Prospects in the Vegas Golden Knights system used the season to their advantage as their development toward becoming NHL players progressed. For the six players drafted by the Golden Knights in the virtual 2021 NHL Draft, the year has brought them opportunities to show what they can do.
Zach Dean, Forward, Gatineau Olympiques (QMJHL)
Dean was selected in the first round (30th overall) by the Golden Knights in 2021 and returned to Gatineau for his third season in Quebec's top junior hockey league. After posting 20 points (10G, 10A) in 23 games in his draft year, Dean put up a career-high 52 points (21G, 31A) in 47 games and added seven points (2G, 5A) in seven playoff games.
Daniil Chayka, Defenseman, Guelph Storm (OHL)
The Golden Knights drafted Chayka (pictured) in the second round (36th overall) in 2021 and saw the young defenseman take steps in his third season in the Ontario Hockey League. Chayka spent his draft year in Russia during the 2020-21 season that was heavily impacted by COVID-19 and returned to Guelph for his third season with the Storm for 2021-22. He posted 39 points (7G, 32A) in 53 games before being assigned to the Henderson Silver Knights at the end of the season.
Jakub Brabenec, Forward, Charlottetown Islanders (QMJHL)
Brabenec spent his first full season in North America in 2021-22 after being selected in the fourth round (102nd overall) by Vegas. He showed his comfort in coming over from Czechia as he posted 64 points (17G, 47A) in 58 games and another 19 points (5G, 14A) in Charlottetown's 15-game postseason run. Brabenec played with fellow VGK prospect Lukas Cormier as both players clicked at better than a point-per-game.
Jakub Demek, Forward, Edmonton Oil Kings (WHL)
Demek is the lone player drafted by Vegas in 2022 whose season is still going as the Edmonton Oil Kings forward is skating in the 2022 Memorial Cup. The 2022 fourth round pick (128th overall) came over from Slovakia for his first season in North America as he notched 54 points (20G, 34A) in 55 regular season games. Demek has 17 points (5G, 12A) in 19 playoff games as he and the Oil Kings continue to pursue junior hockey's top crown.
Artur Cholach, Defenseman, Barrie Colts (OHL)
Drafted by Vegas in the sixth round (190th overall) in 2021, Cholach suited up for his first season of major junior hockey with the Barrie Colts. In 56 games, the Lviv, Ukraine native had 13 points (1G, 12A) and added an assist in six playoff games.
Carl Lindbom, Goalie, Djurgardens IF (Sweden)
Lindbom was Vegas' seventh round selection (222nd overall) in 2021 and remained in Sweden for the 2021-22 season. The young goaltender spent most of his time with Djurgardens IF in the J20 Nationell league where he had a 13-6-0 record in 19 apperances. Lindbom played in one game for Djurgardens in the SHL as he made his debut in Sweden's top professional league. On a seven-game load with Vasterviks IK in Hockey Allsvenskan, Lindbom posted a 5-2-0 record.
