The Vegas Golden Knights have made their final cuts, and one of the biggest winners could be a player who has spent the past two years waiting for this opportunity.
Vegas placed Jonas Rondbjerg, Alexander Holtz, Tanner Laczynski, Ville Heinola and Antti Tuomisto on waivers Sunday, leaving the roster all but settled heading into opening night. If they clear, they are expected to report to Henderson.
That move appears to clear the path for top prospect Trevor Connelly to make his NHL debut Tuesday against the Chicago Blackhawks.
The 20-year-old forward has not produced a point during three preseason games, but that hasn't stopped him from making an impression. Connelly recorded seven shots, saw time on the second power-play unit and continued to survive every round of cuts.
More importantly, this is the first time Connelly has had a real opportunity to show what he can do with the organization since Vegas selected him in the first round in 2024. Injuries kept him out for the previous two years, making this training camp a particularly important one.
Coach Ryan Craig believes Connelly has been checking the right boxes.
“He's checking boxes for the first time,” Craig said, highlighting the progress the young forward has made during camp.
There is also an interesting wrinkle involving Raphael Lavoie. The 26-year-old is expected to occupy the 13th forward spot, although he has been day-to-day after leaving a preseason game with an undisclosed injury. Lavoie scored once in his only preseason appearance and led Henderson with 30 goals last season.
That leaves Vegas with an intriguing situation heading into opening night.
Connelly doesn't need to dominate immediately. He simply needs to show that the organization was right to give him this chance after such a long wait.
After two lost seasons, Tuesday could finally mark the beginning of the Trevor Connelly era in Vegas.
Will Trevor Connelly stay with the Golden Knights for the entire season?
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