The Golden Knights are not well known for having a deep prospect pool. Over the last three seasons, Vegas have received a total of 28 goals and 84 points from rookies, or an average of about nine goals and 28 points per season.
2024 1st round pick Trevor Connelly has a chance to add to those numbers, and there’s a chance players like Kai Uchacz, Ben Hemmerling, Tuomas Uronen, Mathieu Cataford or a few others could chip in as well. However, more than likely, 26-27 will go down as another season in which contributions from rookies in VGK’s lineup are rather limited.
Looking forward, though, there are a few rookies on the horizon who could have an impact in this winter’s World Juniors. Recently, The Athletic’s crack team of prospect writers made predictions for each of the five main countries participating in this year’s version. While Vegas did not have a representative on either Team USA or Team Canada, they have important players on both the Finnish and Swedish rosters.
With a new crop of draft picks in the system, along with an unexpected 1st round pick following the trade of Pavel Dorofeyev, there’s been a lot of movement in the Golden Knights prospect pool.
Unsurprisingly, Trevor Connelly remains atop the list, but the Top 10 has five players who were either not in the system or outside the Top 15 last time we updated the rankings. Also, a few promising prospects from the past have dropped significantly.
Here’s the Top 5 skaters in the system. Click through to see the full set of rankings including goaltenders.
Criteria to qualify for rankings:
Must be younger than 23 years old for skaters, 25 years old for goalies
Cannot have played more than 10 NHL games
Must be either under contract or drafted by the Golden Knights
Players are ranked based on value to the organization. The most important factor is the player’s ceiling, or how good they can eventually become, but also taken into consideration is how close they are to playing in the NHL and how likely they are to play in the NHL. This is NOT a ranking of which players are the best if a game were to be held today.
Removed since last update: Christoffer Sedoff (Traded), Braeden Bowman (NHL experience), Kai Uchacz (Age), Lukas Cormier (Age), Jakub Demek (Age), Jackson Hallum (Age), Abram Wiebe (Traded), Joe Fleming (Age), Noah Ellis (Age), Jesper Vikman (Traded)
Clearly still the crown jewel of the VGK prospect pool, Connelly will have a legitimate chance to make the roster out of camp. Even if he doesn’t, he’s going to be one of the first options to be called up when the Golden Knights need a forward this season. He’s done pretty much everything he needs to do before reaching the NHL, now he just needs to do it at the highest level.
More on Connelly
9/2/25 – Ranking: 1 – When Connelly has been healthy enough to be on the ice, in a VGK, Providence, or Team USA jersey, he’s the undisputed best prospect in the Golden Knights’ system, and honestly, it’s not even close. The trouble has been keeping him healthy as he missed a portion of the college season at Providence, a chunk of the 2024 Development Camp, and the latter half of the World Junior Summer Showcase. It’s possible he misses Training Camp and maybe the beginning of the upcoming season as well.
8/12/24 – Ranking: 1 – On the ice, Connelly looks every bit the part of a 1st round pick. He was terrific in his single scrimmage at Development Camp before picking up an injury that kept him out of the second one. His speed is noticeable in all three zones, he has poise with the puck, and his playmaking ability both shooting and passing, is excellent. Supposedly, there was some discussion of signing an ELC and heading to the WHL this season, but instead, he’ll go to Providence College. He is the clear blue-chip prospect in the VGK system at the moment; it’ll be up to him to continue on that path.
Already playing professional hockey at the age of 17, Piiparinen is physically already at a place where he’s ready for big-boy hockey. The next step for him will be to adjust to the speed of the North American game. He’s expected to stay in Finland for one more season and should have a big year.
3) Jakob Ihs-Wozniak (F) Acquired: 2025 Entry Draft, 2nd Round, #55 overall Age: 19 (February 1, 2007) Most Recent Team: IF Björklöven (Sweden) Previous Ranking: 4
His offensive numbers were not overwhelming as a 19-year-old in the Swedish second tier (HockeyAllsvenskan) but he earned plenty of ice time on a team that was promoted to the SHL. The hope was that there’s be more scoring touch, and maybe that will still come, but it appears the rest of his game is already pretty mature.
