The Golden Knights entered with nine picks in the 2019 Draft. Here’s a quick rundown of what we know about each player selected by the Golden Knights in the 2019 NHL Draft.
1st Round – #17 Overall
Selection: Peyton Krebs (C) – Kootenay Ice (WHL)
Krebs is an elite talent who tore his Achilles tendon in early June. He was projected as a potential top-five pick but fell all the way to #17. Krebs is a 200-foot player that is a playmaker and described as a “constant difference maker.” He’s a two-way center who played on one of the worst teams in the WHL, yet he still put up 86 points.
Krebs is an excellent passer who has terrific vision as well. He’s a high-end skater who has very good speed and good burst. He’s also described as a player with excellent creativity.
Krebs was the captain of his WHL team the Kootenay Ice. He was also the captain of the Team Canada U18 team. Krebs led both teams in points.
Vegas was one of the meetings that I came out of and I felt really good about. They felt like family from the get go and so happy to be picked by them. -Krebs
I absolutely love Krebs game. I’ve said thi all year long. He drives the bus. He’s a line driver. Think Turcotte light. #NHLDraft
— Mark Edwards (@MarkEdwardsHP) June 22, 2019
He’s a very mature kid. He does everything possible off ice to make himself better. He goes full out effort all the time on the ice. He’s skilled, he can skate, he can make so many plays. I expect him to be an explosive top-six forward in the NHL. –James Patrick, Winnipeg Ice coach to The Athletic
"I wanted to go to a place where I get the shivers every time I walk in the building. So, I think Vegas will do that. I'm pretty pumped." – Krebs on his excitement to play in Vegas. #VegasBorn
— Ryan The Hockey Guy (@RyanHockeyGuy) June 22, 2019
Krebs was ranked in the top five of all prospects by @grantmccagg of https://t.co/VUkebW830Y for Best Playmaker (4th), Best Sense (4th), Best Defensive Forward (4th), and Most Competitive (4th).
Only 1 other player was listed in 4 of the 8 categories, that's Jack Hughes.
— SinBin.vegas (@SinBinVegas) June 22, 2019
**TRADE**
Vegas acquires pick #41 for #48 and #82
2nd Round – #41 Overall (from SJS)
Selection: Kaedan Korczak (D) – Kelowna Rockets (WHL)
A well-rounded defenseman who skates well for his size. He’s steady in all areas and is considered one of the best defensive defenseman available in this Draft. He’s a 6’3″ right-handed defenseman who is very strong physically.
The Golden Knights traded up, ahead of Minnesota and Chicago to select Korczak forfeiting one of their 3rd round picks to make the deal happen.
"Just a steady reliable guy on the back end. I’ll take guys like him every year." -NHL Scout
"No real weakness and I think he's just scratching the surface. I see a lot of room to grow.” -NHL Scout(These quotes were published in the @ScoutingService Black Book)
— SinBin.vegas (@SinBinVegas) June 22, 2019
3rd Round – #79 Overall
Selection: Pavel Dorofeyev (F) – Metallurg Magnitogorsk (Russia)
Dorofeyev is a skilled forward with a deadly shot. He is said to be very calm with the puck and has the ability to create time and space while holding the puck. He has a sneaky release on his shot which can be deceptive to many goalies.
He’s listed at 167 pounds, becoming the lightest forward the Golden Knights have ever selected.
