The Golden Knights have had a promising start to the season, sitting at first in the Pacific and fourth in the league. While star forwards like Jack Eichel and Ivan Barbashev get much of the credit (as deserved), some players are flying under the radar. Pavel Dorofeyev is one of those players. He currently ranks sixth in points for the Golden Knights, demonstrating significant offensive contributions despite his lower salary.
Making just $1.835 million AAV, Dorofeyev has proven to be an absolute steal for the Golden Knights. The 24-year-old Russian made his NHL debut with the Knights back in 2021. While he only played two games that season, and only parts of the next two, he’s been a roster regular this season. With 12 goals and 17 points in 28 games so far, he’s shown to be a key part of the team.
He has significant responsibility with an average of 16:31 minutes of ice time each game, can lock down defensively with 17 blocks, and can handle the physical side of the game with eight hits. Dorofeyev's solid playmaking, both offensively and defensively, makes him a valuable asset. This is particularly evident when comparing his production to that of forwards with similar salaries, as well as to those earning significantly more.
To evaluate the impact of players relative to their salaries, forwards were selected based on two primary criteria: salary (AAV) and performance metrics. This analysis focuses on forwards earning a similar amount and around the same age as Dorofeyev, as well as those making significantly more than the Russian forward. By examining points, ice time, and cost per point, we can assess the value each player brings to their team.