Being the 19th overall pick in the NHL Draft comes with its perks. That includes being named the top prospect in the Vegas Golden Knights farm system. According to the Daily Faceoff, Trevor Connelly is the best farmhand in the Golden Knights pipeline, beating out names like Carl Lindbom and Mathieu Cataford.
Remember that Lindbom posted a GAA of 2.12 and a save percentage of .911 in 26 games with the SHL's Farjestad BK. That didn't top his 2022-23 campaign with Djurgardens IF of Hockey Allsvenskan, where he posted a GAA of 1.86, a save percentage of .930, and seven shutouts in 36 games. He's been such an impressive figure that he was the sixth-best prospect. Still, that wasn't good enough for the top spot.
Also note that Cataford was the QJMHL's MVP, winning the award with the Halifax Mooseheads. He scored 40 goals and 50 assists in 65 games, making him an unstoppable force in the amateur scene. The QJMHL MVP placed fourth in the rankings, which is better than being sixth. However, that also wasn't good enough for the top spot.
It's ironic that someone who was a controversial figure for a Snapchat story involving hate-filled swastikas could be the best prospect. Yet, here we are. Connelly holds the position of being the best farmhand the Golden Knights have. Fans are familiar with what he could bring to the table. They're also aware of what his ceiling could be with the team, where he could dominate the league for years.
Why Trevor Connelly is the top prospect over players like Carl Lindbom
Carl Lindbom shouldn't take this as a slight in his developmental journey. He's proven himself to be a viable goaltender by using his quickness and situational awareness, whether it was the World Junior Championship or the SHL. He can show he's a worthy prospect in North America, making his presence known on either the Henderson Silver Knights or Tahoe Knight Monsters.
But he is diminuitive for a goaltender, standing at 6'0". That could be a detriment as he gets older, where his quickness erodes. But for a player like Connelly, he's a prototypical hockey superstar offensively. He's a mismatch one-on-one, can see the play happen before it unfolds, and cuts through defenses effortlessly.
As for Mathieu Cataford, Connelly is bigger than the Canadian prospect. This allows the California native to use his body more instead of relying on pure speed and finesse. Therefore, it's easier to see why he's on top compared to Cataford. He has versatility within his offensive game, where he doesn't have to simply slip by defenders.
Prospect rankings might look nice from a present standpoint. However, fans should see where these farmhands stand three years from now. Who knows? The Vegas Golden Knights might've traded another former first-round draft pick to acquire a big name (I know, color me shocked). With the Golden Knights, you can never know because they crank out moves at the most unsuspecting times.