Looking at the Vegas Golden Knights's past draft classes, you won't see much depth. Part of it is because, well, the team's not even 10 years old. It's tough to find the right draft class when you haven't even existed for a decade.
That leaves the best draft class debate up in the air. The 2017 class stands out because it carries some NHL starters in the league. It doesn't matter if it's Nick Suzuki (Montreal Canadiens), Cody Glass (New Jersey Devils), or Nicolas Hague (Nashville Predators). This group has some special talent in its ranks. That's not even mentioning Jonas Rondbjerg (65th overall) hanging out with the Golden Knights.
By default, they take the cake because Glass and Hague were viable NHL players for the Golden Knights. The other draft classes are either underdeveloped or their players never made the NHL level. The only problem with this class was that they were either traded or didn't pan out with the Golden Knights.
But...
...What if I told you that the 2019 draft class can be the most successful class for Vegas in its own franchise history? Sure, the 2017 class has Nick Suzuki. However, he never stepped foot on the ice with Vegas.
Instead, fans can look at this draft class from a couple of years later as the most successful. In fact, two players could be solely responsible for making this class a resounding success.
The 2019 Golden Knights draft class could be the most successful in franchise history
When Golden Knights fans look at this particular draft class, they might not see many names in the NHL landscape. Sure, names like Peyton Krebs and Isaiah Saville might pop out. However, Krebs was traded to Buffalo for Jack Eichel and Saville's yelling at Alvin and the Chipmunks with the Ontario Reign.
Still, two names can turn this into the best draft class in franchise history. Their names? Kaedan Korczak (41st overall) and Pavel Dorofeyev (79th overall).
Dorofeyev alone can carry potential weight within the organization. Last season, he led the team in goals scored with 35 and had 13 power play goals. If (or when) he gets a long-term deal with Vegas, he can etch his legacy and catapult this draft class to the top.
But Korczak can etch this class permanently atop the hierarchy. Last season, he played 40 games with Vegas and got 10 assists. Armed with a fresh four-year deal, Korczak can solidify his status as a middle-pair defenseman and become a lineup regular.
The Golden Knights need a defining draft class and this could be it
While the 2017 Golden Knights draft class has produced NHL-level talent, the problem is that none of the players positively impacted Vegas sans Nicolas Hague. That's why Vegas needs a true defining draft class that has longevity.
Who knows? That could be the 2024 draft class when Trevor Connelly comes up. He could be joined by Trent Swick or Pavel Moisevich, adding more muscle to the Golden Knights.
But as it stands, the 2019 class can take over the team and serve as integral parts to winning another Stanley Cup. Aside from a much-needed youth injection, Dorofeyev and Korczak have in-demand skills that can bring Vegas another championship.
And they say the Golden Knights can't draft well. Pffft!