Golden Knights Sign Star First-Round Pick to Entry-Level Contract

The 2025 NCAA Hockey Tournament is down to their Frozen Four, which means it’s the season of prospects turning pro. On Tuesday, the Vegas Golden Knights announced that they signed their 2024 first-round draft pick, Trevor Connelly, to a three-year entry-level contract. 

Connelly, selected 19th overall, is the top prospect in the Golden Knights’ system. His freshman collegiate season ended last Friday when the Denver Pioneers eliminated the Providence Friars from the 2025 NCAA Hockey Tournament. Connelly battled injuries this season but scored four goals and recorded nine assists in 23 NCAA games.

Connelly was a member of the U.S. National Junior Team that took home gold in the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship. He ended that tournament with a goal and three assists in seven games. 

Connelly is a talented left winger with a deep toolbox. He’s a smooth skater, fast, and has great hands. He can score and has a deceptive release, but it’s his playmaking that makes him such an intriguing prospect. His unique combination of vision and creativity allows him to consistently make plays that very few players his age can see, let alone make. 

Because of their aggressive tendency to go all-in, the Golden Knights have never had a prospect like Connelly. In February, Scott Wheeler of The Athletic released his drafted prospects ranking and listed Connelly at 37. He’s widely projected as an NHL top-six forward. 

Connelly’s contract doesn’t kick in until next season, so he won’t play with the Golden Knights this year. However, he signed an ATO and can play in the AHL with the Henderson Silver Knights for their remaining eight games. Their next game is scheduled for Friday against the Coachella Valley Firebirds.