Glass ready for next step with Golden Knights

LAS VEGAS -- Cody Glass is focused on becoming a better leader.
That's an ambitious goal for Glass, a 19-year-old center prospect and the first selection in Vegas Golden Knights history, taken with the No. 6 pick in the 2017 NHL Draft. But he considers refining his leadership as a good starting point in his continuing development to reach the NHL.

"I remember when I came in [to development camp last year], [Golden Knights forward] Alex Tuch was a guy who came into camp. He didn't have to come in, but he did," Glass said. "I'm just trying to have that leadership role. Obviously, it's scary for the young guys. I know it was for myself."
Glass completed his second development camp with the Golden Knights on June 30, after a season when the Winnipeg native had 102 points (37 goals, 65 assists) in 64 games in his third season with Portland of the Western Hockey League.
Because he's under 20, Glass is ineligible to play in the American Hockey League this season, so he must return to the WHL if he does not make the Vegas roster.

"Obviously, I have that mindset of making [the Golden Knights] this year," Glass said. "I feel with this [upcoming] training camp, it's more of a development curb for me. You obviously want to make a good first impression. I feel like I've improved over the year."
At this time last year, Glass was one of many new faces skating at the Las Vegas Ice Center trying to make a good impression to general manager George McPhee. Glass, along with Vegas' other two 2018 first-round selections - center Nick Suzuki (No. 13) and defenseman Erik Brannstrom (No. 15) - has given the Golden Knights further reason to believe their future is bright, fresh off their run to the Stanley Cup Final last season.
"The difference coming from an 18-year-old to a 19-year-old … he's coming in with that much more confidence," Golden Knights assistant coach Ryan Craig said. "His body is starting to develop more strength. If he keeps trending upward in a way with much more progression, he'll be fine."
Glass said he weighs 188 pounds, nine more since the end of the WHL season. He said his confidence has grown at the same time and said he hopes that translates to his second Vegas training camp.
"You try to be the best you can be and always have a positive attitude," Glass said. "My hope is that it pays off."
Video courtesy of Vegas Golden Knights