden Knight if he returns. The Russian winger scored 13 goals in 45 games this season, establishing himself as a pure offensive weapon. While he needs to bulk up a bit this offseason, Dorofeyev is tracking to also become a key forward for Vegas.

With incredible moves and crazy handles, Dorofeyev has slowly grown into a fan favorite. He's expected to be a restricted free agent this offseason. It'd be wise to offer the Russian star a good contract this summer.

3. Brendan Brisson

Vegas Golden Knights v Edmonton Oilers
Vegas Golden Knights v Edmonton Oilers / Leila Devlin/GettyImages

The Michigan Wolverines have had an incredible year. They've won the CFP Championship, they have a new men's basketball coach and now have Brendan Brisson's emergence to hang their hats on. How so?

The center made the most of his 15 games this season, scoring two goals and six assists while averaging 12:20 TOI/G. Brisson even got some action on the top line for the Vegas Golden Knights this season. With the young native of Manhattan Beach, California, showing his worth, he should factor into the Golden Knights's future.

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