Ladies and gentlemen, we are one day away from Golden Knights hockey. That means it's time for the most dangerous hobby a hockey writer has: making predictions that fans will screenshot and throw back at us in February.
Take your breaths and be sure to pass gas. I know you're excited to see the Golden Knights on the Gold Carpet on Tuesday. I know because I'm going to be there. I can't wait to take a gazillion photos and hobnob with the players (even if it's for a photo).
But let's look at the predictions side of things for a second. Everyone makes them and they're like a certain orifice. Everyone also has them and they stink.
With that, let's dive into the predictions, dear reader. Feel free to bookmark this for February and laugh as many of these will go horribly wrong. What will happen for the Golden Knights in 2026-27?
Jack Eichel reaches 100 points
Vegas has never had a 100-point player in franchise history. Jack Eichel came the closest with 94 in 2024-25, which is the hockey equivalent of missing a bus by watching it pull away. Heck, it even feels like getting hit by said bus. 1,000 lashes for the bus driver.
But this is the year. Eichel is the engine that drives Vegas (which is why he was ranked No. 10 in the latest NHL Network rankings), and he now has Mitch Marner and Mark Stone to feed and be fed by. The power play should give him a steady stream of assists. Eichel should also score more than one power play goal since he has primary shooting responsibilities. Add two extra games in an 84-game season and everything starts coming up Eichel.
But there's a catch: Stay healthy. If that continues, 100 becomes possible and history is made. Please stay healthy so fans don't go into a frenzy. No funny business with the hits and the neck problems.
Tomas Hertl snatches the single-season power play record back from Pavel Dorofeyev
So Pavel Dorofeyev set the single-season power play goals record last season. Then, he was traded to the New York Rangers for a few draft picks because he was getting paid $11 million per year. That swings the door for Tomas Hertl, the previous record-holder, to take the title back.
The catch? He needs 21 to retake the title. That seems like a chore to take on, especially after the Russian winger put on a clinic with Vegas last season with 20 goals. But that shouldn't be a problem with Dorofeyev out of the picture.
He plays like a modern-day Tomas Holmstrom, using his massive 6'3" frame to take up space in front of the netminder. Add in Shea Theodore getting looks on the first power play unit and things should get interesting on the rebound front.
The Vegas Golden Knights will win one playoff round
Now, many things might prevent this from happening. First, you have a new head coach,Ryan Craig, who's tasked with taking on a group of proven veterans. Second, how will the goaltending respond after a dismal preseason showing?
However, the Pacific Division is still buns, as the children say. You still have half of the division in a rebuild and the San Jose Sharks might make it. Might. That depends on whether the team can actually take the next step.
That's why it isn't far-fetched to think that the Golden Knights will make the playoffs and win a round. The goaltending fears will do them in, especially if injuries strike. But this is still a great team with a plethora of forwards and puck-moving defensemen. Vegas isn't going anywhere this season.
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