The Vegas Golden Knights are heading into an important period with the NHL Draft and free agency upon us. Here’s a look at their recent draft activity, potential free agency targets, and other news surrounding the team.

2025 NHL Entry Draft

The Golden Knights made four selections at the 2025 NHL Entry Draft held at L.A. Live's Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. Without a first-round pick due to the Tomas Hertl trade, the team focused on adding depth and skill in later rounds. General Manager Kelly McCrimmon emphasized a strategy of prioritizing quality over quantity, aiming to move up in the draft to secure players they highly valued.

Here’s a rundown of their picks:

• Jakob Ihs-Wozniak (Forward, Round 2, 55th overall): An Australian-born forward who played for Luleå HF in Sweden, Ihs-Wozniak is known for his offensive playmaking and NHL-caliber shot. In the 2024-25 season, he recorded 57 points (23 goals, 34 assists) in 40 games with Luleå HF J20. He also won the Le Mat Trophy in the SHL Championship.
• Mateo Nobert (Forward, Round 3, 85th overall): Nobert is a standout from the QMJHL who won gold with Team Canada White.
• Alexander Weiermair (Forward, Round 6, 186th overall): Weiermair played for the Portland Winterhawks in the WHL. He contributed to the Winterhawks' journey to the WHL Western Conference Championship, amassing 23 points (10 goals, 13 assists) in 18 postseason games. He previously played in the NCAA with the University of Denver, winning the NCAA National Championship in 2023-24.
• Gustav Sjoqvist (Defenseman, Round 6, 187th overall): A Swedish defenseman from AIK in HockeyAllsvenskan, Sjoqvist is a physical player with a strong defensive game. He recorded 7 points (3 goals, 4 assists) in 39 games during the 2024-25 season.

Free Agency Focus

As free agency approaches on July 1, the Golden Knights are expected to be active in the market. With a projected increase in the salary cap, the team has more financial flexibility to pursue key players. One potential target is right winger Mitch Marner, considered the top free agent available. Other free agents that the Golden Knights could show interest in include Brad Marchand, Nikolaj Ehlers and Brock Boeser.

Roster and Development Camp

The Vegas Golden Knights announced the roster and schedule for the 2025 Development Camp, which is being held from June 30 to July 3 at City National Arena. The camp provides an opportunity for young players and prospects to develop their skills and integrate into the Golden Knights organization. Development Camp participants will also team up with Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada to prepare and serve meals for those in need.

Prospect Pool

The Golden Knights have been known to trade prospects and draft picks in their pursuit of immediate success. However, they still have some promising prospects in their system. Trevor Connelly, selected in the first round of the 2024 NHL Draft, is considered a potential top-six forward. Other notable prospects include Lukas Cormier, Brendan Brisson, and Matyas Sapovaliv.

Other News

• The Golden Knights will participate in the 2025 Rookie Showcase in Colorado in September, facing off against top prospects from the Colorado Avalanche and Utah.
• Jack Eichel, Golden Knights forward, has been named to the 2026 U.S. Olympic Men's Ice Hockey Team.
• The VGK Foundation continues to support the Las Vegas community, awarding grants to local charities and raising funds through raffles.

As the Golden Knights move forward, the combination of strategic drafting, targeted free agency acquisitions, and continued development of their prospect pool will be key to maintaining their competitiveness in the NHL.