People might not think much of it. But the Vegas Golden Knights have some successful prospects this year. Mathieu Cataford, the reigning QJMHL MVP, was named to Team Canada's roster for the World Juniors. Matyas Sapovaliv won the Memorial Cup with the Saginaw Spirit last season. Now? Lucas Van Vliet was the second-highest scorer at this season's WJAC-19 competition.
Along the way, he took home a gold medal and scored nine goals and 16 points in 22 games. This was the second time he represented the United States in the competition, with his first foray resulting in a silver medal with fellow Golden Knights prospect, Trevor Connelly, last season.
The Michigan State University commit is also thriving with the USHL's Dubuque Fighting Saints. He's projected to score 24 goals and 18 assists in 58 games. His last five games saw the forward score three goals and seven assists. In his last 10? Five goals and nine assists.
It's safe to say the prospect is adding more fuel for the team's future plans, thrusting himself into the discussion. Imagine having Cataford and Van Vliet on an odd-man rush, scoring on the opposition. That thought is perfect among Golden Knights fans looking to extend their contention window.
But there's more to Van Vliet's game than simply being the hot hand. What qualities make the native of Livonia, Michigan, special? How will he fit into the Golden Knights (and even Henderson Silver Knights) lineup in the future?
Why this is just the beginning for Lucas Van Vliet
Lucas Van Vliet is a good offensive mind with a balanced style. He's a heavy body that skates the entire 200 feet of the ice, taking care of business on the forecheck. There isn't a weakness that stands out in his game, for that balance shines through.
However, he didn't possess a strong suit, either. That balance didn't provide any specialties or gimmicks that helped his game. For example, he might be good on offense. But he wasn't going to be a playmaking difference-maker... at least until now.
But that appears to be changing with his latest performance. The forward's recent hot streak is putting those doubts to rest and he's contributing to the attack more. The native of Livonia, Michigan, has no trouble finding his teammates for a scoring opportunity.
This improvement could help the Henderson Silver Knights (and eventually, the Vegas Golden Knights)
The Vegas Golden Knights pride themselves on employing forwards who go the entire length of the ice. Names like William Karlsson, Mark Stone, and even Brett Howden have made this their purpose. In turn, they create havoc in transition and set up scoring opportunities galore.
That's where Van Vliet stands in the grand scheme. He'll fit in with the current Golden Knights system with his transition game, specifically on the lower lines. The Golden Knights could use a solid winger with few flaws in his game to balance out the bottom unit.
Luckily, the Michigan State University commit is the right man for the job, growing his hockey game at the right time. He'll adapt well to the system and become a regular contributor, using his heavy attributes to fit in. If he gets down and dirty more and becomes a stronger attacker, who knows how he'll do?