Top 3 defensemen the Vegas Golden Knights must draft
The Vegas Golden Knights might be focused on replenishing its forward depth. However, the NHL Draft also offers the opportunity at the defenseman position.
It's no secret the Vegas Golden Knights need to add forwards this offseason. That ranges from signing players in free agency to picking in the NHL Draft. With beloved "Misfits" and productive players set to leave on July 1st, it leaves a void Vegas must fill quickly. Otherwise, it might close their Stanley Cup window faster.
However, there's a case for the Golden Knights to draft a defenseman. The unit averages 30.1 years, with blue-liners like Alex Pietrangelo not getting any younger. There are also players like Shea Theodore and Brayden McNabb playing in the last year of their contracts next season. Eventually, Vegas will look for respectable prospects to fill the system once these key pieces are gone.
But there are more problems with this puzzle than one would realize. One issue is they only have four picks to work with this year. Only one pick is in the first round, while the rest are in the sixth and seventh rounds. Likely, only one of those prospects will even make the NHL level. That's bad news for a team looking to replenish through the NHL Draft.
While some prospects like Kaeden Korczak are tracking to fill these voids, it won't be enough suitable depth. Many of the best prospects for the Vegas Golden Knights are forwards, mainly at the winger position. Names like Brendan Brisson and Matyas Sapovaliv are developing nicely, providing the Golden Knights with hope.
So let's look at Vegas's three best blue-line options in this year's NHL Draft. Some players on this list hit hard, with even a few doing so out of sheer pleasure (looking at you, Stian Solberg). Some have the size to become reputable players in the league. Here are the three best defensemen for the Golden Knights to consider.
Spencer Gill, Rimouski Oceanic
One thing that jumps out about Spencer Gill is his size. He stands at 6'4", making him perfect to pair Nic Hague with. He transitions well and has terrific on-ice vision, both coveted aspects for the Vegas Golden Knights. Add nice mobility and the defenseman can become a valuable prospect for any team.
It isn't just his big frame that makes him an enticing NHL Draft pick, though. He also moves the puck well, with the defenseman scoring 34 assists and 46 points in 65 games in the QMJHL this season. The Rimouski Oceanic star can become a good two-way player because of this, where he can seamlessly fit into Vegas's transition game.
Gill could add more muscle to his frame, for he only weighs 186 lbs. Adding more bulk will make him a menacing defenseman, unlocking more potential. That includes being more physical, which will round out his defensive game. The good news is that it's improving every time he steps on the ice, benefitting anybody who selects him. He might not be like fellow prospect Stian Solberg. But his draft stock is rising for a different reason, which is his offensive capabilities.
Stian Solberg, Valerenga
Speaking of Stian Solberg, the Valerenga defenseman has been all the rage in recent mock drafts. The Swedish prospect is becoming well-known for hitting opponents on the ice. But he isn't just laying hits on hapless players. He's crushing them, making it his trademark as an NHL Draft prospect.
He finishes his checks along the board and can rattle players in the middle of the ice. Standing at 6'2" and weighing 194 lbs., he can do this regularly. Like Spencer Gill, there's always room to add more bulk to his frame and make him even more frightening. However, he's an old-school defenseman who can become a reliable asset on any forecheck.
Scott Stevens made his living as a punishing defenseman himself, earning him the nickname, "Captain Crunch." It's part of why the New Jersey Devils won three Stanley Cups in their heyday, with Martin Brodeur playing a significant role, too. Stian Solberg has the potential to become a similar player, building his brand by crushing any unfortunate opponents heading his way.
Adam Jiricek, HC Plzen
There's a good chance Adam Jiricek might be taken earlier in the first round, given his physical capabilities. However, he could be a good fit for the Vegas Golden Knights if he's available when the 19th overall pick is ready. There are plenty of benefits to picking the young Czech prospect.
He has professional experience in the Czech Republic's highest league, Czech Extraliga. He played 19 games with HC Plzen, putting him on the ice with some of hockey's best. He's also an incredible two-way player, with his speed and mobility helping both ends of the ice. That also comes with some physicality, where he doesn't shy away from hitting opponents. Jiricek also has a booming shot that might need some tweaks. However, he can become an offensive force if he can correct his shot.
Other aspects of Adam Jiricek could hurt him, too. As mentioned with Spencer Gill (and even Stian Solberg, to an extent), adding more bulk will benefit the Czech star's game. The NHL Draft prospect only weighs 178 lbs, making him a little light. The season-ending knee injury he suffered during the 2024 World Juniors might also be problematic. However, a physical defenseman is always fun to pick, especially if he can make smooth passes.
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