More on Ihs-Wozniak
9/2/25 – Ranking: 4 – The man from a land down under has an absolute cannon of a shot, and he’s not afraid to use it. He did not do a ton in his stint in the big leagues in Sweden, but few do at the age of 18. At junior levels and on the international stage, he’s scored goals and put up points like a 2nd round pick should. The challenge for him is going to be his compete level. At times, he has “disappeared” from games, especially big games, and that simply can’t happen once he arrives in North America.
There’s an argument he was the breakthrough star of the 2025-26 season in the VGK prospect pool. He was never the best player on the Silver Knights, but as a rookie he more than held his own, including being named Rookie of the Month in March. His trajectory is on the upswing more than anyone else on this list.
More on Hemmerling
9/2/25 – Ranking: 17 – Hemmerling was one of the more exciting late-round picks as he thrived in Juniors to the tune of 91 points in 65 games. But, a shoulder injury disrupted most of his first pro season, and then when he finally did get on the ice he couldn’t quite find his footing. There’s still plenty of time for the 6th round pick to get the train back on the tracks though, which isn’t the case for many of the forwards above him.
8/12/24 – Ranking: 10 – The offensive breakthrough that was necessary for Hemmerling happened in a big way in his overage year in the WHL. He posted a massive 30 goals and 61 assists in 65 games and then was nearly a point-per-game player in the postseason as well. He’s become a shoot-first player who has gotten stronger and faster making him more dominant in Juniors. Now, heading into the AHL ranks, will the success continue. If it does, Hemmerling has a shot to be a late-round gem.
10/5/23 – Ranking: 13 – An alternate captain for the Silvertips, Hemmerling is clearly a leader on the ice. The challenge so far though has been his inability to make a truly consistent offensive impact. He was not great offensively in the rookie games despite playing in a place in the lineup that was enviable.
2/11/23 – Ranking: 11 – Despite being physically small, Hemmerling plays a fairly strong style of hockey. He’s able to hang onto the puck in the offensive zone and he’s quick enough to make defenders miss if he gets a head of steam. He’s continuing to score goals as an 18-year-old in the WHL and he’ll be one to keep an eye on when the prospects return to Vegas this summer.
8/16/22 – Ranking: 17 – Hemmerling had a nose for the front of the goal in Development Camp which is a welcome sign for those wearing a Golden Knights uniform. He also popped in many of the drills at the beginning of camp.
Wilmott had a bit of a coming-of-age party in the postseason with the Barrie Colts. He scored 11 goals and 22 points in 20 games, helping lead the team to the OHL Final. As always with this type of player, the question will become whether or not the bulldog style around the front of the goal works against grown men. Some guys are just born to play that role, and they thrive in the NHL, he looks like he may be one of them.
The latest update to our prospect rankings is here. The draft inserted just four new players into the mix but a bevy of undrafted free agents have pushed their way into the Top 10. Here are the top five skaters, to find the full rankings, click here…
Must be younger than 23 years old for skaters, 25 years old for goalies
Cannot have played more than 10 NHL games
Must be either under contract or drafted by the Golden Knights
Players are ranked based on value to the organization. The most important factor is the player’s ceiling, or how good they can eventually become, but also taken into consideration is how close they are to playing in the NHL and how likely they are to play in the NHL. This is NOT a ranking of which players are the best if a game were to be held today.
Removed since last update: Daniil Chayka (Contract Terminated), Artur Cholach (Rights Expired), Isaiah Saville (Contract Expired)
When Connelly has been healthy enough to be on the ice, in a VGK, Providence, or Team USA jersey, he’s the undisputed best prospect in the Golden Knights’ system, and honestly, it’s not even close. The trouble has been keeping him healthy as he missed a portion of the college season at Providence, a chunk of the 2024 Development Camp, and the latter half of the World Junior Summer Showcase. It’s possible he misses Training Camp and maybe the beginning of the upcoming season as well.
