Will Golden Knights enjoy more success in year two?
The Las Vegas Golden Knights had the best first season of any expansion team in the history of the major North American sports. What is in store for Las Vegas as it gears up for year two?
Las Vegas Golden Knights Stanley Cup Odds
According to oddsmakers, Las Vegas has 12/1 odds to win the Stanley Cup for the 2018-19 season after falling to the Washington Capitals in the finals last year. The Tampa Bay Lightning have the best odds at 7/1, while the Maple Leafs come in at 9/1. Three other teams are set at 10/1, while Las Vegas plus two other teams are at 12/1. A full list is available on our NHL Future Odds Page.
Karlsson still looking for extension
Center William Karlsson proved to be one of the Golden Knights’ most integral players last season as he finished with 43 goals and 35 assists in the regular season. He did the opposite of disappearing in the playoffs as he racked up a solid seven goals and eight assists over 20 games. He was one of the most surprising players on the roster as he had scored only six goals the season before as a member of the Blue Jackets. But Las Vegas has an important decision to make as the 25-year-old is due for a new contract and if it doesn’t want to risk losing him in free agency, an extension has to be discussed in the upcoming months.
Fleury extended, Stasny signed
Las Vegas has not rested on its laurels this offseason as goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury received a three-year extension after the best year of his career, often carrying the Golden Knights and also benefitting from a fantastic defensemen unit in front of him. He should be poised for another big year and now he has his future certain with the contract thoughts behind him. Las Vegas also signed veteran forward Paul Stastny, who is a proven distributor and goal scorer. He joins a group that has no shortage of talent and potential, but might have overachieved some last season so any additional help is welcomed.
Prediction:
While Las Vegas should certainly qualify for the playoffs again next year and might even be a top four seeed, it’s hard to imagine it gets out of the Western Conference for a second straight trip to the Stanley Cup Finals. The Eastern Conference might be more loaded, but the Golden Knights still have to deal with the likes of the Predators plus the Jets or any team that was bounced by Las Vegas and is looking for some postseason revenge. A bet on the Golden Knights to win the Western Conference is set at 9/2, which I won’t talk you out of but it will be difficult. But I would be shocked if Las Vegas wins the Stanley Cup, so I’d look elsewhere for that bet.