Did you hear the good news about Henderson Silver Knights legend, Gage Quinney? The Las Vegas native scored the first goal in the Shanghai Dragons era, marking a new era in China.
First ever goal scored by Shanghai Dragons! @gagequinney
— Shanghai Dragons (@shadragons) August 29, 2025
SPR 0 | SHD 1 pic.twitter.com/MqpqDUupl2
Mind you, he got another goal in that game, leading the Dragons past Spartak Moscow. Gerard Gallant also got his first win as a head coach, indicating a shift in the franchise's future direction.
Aside from having numerous former Golden Knights figures on the team, that shift could lead to unbridled success in the KHL this season. After all, everyone loves a good rejuvenation story. Why not the Dragons in the KHL?
But what about the Silver Knights? Last season was an unmitigated disaster for the AHL franchise. Henderson sat dead last in the Pacific Division with 63 points, a massive fall from grace from their 2020-21 Calder Cup Final appearance.
What's more is their divisional rivals, the Abbotsford Canucks, won the 2025 Calder Cup. They defeated the Charlotte Checkers, 4-2, winning its first title in franchise history.
Can the Silver Knights follow suit and bring home their first title in their Henderson stint? Who could be the determining factor in making that happen for the Vegas Golden Knights's little brother?
How the Henderson Silver Knights can make a comeback into AHL relevancy
One thing that'll be the focal point of the Silver Knights this season is the goaltending. The goalie room looks solid from top to bottom. That includes Carl Lindbom and Jesper Vikman, two players who were cornerstones for Henderson last season.
But that would also include Cameron Whitehead, who's projected to make the AHL roster. Last season, he posted a GAA of 2.74 and a save percentage of .911 with Northeastern University (35 games). Goaltending could be the thing that leads the Silver Knights back atop the standings.
It's also hoping for certain offensive players to take the next step. For example, Matyas Sapovaliv scored 11 goals and eight assists last season with Henderson (71 games). He's expected to become the big two-way forward who can score. Can he break through and make that happen?
The same goes for incoming players joining the team for the first time. Can they adjust to the North American style and keep up their scoring? Could, say, Tuomas Uronen thrive in a North American setting and help Henderson thrive?
How far can the Silver Knights go in 2025-26?
It's tough for a team to come back from being dead last in the Pacific Division last season. Considering you're going up against nine other teams in your division, fending off the competition gets even tougher.
Therefore, don't expect a Calder Cup Final appearance for 2025-26. The team still has plenty of question marks that they must work out. That includes getting more from specific players and protecting your goaltenders from a plethora of incoming shots.
However, things should be slightly better for Henderson this upcoming season. Expectations are that better pieces will come in and fill the void of names like Quinney, giving them a stronger offensive punch.
Could that be Uronen? Could that be Trevor Connelly? Who knows? But one thing's certain. The only way you can go is up!