Which 2024 Golden Knights draft pick not named Trevor Connelly has the most upside?
It's easy to see that Trevor Connelly could be the one 2024 NHL Draft pick that shines for the Golden Knights. But what about the other three?
Despite being a polarizing figure, Trevor Connelly can become an absolute star in the NHL. Picked 19th overall by the Vegas Golden Knights, the forward put up astounding numbers in the amateur leagues. He's also a prodigal playmaker, using ridiculous moves and maneuvers to slip past defenders. Therefore, it stands with good reason that he'll draw plenty of attention while in the minor leagues.
However, he's not the only draft pick from the 2024 NHL Draft selected by the Golden Knights. If that weren't the case, it would make Gary Bettman's head explode as Vegas would go for another big name. Opposing fans would come in with torches and pitchforks like they were hunting for Shrek or a beast. Overall, it would cause mass chaos on Earth.
It's worth noting that Trent Swick, Pavel Moysevich, and Lucas Van Vliet were also picked by the Golden Knights in this year's draft. The spotlight might be on Connelly when it comes to who Vegas picked. However, these three players deserve some recognition for their feats. After all, it's not easy making the NHL scene, let alone being drafted by a team.
Therefore, each of the remaining prospects should be closely look at. Let's subtract Trevor Connelly from the equation and see which other NHL Draft prospect will shine the brightest for the Golden Knights. Which of these picks will, as Rihanna says, "Shine bright like a diamond?"
The case for Pavel Moysevich
The third-round pick in this year's draft has the makings of being an excellent goaltender. He's big (6'5"), he's efficient, and he's intelligent. By simplifying his goalie routes, it's made life easier for the Belarusian goaltender. He can scope out the upcoming play better and prepare accordingly, giving opposing offensive players a tougher time.
That's how he had a GAA of 1.25 and a save percentage of .942 in 13 games in the KHL. Proving his viability on a professional level makes Pavel Moysevich a worthy candidate for being a successful netminder with the Golden Knights. By taking on NHL-level talent and not flinching, he'll become a must-see goaltender among fans.
The goaltender prospect room for the Golden Knights is arguably one the best in the NHL. With Moysevich and Carl Lindbom, Vegas has the potential to unleash a new goaltending duo on the league in upcoming years. That could lead to a stronger defensive team, especially with Bruce Cassidy's current strategy of suffocating offenses.
The case for Trent Swick
It's no secret the Vegas Golden Knights love big players. Whether it's Nicolas Hague (6'6") or Nicolas Roy (6'4"), the Golden Knights use their size for numerous purposes. That includes clogging up lanes and preventing opponents from moving beyond the neutral zone. It's led to a successful recipe, with the team winning a Stanley Cup.
Trent Swick is one of the biggest draft picks in Golden Knights history, standing at 6'7". That size helps him in numerous ways, including the forecheck, where he can be a physical force. Swick can become a force by his size alone, laying out big checks on opponents. But that's not all he can do with his big frame.
Offensively, the former Kitchener Rangers star can also use that frame to turn away opposing defenders. It makes it tough for them to strip the puck away, having to get past more of Swick to make a move. That's how he scored 25 goals and 37 assists in 63 games with his OHL club last season.
The case for Lucas Van Vliet
Lucas Van Vliet has a great touch with the puck, using his ability to set up astounding plays. That touch has come from breathtaking passes and a great hockey sense, Think of him as Spider-Man, where his spider-sense tingles when a defender approaches. He'll put them on their heels with a quick move, creating an excellent scoring opportunity for him and his teammates. No matter if he shifts his weight or increases his speed, the forward can be a tough matchup defensively.
He's also good at retrieving the puck and has nice skating, making him a good all-around player. The Vegas Golden Knights can also rely on him in the slot, where he can easily get open. The one thing the Golden Knights need after Jonathan Marchessault left is more shooters in their system. Van Vliet might be what the doctor ordered, especially with his offensive skill set.
Which Vegas Golden Knights pick (other than Trevor Connelly) has the highest ceiling?
There's an argument to be made that Lucas Van Vliet has the highest ceiling given his immense hockey IQ. Reading defenders easily is a gift among hockey players and helps out their respective team. For Swick, his size and ability to utilize it properly makes him a dynamic player. If he leans more into that frame, he can become a threat offensively and defensively. He's shown he can score goals as a big body at an amateur level and could translate that skill to the professional level.
Pavel Moysevich is a big body who already has NHL-level experience. The Belarusian netminder has an efficient style that makes goaltending look effortless. While his KHL numbers are from a small sample size, they're still quite promising. So who has the highest ceiling of the three non-Trevor Connelly picks?
It's Moysevich for his experience and incredible hockey sense. It's not easy being a young goaltender with the poise and efficiency to handle NHL-ready talent. That's what the Belarusian netminder has, which will help him become a force in the NHL. But don't sleep on Swick or Van Vliet, either. These prospects can evolve into special talents in their own right.
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