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Welcome to the August 2023 edition of the DobberProspects 32-in-32 Series. This month, we are diving into the depth of each organization, looking at their recent graduates, risers, fallers, and top-20 prospects.

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With training camp rolling around and “days with the Cup” in the books, the Golden Knights wrap up what has been a relatively quiet offseason. They did not make any major splashes in free agency, but they did make some necessary moves to remain competitive. Most notably, Vegas re-signed both Adin Hill and Ivan Barbashev, both of whom were key contributors to the Golden Knights’ playoff success in 2023, adding stability to an already formidable lineup.

Looking to the future, the Knights boast an array of forward prospects who show middle of the lineup upside including the likes of Matyas Sapovaliv and Brendan Brisson, while blueliners like Kaedan Korzcak and Lucas Cormier show a combination of special teams and bottom-four pairing potential on the backend. One area Vegas has improved markedly in recent years is organizational goaltending depth, which appears to be a strength again heading into 2023-24. Highlighted by the rising Carl Lindbom, who will be developing with Färjestad BK of the SHL in his native Sweden, the team hosts a collection of promising netminders who will look to climb the depth chart this season.

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Graduating Players 

Graduates To The NHL

Pavel Dorofeyev, LW/RW, AHL -> NHL  

The 22-year-old Russian played well alongside his peers at the NHL level last season, and it’s likely we see him make the jump to a full-time NHL depth piece this campaign. With “plug and play” versatility being a key element of last year’s championship win, expect to see Dorofeyev play top-nine minutes when he finds his way into Bruce Cassidy’s lineup this season.

Paul Cotter, LW, AHL -> NHL  

Cotter made the full time jump to the NHL last season, registering 13 goals in 55 games as a rookie on the back of a shooting percentage hovering just above 17%. He didn’t appear in the playoffs, but with less talent ahead of him on the wings this season, he’ll be looking to play more consistent minutes.

Graduates From Junior/NCAA To Pro

Jesper Vikman, G, WHL -> AHL

Named a WHL First Team All-Star in his Giants’ BC Division last season. Vikman made his professional debut this past spring with Henderson, and will likely begin his ELC this year at either Henderson or Savannah (ECHL).

Chris Sedoff , D, WHL -> AHL 

Like Vikman, Sedoff was also named a First Team All-Star in the WHL last season, his second year in a row taking home the honor. He signed as an undrafted free agent with Vegas this past spring, and will be looking to carry over some of the offense he showed at the end of his junior career to the professional ranks.

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Risers 

Jakub Brabenec
Putting up a strong showing with Czechia in the WJC, Brabenec excelled for Sherbrooke down the home stretch of last season. Having spent part of the offseason nursing an injury, time will tell whether the Knight choose to exercise his final year of junior eligibility or start him in the AHL.

Lukas Cormier
Arguably the most promising blueline prospect in the organization in terms of fantasy potential, Cormier had a strong rookie year in the AHL. Leading Henderson in points on the backend with 35 through 64 games, he will need to round out his defensive game to see time at the next level.

Carl Lindbom
Lindbom put up stellar numbers everywhere he played last season, backstopping Sweden at the WJC and posting a 1.86 GAA to take home both Rookie of the Year and Goalie of the Year honors in Sweden’s second tier HockeyAllsvenskan. He will make the jump to the SHL this year with Färjestad BK on loan from Vegas.

Fallers

Jackson Hallum
It was a disappointing first year at Michigan for the speedy Hallum, one where scoring opportunities often failed to translate to the scoreboard. Heading back to campus this fall, the Knights will hope to see him seize on the opportunity to play more impactful minutes with the Wolverines. It is unclear right now what role he may serve as a pro player, but one thing is for sure- he is a burner.

Ivan Morozov
The team still holds his rights for at least the next few seasons, but for now, Ivan Morozov has taken his talents back to Russia. Unfortunately, he failed to show them in his lone full season in North America, potting a meager six goals in 58 AHL games to match the fourth worst plus/minus (-22) in the league. He could still turn the ship around, or become a top line player back home, but either way the 2018 pick is trending away from NHL glory.

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Prospect Depth Chart

A combination of NHL readiness and upside.

Top 20 Prospects

Combining upside, readiness and fantasy relevance, here are the Knights top prospects entering 2023-23.

1. Brendan Brisson, C/LW 
2. Lukas Cormier, D 
3. David Edstrom, C
4. Carl Lindbom, G
5. Jakub Brabenec, C
6. Kaedan Korczak, D 
7. Arttu Karki, D
8. Matyas Sapovaliv, C
9. Mathieu Cataford, RW
10. Daniil Chayka, D
11. Daniil Miromanov, D/RW 
12. Jordan Gustafson, C
13. Jiri Patera, G
14. Ben Hemmerling, RW
15. Isaiah Saville, G
16. Jakub Demek, RW
17. Chris Sedoff, D
18. Jackson Hallum, LW
19. Patrick Guay, C/LW
20. Ivan Morozov, C

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Thanks for reading, fans! The season is fast approaching. Follow me on X @TD_Dobber for more!

Taylor Davis