More on Connelly
8/12/24 – Ranking: 1 – On the ice, Connelly looks every bit the part of a 1st round pick. He was terrific in his single scrimmage at Development Camp before picking up an injury that kept him out of the second one. His speed is noticeable in all three zones, he has poise with the puck, and his playmaking ability both shooting and passing, is excellent. Supposedly, there was some discussion of signing an ELC and heading to the WHL this season, but instead, he’ll go to Providence College. He is the clear blue-chip prospect in the VGK system at the moment; it’ll be up to him to continue on that path.
There’s a lot to like about the solidity of Sedoff’s game. He’s not the most flashy player, but he makes the right decision more often than not, he moves well, and he’s plenty big enough to survive at the NHL level. If the Golden Knights are in a pinch for a defenseman this year, don’t be surprised if Sedoff is the one who gets the call. He probably caps out as a third-pair stay-at-home type guy, but he’ll earn the trust of most coaches quickly, which goes a long way, especially for young guys.
More on Sedoff
8/12/24 – Ranking: 8 – Sedoff is a strong skating defenseman who is very good in front of the goal. He doesn’t contribute a ton of offense but his puck-moving skills, especially with his back to the play, are strong. He’ll look to tally his first professional goal this season after going goalless in 46 games in Henderson last season.
This is a big year for Cataford as it’ll be his first real test against true professional players. He’s done nothing but produce in the QMJHL, and he posted two points in four games at the end of the AHL season. He’s not overly impressive at any individual skill; he just finds ways to get the job done. There’s definitely some upside with his game, but there’s also a lot of volatility based on his below-average skating.
More on Cataford
8/12/24 – Ranking: 2 – What a year it was for Cataford. The well-rounded offensive weapon posted 40 goals and 90 points in 65 games en route to winning the league MVP in the high-scoring QMJHL. He then came to the Silver Knights for a few games at the end of the season and didn’t look completely out of place, recording two assists. In Development Camp there were times he looked like an offensive dynamo but also moments where his foot speed appeared to need improvement as he moved up in competition level This Summer he was dealt in the QMJHL for five picks including two 1st rounders to Memorial Cup hosts, Rimouski. He’ll play one more season in Juniors before leaping the AHL. Expect massive numbers this year once again.
10/5/23 – Ranking: 6 – Cataford is off to a blazing start in the Q, scoring six points in his first three games. Not unexpected, but he did not show much in Development Camp and did not play in the rookie games. He plays with a lot of energy and definitely seems like a complementary player as opposed to a true line driver, however, he’s still so young, so there’s tons of time to develop.
4) Jakob Ihs-Wozniak (F) Acquired: 2025 Entry Draft, 2nd Round, #55 overall Age: 18 (February 1, 2007) Most Recent Team: Lulea (Sweden) Previous Ranking: NR
The man from a land down under has an absolute cannon of a shot, and he’s not afraid to use it. He did not do a ton in his stint in the big leagues in Sweden, but few do at the age of 18. At junior levels and on the international stage, he’s scored goals and put up points like a 2nd round pick should. The challenge for him is going to be his compete level. At times, he has “disappeared” from games, especially big games, and that simply can’t happen once he arrives in North America.
5) Braeden Bowman (F) Acquired: Undrafted Free Agent (Signed March 2, 2025) Age: 22 (July 26, 2003) Most Recent Team: Henderson Silver Knights (AHL) Previous Ranking: NR
One of the more consistent players for the Silver Knights, Bowman impressed enough to earn an NHL contract. Maybe the best thing Bowman has going for him though is the way his teammates talk about him. Multiple players at Development Camp mentioned that he’s easy to play with and incredibly impressive on the ice. His AHL production slowed down at the end of the season a bit, which is concerning, but there was enough in the first half to believe he can continue to do it this year again.
The Golden Knights did not have a 1st round pick in the draft due to the Tomas Hertl trade. They entered the draft with six selections between the 2nd and 6th rounds. Here’s a quick rundown of what we know about each player selected by the Golden Knights in the 2025 NHL Draft.
