Following Rookie Camp at City National Arena and the trade of Nick Suzuki, we’ve updated our prospect rankings. As always, the full rankings can be found using our navigation bar under the “Prospects” tab. Or, click this.
(Last updated: September 12, 2018)
Criteria to qualify for rankings:
- Must be younger than 23 years old
- Cannot have played more than 10 NHL games
- Must be either under contract or drafted by the Golden Knights
Recently Removed: Nick Suzuki (Traded to MTL)
SKATERS
1) Erik Brannstrom (D)
Acquired: 2017 Entry Draft, 1st Round, #15 overall
Age: 18 (September 2nd, 1999)
Most Recent Team: HV 71 (SHL)
Previous Ranking: #1
Brannstrom attended his first rookie camp and did not disappoint. He was easily the best player on the ice in all three rookie games and showed the much more responsible defensive game needed to have a shot to play in the NHL this year. AHL Coach Rocky Thompson (who was coaching the rookie games) specifically called him “a future top two defenseman.” In the immediate future, he’ll be heading to full training camp to try and earn a spot on the Golden Knights roster this season. With Nate Schmidt out for 20 games, he’s got a real shot.
More on Brannstrom
T2) Nic Hague (D)
Acquired: 2017 Entry Draft, 2nd Round, #34 overall
Age: 19 (December 5, 1998)
Most Recent Team: Mississauga Steelheads (OHL)
Previous Ranking: #4
Hague had a great trio of games at City National Arena. Not only did he score a number of power-play goals, but he also proved he’s a heck of a leader. Coaches and players couldn’t stop raving about how much impact he had on others during camp. He still looks like he’s not quite ready for the NHL, but it’s starting to feel safer and safer that he’ll be an NHLer. When it happens, he’s going to give Colin Miller a run for his money for heaviest shot on the team.
More on Hague
T2) Cody Glass (F)
Acquired: 2017 Entry Draft, 1st Round, #6 overall
Age: 19 (April 1, 1999)
Most Recent Team: Portland Winterhawks (WHL)
Previous Ranking #2
As the #6 overall pick in the 2017 Draft, Glass was expected to be a top-six type forward. He still may eventually become that, but his performances in the rookie games made him look like he’s more likely headed for a role as third center. He makes a lot of little plays on both ends that impress, but he doesn’t quite show the flair that a top-end guy should playing against other 19-year-olds.
More on Glass
Read the rest of the prospect rankings here.

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