After focusing our attention on the best wingers in Vegas Golden Knights franchise history, let's shift the attention to the centers. Now, the position's history during the franchise's course is rather interesting.
They got to the Stanley Cup Final in their first season, yet they didn't have a bona fide center that changed the game. Then came 2021-22 when the Golden Knights acquired a little-known man named Jack Eichel. The rest, as they say, is history.
Now, they have a player to pair Eichel with on the top unit, making them a Stanley Cup contender once again. Times are good in Las Vegas, where fans are having the biggest party since they won said Stanley Cup in 2023. Sure, the tourism numbers are down. But who's counting, anyways?
Instead, let's annoint the three best centers in franchise history. These players changed the landscape for the better and helped the Golden Knights stay on the map. Where would Vegas be without these key players hanging around? It's time to honor the three most crucial players in franchise history!
3.) Chandler Stephenson
Chandler Stephenson might've been one to avoid scoring too many goals. After all, he score 75 goals in five seasons with the Golden Knights. However, the Saskatoon native has done plenty of good things for the franchise.
For one, he had two seasons of 40+ assists with Vegas. He's also gotten an All-Star nod during his tenure in Las Vegas, winning the Stanley Cup in the same year. Some people might sleep on Stephenson as a player. However, he brought much more to the Golden Knights than people realize.
2.) Jack Eichel
Last season, Jack Eichel shattered the single-season records for assists (66) and points (94). It shot him up the center rankings in the NHL, putting him in the Top Five in certain rankings.
He also had a solid postseason run during the 2023 Stanley Cup playoffs, scoring six goals and 20 assists. He was thisclose to winning the Conn Smythe Trophy before Jonathan Marchessault won it.
Currently, the former second-overall pick stands as the second-best center in franchise history. However, he can become much more if he sticks around and continues his trajectory with the Golden Knights.
1.) William Karlsson
What else can you say about William Karlsson on the Golden Knights? He set the single-season records for most goals scored (43 in 2017-18). The Swedish center also has 161 goals and 235 assists in eight seasons with Vegas, making him one of the most iconic staples in franchise history.
But that's not all, though. He also built a reputation as being a solid special teams player, creating the "power kill" with Reilly Smith. Combine that with his penchant for shutting down the league's best players and he's vastly underappreciated in many aspects. Just ask podcasters everywhere this, whether it's local or in Seattle.