The game of hockey has transcended countless generations. Older fans will recall the days of Gordie Howe, where he'd aim to get a goal, assist, and fight in every game. Then, there's the Wayne Gretzky days, where fans were blown away by the "Great One's" fantastic goal-scoring acumen. Recently, superstars like Connor McDavid, Alex Ovechkin, and Sidney Crosby have blessed fans with awe-inspiring moments, creating the next generation of hockey superstars.
Of course, there's always going to be the "G.O.A.T." discussion in sports, with hockey being no different. Therefore, advanced statistics are needed to determine who the greatest hockey player is of all time. That means looking at adjusted goals (among other things), which look at how the player would do in a modern 82-game season. That also accounts for a roster size of 18 skaters with league averages of six goals per game and 1.67 assists per game.
But Vegas Golden Knights fans aren't concerned with the best hockey player of all time... Unless it's on the Golden Knights. Who's the best hockey player to ever play in Las Vegas? Is it Mark Stone? Jack Eichel? Jonathan Marchessault? Let's look at the adjusted goals category and see who sits at the top. That way, fans know who the "gold" standard is.
Jonathan Marchessault has the most adjusted goals of all time in Vegas Golden Knights history
Jonathan Marchessault has seen himself at the top of countless franchise records for the Vegas Golden Knights. He's the all-time points leader (417), goals (192), and power play goals (42). It's no secret he's been one of the best players in franchise history and that's no different with adjusted goals.
The winger has 204 adjusted goals throughout his Golden Knights career, putting him at the top of the pack. William Karlsson sits in second place with 161, while Mark Stone is third with 141. Reilly Smith comes in fourth place with 135, followed by Max Pacioretty (114), Jack Eichel (97), and Ivan Barbashev (91). Shea Theodore (85), Chandler Stephenson (81), and Alex Tuch (71) round out the top ten
The list has numerous "Original Misfits" who defined hockey in Las Vegas. These players did everything to get the Golden Knights on the right foot. That started with a surprise Stanley Cup Final run in the inaugural season, where Marchessault led the charge. Of course, the team wouldn't have finished the job six years later without the Conn Smythe winner, either. Yes, he might be in Nashville hanging out with Jelly Roll. However, his impact will be felt at T-Mobile Arena for years.