The Vegas Golden Knights add size in NHL Mock Draft Simulation 2.0
The Vegas Golden Knights add a big winger to the mix in the latest NHL Mock Draft simulation. What's different from the previous version?
In the previous NHL Mock Draft simulation, the Vegas Golden Knights selected a controversial forward in Trevor Connelly. The player had all the talent in the world, only for him to make some questionable decisions along the way. Character issues plagued the prospect's draft stock, leaving him in the mid-to-late part of the first round in draft boards.
So things should be a little different this time around, right? Did the Golden Knights go in a different direction in this iteration of the mock draft? They did this by selecting Igor Chernyshov, a Russian winger from Dynamo Moskva of the KHL. The team doesn't have to worry about any incoming scandals from Chernyshov aside from him potentially returning to the KHL.
In the previous draft profile, there were numerous benefits highlighted with drafting the Russian forward. One example was his size, where he stood at 6'2". Vegas has a similar player in Ivan Barbashev, a punishing first-line player who's not afraid to lay out opponents at will.
The Dynamo Moskva star uses his size for different means, though. He likes to crash the net, moving towards the goaltender with full force before taking a scoring opportunity. Of course, he also uses his big frame for winning puck battles, getting down and dirty at every chance.
How did the rest of the NHL Mock Draft shake out? Where did Trevor Connelly fall in this version? The draft was made courtesy of FCHockey, with the previous iteration being made there. But let's move on and see what else shook out from the mock draft, including a late-round surprise.
The Vegas Golden Knights go big with their first three picks
The Vegas Golden Knights place great emphasis on being a bigger team than their opponents. They were the second-tallest this season (74.1 inches on average, 0.1 behind the Dallas Stars) and were the heaviest NHL team (207.9 lbs on average). In this NHL Mock Draft, that motif is emphasized again, with Vegas selecting Igor Chernyshov, Jack Berglund, and Svante Sjodin.
It's been previously mentioned how the Russian winger has the size to fit into the team seamlessly. He would be a similar player to Barbashev, using his physicality to dictate the play. However, Berglund was selected in this version much later. His size could also help the team in many ways. How, you might ask?
He's great off the puck, making plays on the backcheck. Offensively, he uses that size to deter oncoming defenders from taking the puck away. Whether he's in front of the net or skating down the ice, he can be difficult to maintain. The Vegas Golden Knights have made a living off players with good physical attributes and a 200-ft. game. Like Chernyshov, Berglund would fit in with the franchise easily.
As for Sjodin, he works hard at every juncture. He puts himself on the line every play, whether in the offensive or defensive zone. That's an admirable trait for NHL teams to consider, specifically for Vegas. They live and breathe fighting for every puck, where the big center fits in seamlessly. Now what happened to Trevor Connelly? The Tri-City Storm prospect went to the Washington Capitals at No. 17.
19th Overall: Igor Chernyshov, LW/Dynamo Moskva
The previous NHL Mock Draft saw the Vegas Golden Knights select Trevor Connelly with the 19th overall pick. Although there were character issues associated with Connelly, he had the tools to become a viable asset. This time around, it's a more scrappy player in Igor Chernyshov.
The young forward carries experience against NHL-ready competition, making him an attractive choice in the first round. His current KHL contract runs through 2024-25, which offers teams like Vegas minimal risk. Aside from his size, he has a good offensive upside, making him even more lucrative. Think of him as a hybrid of Barbashev and Pavel Dorofeyev, players who utilize their talents in different ways.
180th Overall: Jack Berglund, C/FäRJESTAD BK J18
As mentioned earlier, Jack Berglund is similar to Igor Chernyshov, with both players being big. However, there's a different purpose for the Swedish player's size. That consists of the center using his physical frame for offensive means, protecting the puck from incoming defenders.
He combines his soft hands and excellent skating skills, making him a valuable offensive piece. Granted, he doesn't produce enough or show offensive consistency. But he can be a lower-line player who's a good defensive pick. It's only a matter of putting the pieces together offensively for him to be taken seriously.
197th Overall: Svante Sjodin, C/ÖREBRO HK J20
One thing that makes Svante Sjodin special is his forechecking game. He works hard every shift, taking away his opponent's space at every turn. He has the speed to make this happen, carrying a 200-ft. game similar to Jack Berglund and Igor Chernyshov. He also has good size, standing at 6'1" and weighing 187 lbs. The NHL Mock Draft loved the size in this version, with Sjodin being no different.
His work ethic and physicality make him a valuable pick for the Vegas Golden Knights. Bruce Cassidy believes in cutting off routes on the forecheck, with his players sacrificing themselves at every turn. Sjodin would be an ideal fit if drafted, making him a late-round steal. That's especially true since he does whatever it takes to support his teammates.
212th Overall: Caleb Heil, G/Madison Capitals
This pick looks strange considering the Vegas Golden Knights have plenty of goaltending talent. They have Adin Hill and Logan Thompson at the helm, with prospects like Carl Lindbom waiting in the wings. There are also Heil's statistics in the USHL, where he averaged a GAA of 3.86 and a save percentage of .870 in three seasons.
But Hill and Thompson will become free agents after next season, putting Vegas in a bind. The University of North Dakota commit has experience in different levels, including the World Junior Championship. If Heil continues to develop as a goaltending prospect, he can become a good goaltender for any team, including Vegas.
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