TRADE – VGK have acquired #55 from Nashville for #58 and #122
2nd Round – #55 (from NSH) Selection: Jakob Ihs-Wozniak
A 6’2″ Australian-born forward from Luleå HF of the SHL, Ihs-Wozniak is a lanky offensive playmaker with an NHL quality shot. He played 13 games at the senior level of the SHL scoring one goal and one assist while spending most of his season with the U20 team where he scored 23 goals and 57 points in 40 games. He is the highest Australian-born player ever selected in the NHL Draft.
Ihs-Wozniak has a wide arsenal of different shots he can execute with precision and power, including catch-and-release wristers, in- stride releases, and one-timers. To complement the pure shooting prowess, he’s also one of the very best at finding scoring opportunities away from the puck, timing his movements to the slot and for rebounds and having a knack for playing off stronger playmakers. –EliteProspects Draft Guide
Ihs-Wozniak may not be one of the most popular names heading into the 2025 NHL Entry Draft, but he could end up being one of the most underrated forwards selected. He was criticized previously for his lack of physical play, but the 2024-25 season has shown his added physical involvement as well as an increase in offensive production. His defensive game has improved as the season goes on, and teams will likely value his ceiling as a potential offensive producer in the NHL. –TheHockeyWriters.com
TRADE – VGK have acquired #85 from Pittsburgh for #91 and #154
3rd Round – #85 Selection: Mateo Nobert
A playmaking, intelligent, and creative forward from Blainville-Boisbriand of the QMJHL. He scored 28 goals anf 67 points in 57 games last season.
Mateo Nobert is a highly skilled, play-driving offensive forward with a slender frame and a late birthdate, making him one of the younger players in the 2025 NHL Draft class. Nobert’s calling card is his elite puck skill, soft touch, and offensive instincts, especially with the puck on his stick in space or in transition. He excels at setting up teammates, has the vision to break down defensive coverages, and generates consistent Grade “A” looks. However, Nobert’s biggest challenge remains his underdeveloped frame — he is still physically immature and is often outmuscled in traffic and on puck retrievals. –NeutralZone.com
Nobert is a stocky centerman with a good set of wheels. He moves smooth and has fundamental (albeit not flashy) stickhandling that he uses to good effect in moving down the neutral zone. He has a good eye for plays on and off of the puck, and uses strong passing and smart positioning to control possession well. He engages physically, but needs to win his battles more often. But Nobert lacks a jump that’d elevate his game. He’s diligent and responsible, but seems one step shy of a translatable pro. Some teams love those kinds of upside bets in the later rounds – and his playmaking knack certainly warrants a selection. –RecruitScouting.com
6th Round – #186 Overall Selection: Alexander Weiermair
A “worker bee” style forward, Weiermair put up big numbers in the WHL with the Portland Winterhawks after a season and a half at the University of Denver. He scored 21 goals and added 46 assists in 41 games last season before tacking on another 23 points in 18 games in the playoffs.
His best attribute, by far, is his work ethic. It’s necessary, as there isn’t too much else marketable. He’s a start and stop player, which we like. The problem is that he’s not confident in committing to an action. He’ll support the rush, but hesitates himself out of the play – doesn’t drive the net as F2 and isn’t a great passing option.
Defensively, he’ll work right up until he gets to the point that he should be going through a player, making a hit, taking the puck, etc. and he stops short and then the puck carrier accepts the gifted time and space and keeps the play alive. Even when he does get the puck, it’s tough for him to get it off the wall and into the interior because he doesn’t boast much in terms of technical skill and offers little puck pose and even less deceptive qualities. –NHL Black Book
6th Round – #187 Overall (from WSH) Selection: Gustav Sjöqvist
A stay-at-home defenseman, Sjöqvist is most known for being big and physical. He played 39 games for AIK in the HockeyAllsvenskan in Sweden last season.
Sjöqvist’s strengths are mostly in his defensive capabilities. At 6-foot-3 and over 200 pounds, he uses his size and reach to kill plays early through calculated aggressiveness as a rush defender and pincher. –EliteProspects Draft Guide
