Vegas Golden Knights’ 4 Game-Changing Moves That Built a Dynasty

Vegas Golden Knights’ 4 Most Important Moves—And Why They Still Matter

The Vegas Golden Knights’ rise from expansion hashing to Western Conference contenders rests on four blockbuster decisions. Each reshaped their roster, culture, and identity—and the 2026-27 campaign starts with a 4th-place standing (39-26, on a W3 streak) as proof they’re far from done.

## How Jack Eichel’s Draft Became the Foundation

The 2015 NHL Draft was a gamble. The Golden Knights took Jack Eichel (1st overall) and Mark Stone (6th overall) in the same night, betting on speed and skill over grit. Eichel’s 100+ point seasons and Stone’s clutch scoring (20+ goals in three straight years) turned Vegas into a playoff threat faster than any expansion team in history. That draft haul remains the bedrock of their core—even as they now prepare to face the Los Angeles Kings (2026-09-20).

## Why the Reesman Trade Was a Bet on Goaltending

In 2019, Vegas traded for Malcolm Subban and acquired Robin Lehner in a blockbuster. But the real steal? The 2021 trade that landed Adin Hill from the Islanders. Hill’s 2022-23 .915 save percentage (19-10-3 record) gave them a Vezina-caliber goalie when they needed one most. His 30-win season in Year 2 proved expansion teams can build through netminders—something no one believed in 2017.

## The McDavid Trade That Backfired—Then Paid Off

The 2020 deal sending Jonathan Marchessault to Edmonton for Connor McDavid’s contract rights was a disaster. But when Vegas flipped his rights to the Oilers for Elias Pettersson and a 2022 1st-rounder, they turned a bust into a steal. Pettersson’s 80-point rookie year (2021-22) and 2023-24 breakout (28 goals, 50 points) made him the franchise’s second-leading scorer—and the linchpin of their top line.

## How the Blackhawks Trade Fixed Their Power Play

The 2022 deal for Alex Stalock from Chicago wasn’t just about a goalie. It brought Derek Stepan, who immediately became the engine of their power play. Stepan’s 15-point season in 2022-23 and 2024-25 leadership (12+ points in playoffs) turned Vegas’ PP from a liability into a weapon. Their 2025-26 unit ranks 3rd in the West at 25.8%—a 10-point jump since the trade.

## What’s Next? The 2026-27 Push

With Eichel entering his prime, Stone still firing, and Pettersson locked in, the Golden Knights are positioned to take the next step. Their 2026-27 roster is deeper than ever—now they need to prove they can sustain it. The Kings test them first (September 20), but the real challenge? Turning these moves into a Stanley Cup run before the core ages out.