If there's one thing the Vegas Golden Knights have prided themselves on, it's having balanced scoring. There's no particular superstar that dominates the scoresheet, for every player has a defined role. It doesn't matter if it's Jack Eichel or William Karlsson. Every player has a job they must do to help the team win.
One player went above and beyond last season, scoring 42 goals in a contract year. Jonathan Marchessault was tied for the 11th-most goals in the NHL in 2023-24, establishing himself as an incredible winger. He's become more lethal with his shot, turning into an effective sniper.
Whether he returns to the Golden Knights remains to be seen. However, it makes one wonder if that was the most goals scored by a Vegas player in a single season. Is it the "Original Misfit" negotiating a new contract with the team that made him big? Perhaps it could be Eichel, who's proven himself as the superstar the team sorely needed.
But the answer might surprise you... or not. It depends on how familiar you are with your Vegas Golden Knights history. Still, it is a "Golden Misfit" who holds the record. Be warned that he's eaten spaghetti with boiled eggs for the protein...
William Karlsson scored the most goals in a season for the Vegas Golden Knights with 43 (2017-18)
If you guessed William Karlsson, you'd be correct. The "Original Misfit" had 43 goals in 2017-18, sparking a miraculous opening season for the Vegas Golden Knights. Jonathan Marchessault fell one goal short of tying the franchise record. He also has the most points in a season in franchise history with 78.
That season wasn't the only record he broke, though. Karlsson was also tied for the most short-handed goals (four), shooting percentage (23.4), and goals created (33.1), to name a few. His adjusted goals that season (44) also stand atop the leaderboard, beating Marchessault's 2023-24 campaign by two.
Who could be the Vegas Golden Knights star that breaks that record?
One thing to note that Karlsson's 2017-18 season and Marchessault's 2023-24 season are the only times where Vegas has had someone score 40+ goals. Granted, the franchise started seven seasons ago and the canvas was barren. However, it's William Karlsson who set the standard for scoring in Vegas.
If anybody has a realistic shot of breaking that record, one player could be Jack Eichel. If he stays on the ice for a full (or near-full) season, he can come within striking distance. The Golden Knights megastar had 31 goals in 63 games in 2023-24. Here, he missed time with a lower-body injury.
Perhaps it could be Jonathan Marchessault IF he returns to Vegas. Of course, that hinges on whether he gets a deal done with Kelly McCrimmon. Maybe it could be an outside player, such as Steven Stamkos, an Edmonton Oilers megastar, or... Mitch Marner. Whatever the case, the Vegas Golden Knights must make their offense explode next season. That means breaking certain franchise records.