Summer Coolers – Vegas Golden Knights

The Vegas Golden Knights may finally be changing their philosophy. After a 95-point regular season, a late coaching change sparked an incredible run to the Stanley Cup Final, where Vegas ultimately fell to Carolina. Now Ryan Craig takes over behind the bench, Pavel Dorofeyev is gone, six draft picks have been acquired through offseason moves, and an organization famous for chasing every available star appears ready to put more emphasis on player development. Neil Smith and Vic Morren examine whether Vegas can build for tomorrow while still competing today.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[00:00:00] Vegas finishes with 95 points as its offense, defense and power play all decline from the previous season.

[00:00:35] Bruce Cassidy is dismissed with eight games remaining and John Tortorella takes over, immediately guiding Vegas to a 7-0-1 finish.

[00:01:00] The Golden Knights beat Utah and Anaheim in six games each before sweeping Colorado to reach the Stanley Cup Final.

[00:01:20] Vegas leads Carolina 2-1 in the Final before dropping three straight and falling short of another championship.

[00:01:40] Ryan Craig replaces Tortorella after three seasons coaching Vegas’ AHL affiliate in Henderson, becoming the franchise’s first head coach without previous NHL head-coaching experience.

[00:02:00] Vic sees a possible philosophical change. Vegas has always operated in win-now mode, but this offseason suggests a greater emphasis on recovering draft capital.

[00:02:30] Neil points out how few truly homegrown players Vegas has developed, with Pavel Dorofeyev representing one of the rare examples.

[00:03:00] An aging roster and a thin prospect cupboard may finally have convinced Kelly McCrimmon and George McPhee that development has to become a priority.

[00:03:30] Craig’s promotion fits that strategy perfectly after developing players within the Henderson organization.

[00:04:00] Tortorella’s departure surprises Neil because his results were outstanding, but Vegas appears committed to its homegrown coaching choice.

[00:04:20] The biggest personnel loss is Dorofeyev, who is traded to the Rangers for 2026 first- and third-round picks plus a conditional 2028 first.

[00:04:40] Dorofeyev scored 72 goals over his final two Vegas seasons and added 12 during the playoff run, leaving a substantial offensive hole.

[00:05:00] Akira Schmid, Kaedan Korczak, Keegan Kolesar, Cole Smith and Colton Sissons are also among the notable departures.

[00:05:25] Vegas acquires six draft picks through its offseason player moves, another indication that the organization may be changing direction.

[00:06:00] Rasmus Andersson remains a major veteran commitment after receiving a seven-year, $8.5 million-per-season deal.

[00:06:20] Neil questions the contract following Andersson’s postseason performance, while acknowledging Vegas has historically never been afraid to pursue major names.

[00:07:00] Neil believes the Golden Knights may finally recognize they cannot continue “buying players” indefinitely without replenishing the organization.

[00:07:20] Jeremy Lauzon, Tanner Laczynski and Dylan Coghlan return, while Victor Olofsson and Mark Gatcomb are among the outside additions.

[00:07:40] Trevor Connelly becomes a prospect to watch after producing 49 points in 46 games for Henderson.

[00:07:50] Goaltender Carl Lindbom and forward Ben Hemmerling could also become part of Vegas’ next wave.

[00:08:00] The central question becomes how Craig replaces Dorofeyev’s offense and what kind of system he installs in his first NHL season.

For nearly its entire existence, Vegas has operated with one philosophy: go for it. This offseason suggests an adjustment. The Golden Knights still have a veteran roster capable of competing, but they’re collecting picks, promoting from within and finally emphasizing development. As Neil puts it, Vegas may now be trying to “build as they go for it.”