Golden Knights Own A First Round Pick, But Will They Keep It?

The Vegas Golden Knights’ commitment to hanging onto their 2024 first-round draft seems comical considering the disdain they have shown for first round picks in their short history.

They owned six first round picks from 2017 to 2019, and traded two of those picks and dealt the players drafted with the other four picks. From 2018 to 2023, they traded two first-round picks and the players drafted with three other first-round picks.

Brendan Brisson (2018) is the only player chosen in the first round who is still with the organization.

Even while they were telling teams they would not move this year’s first round pick (because the NHL draft is in Vegas), they managed to deal their 2025 and 2026 first rounders in the Noah Hanifin and Tomas Hertl trades.

But they will give their fans a chance to cheer for someone on Friday, June 28 when they draft 19th overall.  Based on rankings, the Golden Knights should be able to secure the rights to a quality prospect. That’s important because the franchise doesn’t have much coming in the pipeline,

Here are desirable players who might be available when the Golden Knights are up:

Chicago Steel center Michael Hage (USHL)

Bleacher Report’s mock draft pegs the 6-foot-1 forward going to the Golden Knights. He’s a two-way center with plenty of creativity. Hage posted 33 goals and 75 points in 54 games. Hage made a commitment to the University of Michigan.

Windsor Spitfires right wing Liam Greentree (OHL)

The MyNHLdraft.ccom crew puts him with Vegas. He put up 33 goals and 90 points for Windsor this season.

Tri-City Storm left wing Trevor Connolly (USHL)

Respect TSN analyst has Connolly rated 20th overall. He’s a dynamic performer who uses his skill and speed effectively. He’s a California native who is going to Providence next season. Connolly is an entertaining player.

Oshawa Generals right wing Beckett Sennecke (OHL)

He has the potential to be a top six scoring winger. He put up 27 goals and 68 points in 63 games.