The Vegas Golden Knights arguably made the biggest offseason splash this summer by acquiring star forward Mitch Marner. The former Toronto Maple Leaf completed his first 100-point NHL season in 2024-25 and is expected to bring that high offensive production to Las Vegas for the next eight years. Possibly paired up with VGK superstar Jack Eichel, the duo has fans across the league anticipating greatness. So are the analysts at the NHL Network.
Yesterday, the league’s outlook released its list of the Top 20 wingers going into the 2025-26 campaign. The top five included the Golden Knights’ newest impact player.
(Credit: NHL Network)
Heading into his first season with the Golden Knights, the 28-year-old jumped up five spots from last summer’s Top 20 wingers list. After an 85-point season in 2023-24, Marner was ranked 10th by the NHL Network. This year, the league ranked him in the top five, trailing only Nikita Kucherov, David Pastrnak, Kirill Kaprizov, and Mikko Rantanen. Three recorded 100-point seasons, while another averaged 1.43 points per game. Bottom line, Marner is in a class of All-Stars and future Hall of Famers.
Only Kucherov and Pastrnak registered more points than Marner last season. Both Kaprizov and Rantanen had fabulous seasons but were impacted by injuries and packing up U-Haul trucks. Hate to be that guy, but Eichel undeservedly received two first-place Hart trophy votes. Some would argue Marner’s 2024-25 campaign was better and should have ended with more overall votes. Either way, if it all works as the Golden Knights have planned out this upcoming season, both will be in the discussion.
(Credit: NHL.com)
Later this month, the NHL Network will release its list of the Top 20 centers entering the 2025-26 season. We can expect Connor McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon, Leon Draisaitl, and Auston Matthews to lead the list, but can Eichel round out the Top 5? Or will Aleksander Barkov, Sidney Crosby, or Brayden Point nudge him out like last offseason? In 2024, VGK’s superstar was ranked as the 8th best center in the NHL, it’s possible he’s elevated a few spots this time around.
Afterall, the Golden Knights are one of William Hill Sportsbook’s favorites to win the 2026 Stanley Cup trophy. And why not with Eichel and Marner both in their prime?
DruBlu
With 1 point given for every 5th-place vote, 3 pts. per 4th-place vote, 5 for 3rd, 7 for 2nd, and 10 points for each 1st-place vote, there sure is a huge jump — the largest in both points and percentage — between Jack in 5th place with 150 points, and Nate MacK in 4th with 972 points. I hate pointing that out, but it seems par for the course, as the VGK seem to get snubbed often in these. Their unselfish play style means they share the wealth among one another, sacrificing big points for superstars. And then they get overlooked because of it. That’s fine, but it might be changing this season. Let’s hope they can adjust to it and retain their D responsibilities with an all-hands-on-deck approach.
Emmanuel
Defense is overlooked.
Assists are overrated.
ThG
VGK Prospect Questionnaire: Viliam Kmec
20 questions with VGK prospect Viliam Kmec
Viliam Kmec 4
By
Lexi Flom
August 06, 2025
Vegas Golden Knights prospect Viliam Kmec participated in his second VGK Development Camp presented by Martin-Harris Construction this summer. The blueliner spent his fourth season in the WHL with the Prince George Cougars during the 2024-25 campaign where he recorded 61 points (18G, 43A) in 65 games before joining the Henderson Silver Knights for two games at the end of the season. Kmec recently signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Golden Knights on Sept. 23, 2024. The defenseman caught up with VegasGoldenKnights.com during camp for this new prospect questionnaire.
Who were you most excited to see at camp?
Probably Matyas Sapovaliv.
Who is a current Golden Knight you admire?
Alex Pietrangelo.
What’s your favorite thing about the VGK organization?
I like the winning mentality.
What’s your favorite thing about Las Vegas?
The temperature.
What’s your favorite way to beat the heat?
Stay inside.
Build your perfect steakhouse meal with an appetizer, entree, side, and dessert.
Appetizer: Beets
Entrée: Filet mignon, medium rare
Sides: American potatoes
Dessert: No dessert
What is your favorite social media platform?
Probably Instagram or TikTok.
What’s your favorite sport besides hockey?
Soccer.
Describe your favorite goal you scored last season.
I would say against the Vancouver Giants. I took the puck from the d-zone and then I skated around the defensemen, then I just scored on the short side.
What was your first hockey stick?
Some wooden stick. It was wood, for sure.
Describe your tape job.
It’s white tape. It’s almost like a sock, but not completely. It’s a little bit off on a dip, so it’s not completely dark.
What piece of equipment have you had the longest?
My shoulder pads.
What fruit or vegetable do you think you could throw the farthest?
An orange.
Who is your Mario Kart character?
I don’t think I’ve played Mario Kart.
When did you get your first phone?
I was about nine years old maybe.
What year would someone have to be born in to be considered old?
Probably the 1980s.
What’s your favorite animal?
Dog.
ThG
anti Americans attacking ICE face massive prison times. JB don’t do it, unless you want to wear orange or pinnies** for rest of your miserable life.
BREAKING
From the Department of Justice:
After repeatedly throwing pieces of cinderblock at law enforcement, officers detained Terrazas, who now faces up to 20 years in federal prison if convicted. We will not stand by while our brave officers get hurt. If you’re thinking of injuring an officer or agent enforcing immigration law, think again. It’s not worth it.
** pinstripes, and not of NY Yankee variety.
TS
You are such a bitch, fake god. Sickening. You SUCK.