A player that will be a focus of the defense is Ivan Barbashev. Ivan Barbashev 8-year NHL vet that starts at fwd and is 195 lbs. A product of Russia, he was born on December 14, 1995 and is 6-1. With a shooting rate of 17.4%, Barbashev has attempted to put the puck past the net 678 times over the course of his career. Brendan Brisson is another player that defenses will have to keep an eye on. Brendan Brisson is rostered as a 6-0 fwd that weighs 191 pounds and hails from the United States. He comes in as a 1-year NHL veteran that has a birthdate of October 22, 2001 and is 23 years old. In addition, Pavel Dorofeyev is a player that should keep your interest. Being born on October 26, 2000, Pavel Dorofeyev shows up as the fwd, while he’s a 3-year vet in pro hockey. The Russia born player weighs in at 194 pounds and stands 6-1.
2024-25 Vegas Golden Knights Roster
| Player | Nation | Pos | Age | Hgt | Wgt | Exp | Birth |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ivan Barbashev | ru | F | 29 | 6-1 | 195 | 8 | December 14, 1995 |
| Brendan Brisson | us | F | 23 | 6-0 | 191 | 1 | October 22, 2001 |
| Pavel Dorofeyev | ru | F | 24 | 6-1 | 194 | 3 | October 26, 2000 |
| Jack Eichel | us | F | 28 | 6-2 | 207 | 9 | October 28, 1996 |
| Nicolas Hague | ca | D | 26 | 6-6 | 230 | 5 | December 5, 1998 |
| Noah Hanifin | us | D | 28 | 6-3 | 207 | 9 | January 25, 1997 |
| Tomas Hertl | cz | F | 31 | 6-3 | 215 | 11 | November 12, 1993 |
| Adin Hill | ca | G | 28 | 6-6 | 215 | 7 | May 11, 1996 |
| Alexander Holtz | se | F | 23 | 6-0 | 195 | 3 | January 23, 2002 |
| Brett Howden | ca | F | 26 | 6-2 | 203 | 6 | March 29, 1998 |
| Ben Hutton | ca | D | 31 | 6-3 | 201 | 9 | April 20, 1993 |
| Keegan Kolesar | ca | F | 27 | 6-2 | 217 | 5 | April 8, 1997 |
| Kaedan Korczak | ca | D | 24 | 6-3 | 202 | 3 | January 29, 2001 |
| Brayden McNabb | ca | D | 34 | 6-4 | 215 | 12 | January 21, 1991 |
| Victor Olofsson | se | F | 29 | 5-11 | 181 | 6 | July 18, 1995 |
| Tanner Pearson | ca | F | 32 | 6-1 | 201 | 11 | August 10, 1992 |
| Alex Pietrangelo | ca | D | 35 | 6-3 | 215 | 16 | January 18, 1990 |
| Nicolas Roy | ca | F | 27 | 6-4 | 202 | 7 | February 5, 1997 |
| Ilya Samsonov | ru | G | 27 | 6-3 | 217 | 5 | February 22, 1997 |
| Cole Schwindt | ca | F | 23 | 6-2 | 182 | 2 | April 25, 2001 |
| Mark Stone | ca | F | 32 | 6-3 | 217 | 12 | May 13, 1992 |
| Shea Theodore | ca | D | 29 | 6-2 | 197 | 9 | August 3, 1995 |
| Zach Whitecloud | ca | D | 28 | 6-2 | 207 | 6 | November 28, 1996 |
The Vegas Golden Knights were established in 2017 as the 31st team in the National Hockey League (NHL). As the first major professional sports team based in Las Vegas, they were founded by Bill Foley and George McPhee, both sports enthusiasts. Their introduction furthered the citys ambition to be recognized as a vibrant sports hotspot. The path to creating the Golden Knights began with the Expansion Draft, which took place in Buffalo in June 2017. The team had the right to select players from other NHL teams who were no longer under contract. The process saw the Golden Knights add 30 players, creating the foundation of their team. This was a strategic move, providing them with a solid roster to build upon. Despite their status as an expansion team, the Golden Knights surprised everyone with their performance in their inaugural 2017-2018 season. Under the guidance of coach Gerard Gallant and led by star players like William Karlsson, Jonathan Marchessault, and James Neal, they put up an remarkable 51-24-7 record. In just their first season, they reached the Stanley Cup Finals, demonstrating great potential and raw talent. On top of their remarkable performance on the ice, the Golden Knights became a symbol of strength and resilience during their first season. The tragic shooting in Las Vegas, just a month before their opening game, hit close to home for the team. They chose to use the tragic event as a rallying cry, while supporting the victims and their families. The team’s commitment to the community and the city of Las Vegas earned them a place in the hearts of fans around the world. Since their inception, the Vegas Golden Knights have been marked by standout moments and impressive performances. Some highlights include: **The Roaring Record:** In their first season, the Golden Knights posted a 51-24-7 record, which is one of the best records ever posted by an expansion team. They also lead their division. **Cup Run**: In their debut season, they reached the Stanley Cup Finals. Though they ultimately lost to the Washington Capitals, they created a name for themselves as an irresistible force to be reckoned with. **Memorable Milestones**: Many players have made their mark on the team’s history, scoring significant milestones in their time with the Golden Knights. For example, William Karlsson achieved a career-high 43 goals in the 2017-2018 season, and Marc-Andre Fleury became the first goalie to record ### A Star Driven: Marc-Andre Fleury: The Heart of the Golden Knights Marc-Andre Fleury, fondly known as “Flower,” has served not just as the Golden Knights’ backbone but also a symbol of leadership and resilience. A three-time Stanley Cup champion, he brought with him a wealth of hockey experience after leaving the Pittsburgh Penguins. Despite initially facing skepticism due to his age, Fleury proved his worth to the team and fans alike. His outstanding performances in the team’s inaugural season – culminating in the playoffs – are testament to his skill and dedication. Moreover, his warmth and kindness towards fans also played a significant role in shaping the Golden Knights’ identity. His compassionate response to the tragedy that struck Las Vegas in October 2017 and his continued involvement in community initiatives further endeared him to the team’s supporters. Also, his humor and good-natured character have made him an invaluable figure in the dressing room, fostering a great team spirit. The Vegas Golden Knights have come a long way since their inception in 2017. From a standing start, they have successfully carved a path in the competitive world of National Hockey League. More importantly, they have evolved into an emblem of courage and inclusivity, offering hope and solace to a community devastated by tragedy. Such is the power and potential of sports. Beyond entertainment and competition, it can serve as a unifying force, rallying players and supporters alike towards a common goal. The story of the Vegas Golden Knights beautifully encapsulates this spirit, proving that when given the right opportunity, even the most unlikely of circumstances can lead to inspiring triumphs.
