Nobody expected the Henderson Silver Knights to take off in such an incredible fashion last season. They were supposed to be the Pacific Division bottom-feeders again, having no hope in sight for the future. However, Ryan Craig and the boys managed to get third place in the division and make it to the second round.
Really? This Silver Knights team? Who would've thought?
Alas, that's what happened as the Silver Knights added to the growing legend of Nevada hockey. Of course, you have the Vegas Golden Knights that have taken the NHL by storm. Getting big names like Mitch Marner and Jack Eichel has made this team a formidable threat, after all. It's also teams like the UNLV men's hockey squad and the Tahoe Knight Monsters that have made this one of the fastest-growing hockey states in the United States.
But, still, this Silver Knights team? How could they have done it? For one, you have key contributors like Carl Lindbom and Braeden Bowman. These players made it easy for Craig to handle the pressure, leading them to key wins.
So, what's a team to do to have a successful campaign for the upcoming season? How do you define said successful campaign for the Silver Knights in 2026-27? Well, lettuce lay out the terms, see what's bacon, and cheese it over, shall we (burger jokes)?
What will constitute a successful season for the Henderson Silver Knights in 2026-27?
When you weren't expected to go far in 2025-26, you want to build off a successful campaign for the season after. That means surprising people even more and taking the next step: making the Calder Cup Final.
Now, you have the added expectation that the team's supposed to do something. Key words right there. While that sounds nice and all, there's a small problem: worrying about who's staying and who's going.
The AHL is a unique facet in that prospects get called up to the big leagues when they're ready. That includes names like Bowman, who shined in his short stint with the Golden Knights (think eight goals and 18 assists with Vegas last season). You're set to lose some talent to the NHL club, leaving you to fill the gaps.
What's a team like the Silver Knights to do in this scenario?
For Joel Ward, that's the biggest question. The new Silver Knights head coach will likely see some names called up during the 2026-27 regular season, leaving him to rely on depth pieces. The good news? Names like Tanner Laczynski are coming back, easing the pain.
Plus, you still have plenty of goaltending options to work with. There's a possibility that Lindbom gets more AHL time this upcoming season, leaving Henderson in a better spot. Therefore, you must lean on your strengths if you're Ward.
Regardless, the Silver Knights have heightened expectations coming into 2026-27. Now, the hope is that they'll make the Calder Cup Final and surprise many people in the hockey realm. Who knows? They might make it happen in 2026-27.
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