Top prospects for Vegas Golden Knights

NHL.com is providing in-depth prospect analysis for each of its 32 teams from Aug. 1-Sept. 1. Today, the top five prospects for the Vegas Golden Knights, according to NHL.com.

1. Trevor Connelly, F

How acquired: Selected with the No. 19 pick in the 2024 NHL Draft

2025-26 season: Henderson (AHL): 46 GP, 14-35-49

When Connelly had 13 points (four goals, nine assists) in 23 games for Providence College in 2024-25, Vegas director of player development Wil Nichol told the speedy, skilled forward he would be better when he played with better players.

"I think that's the mark of really high-end hockey players," Nichol said.

Connelly then produced a point per game with Henderson in his first full professional season.

"We didn't have anybody like him in Henderson, and we haven't had anybody like him in Henderson," Nichol said. "He's a hard-working kid. He's really gotten after it in the weight room. You have to kick him off the ice. So, yeah, I'm not surprised he had the season that he had."

The Golden Knights hope that principle extends to the NHL for the 20-year-old (6-foot-1, 175 pounds).

"I think he's that type of kid, that when he's around better players, his game just elevates," Nichol said.

Projected NHL arrival: 2026-27

2. Juho Piiparinen, D

How acquired: Selected with the No. 29 pick in the 2026 NHL Draft

2025-26 season: Tappara (Finland): 29 GP, 0-3-3

At 17, Piiparinen played 29 games for a championship team in Finland's top professional league. He seemed older than his years on and off the ice when he visited Vegas this summer.

"Boy, he can pass the puck -- hard, flat, under pressure, on the tape," Nichol said. "Moves well. He's strong. I mean, I had to kind of remind myself he was only 17 years old when he was at our development camp, and he's very young yet. He's very mature. ... Yeah, he's going to be a fun one to work with. In a lot of ways, I feel like he's already a pro."

Piiparinen (6-1, 201), who turned 18 on Aug. 10, will start this season with Tappara, but London of the Ontario Hockey League owns his North American junior rights, and the Golden Knights want to make sure he's playing a role that will help him develop.

"If he is playing the right minutes and everything (with Tappara), great," Nichol said. "But if he's not, the London Knights are obviously sitting there waiting, and that would be a great spot for him as well."

Projected NHL arrival: 2028-29

3. Carl Lindbom, G

How acquired: Selected with the No. 222 pick in the 2021 NHL Draft

2025-26 season: Vegas (NHL): 8 GP, 2-4-2, 3.00 GAA, .873 SVP; Henderson (AHL): 35 GP, 24-5-5, 2.16 GAA, .926 SVP

Lindbom was one of the top goalies in the American Hockey League last season, and the 23-year-old could see more NHL time this season.

"We're really comfortable that he's ready to be a good No. 3 goaltender in our organization," Vegas general manager Kelly McCrimmon said.

At 6-1, 186 pounds, Lindbom relies on hockey sense and athleticism.

"When you're 6-1, you have to be so precise with your movements," Nichol said. "You have to read the play so much better than someone who's 6-5 because the margin for error is so small. So, his hockey sense is through the roof. His ability to read plays is incredible. He's got great hand-eye coordination. He smothers rebounds. He moves well. Like, he's got it all.

"He's athletic, and he's a fierce competitor. I wasn't surprised that he had the big year, and I'm not going to be surprised if he has another big one this year."

Projected NHL arrival: 2026-27

4. Kai Uchacz, F

How acquired: Signed as free agent

2025-26 season: Vegas (NHL): 3 GP, 0-0-0; Henderson (AHL): 68 GP, 20-31-51

Uchacz is a great story that could get even better.

Undrafted, he signed an AHL contract with Vegas. In his second professional season, he was an alternate captain for Henderson, produced strong numbers and earned his first taste of the NHL.

Vegas coach Ryan Craig coached Henderson the past three seasons and knows what the 23-year-old (6-2, 206) can do.

"He's a big, strong two-way center," Nichol said. "He can really shoot the puck. Plays a 200-foot game. He's tough. If you need someone to police it a little bit and fight, he's able to do that. But he's another one. He's a wonderful kid."

Projected NHL arrival: 2026-27

5. Matyas Sapovaliv, F

How acquired: Selected with the No. 48 pick in the 2022 NHL Draft

2025-26 season: Henderson (AHL): 72 GP, 18-17-35

Sapovaliv played all but one of Henderson's games over the past two seasons, and he took a step forward with 19 points (11 goals, eight assists) in 71 games in 2024-25. The 22-year-old (6-4, 204 pounds) also had three assists in four games during the 2026 Calder Cup Playoffs.

"His durability is something that's really good, especially the way he plays," Nichol said. "He did get a little dinged up in the playoffs but still played and played well. He was a plus-5 in the four games.

"He has good offensive ability, and he's starting to find it. He can shoot the puck. He can make plays. He's very good net-front on the power play, but he's so good defensively. He's such a good penalty killer. He's a really good 200-foot center."

Projected NHL arrival: 2026-27