2025-26
Record: 39-26-17, 95 points, 1st in Pacific Division
Playoffs: Lost to Carolina in the Stanley Cup Final
Key Losses
Head Coach – John Tortorella (Contract Expired), F – Pavel Dorofeyev (Trade w/ NYR), G – Akira Schmid (Trade w/ FLA), D – Kaedan Korczak (Trade w/ PIT), F – Cole Smith (CHI), F – Colton Sissons (TOR), F – Keegan Kolesar (Trade w/ DET)
Key Additions
Head Coach – Ryan Craig (Promoted), D – Parker Wotherspoon (Trade w/ PIT)
2026-27 Preview
Looking for Redemption… Kind of
For the Vegas Golden Knights, the word “redemption” is not necessarily one that many would associate with the organization given some of its decisions and the way it has conducted business. The signing of goaltender Carter Hart, along with the organization’s handling of media questions surrounding the signing, raised significant concerns and drew criticism. The continued presence of Brett Howden has also generated scrutiny, particularly following the emergence of text messages connected to the 2018 Canada sexual assault case, leading many to question his judgment and character.
The situation surrounding Bruce Cassidy also left a sour taste for many. The Golden Knights fired Cassidy with just eight games remaining in the regular season, only to retain restrictions on his ability to interview with other teams while Vegas remained in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The decision and the way the situation unfolded generated additional criticism surrounding how the organization handled its former head coach.
From the Golden Knights’ perspective, however, redemption will ultimately be measured on the ice. After reaching the Stanley Cup Final and falling to the Carolina Hurricanes in six games, Vegas enters the 2026-27 season with one objective: finish the job. Returning to the Stanley Cup Final would be an accomplishment, but for a team with championship aspirations, simply getting back there will not be enough.
The Golden Knights have built a roster designed to compete for championships, and they will have an opportunity to put the controversies and disappointments of the past behind them by winning another Stanley Cup. For Vegas, true redemption will come only when they are once again hoisting the Cup.
Can the Knights Duplicate Their 2025-26 Season Success?
For the Golden Knights, the 2026-27 season will begin with some significant changes to the lineup and behind the bench. The biggest change comes at head coach, where Ryan Craig has been promoted to take over the position. Craig’s promotion was reportedly part of the organization’s original plan after John Tortorella took over for Bruce Cassidy with eight games remaining in the 2025-26 regular season.
Vegas also made several changes to its roster during the offseason, including trading young forward Pavel Dorofeyev to the New York Rangers. The Golden Knights also moved on from defensemen Kaedan Korczak and forward Keegan Kolesar through trades, creating additional openings within the lineup.
Despite the changes, the expectations in Vegas remain the same. The Golden Knights reached the Stanley Cup Final last season and came within six games of winning another championship. Now, with a new head coach and a reworked roster, the organization will look to build on that success and make another run at the Stanley Cup.
For Vegas, the ultimate goal is not simply to return to the Final—it is to finish the job this time around.
Projected Lineup
Offense
Ivan Barbashev — Jack Eichel — Mark Stone
Brett Howden — William Karlsson — Mitch Marner
Victor Olofsson — Tomas Hertl — Braeden Bowman
Alexander Holtz — Nic Dowd — Marc Gatcomb
Defense
Brayden McNabb — Shea Theodore
Noah Hanifin — Rasmus Andersson
Parker Wotherspoon — Jeremy Lauzon
Goalies
Carter Hart
Adin Hill
Scratches/LTIR
Alex Pietrangelo (LTIR – Hip)