Grading the Golden Knights’ 2026 Draft Class

The Vegas Golden Knights entered the 2026 NHL Entry Draft without a first-round pick; however, they quickly changed that. General manager Kelly McCrimmon made a trade that saw Pavel Dorofeyev head to the New York Rangers in exchange for the 26th-overall and 92nd-overall picks in the 2026 Draft and a 2028 conditional first-round pick. McCrimmon and his scouting staff have done a good job over the years of finding value in later-round picks that fit the organization’s identity.

This year’s class was particularly defense-heavy, with three blueliners selected among Vegas’ first five picks and four defensemen overall. The Golden Knights also added depth down the middle, a skilled winger and a goaltending prospect. While none of these players are considered franchise-altering, several have an interesting upside that could pay off down the road.

Juho Piiparinen, Defense — Grade: A-

Vegas’ draft began by selecting defenseman Juho Piiparinen, a player whose mobility and two-way instincts make him a good addition to the pipeline. Piiparinen’s skating ability allows him to close gaps quickly and transition the puck efficiently, both traits that have become increasingly valuable in today’s NHL.

The Golden Knights have consistently prioritized defensemen that are capable of moving the puck and supporting offense, and Piiparinen fits that picture. If his offensive game continues to develop, he could become one of the better parts of Vegas’ draft class.

Benjamin Wilmott, Center — Grade: B+

Vegas selecting Benjamin Wilmott addressed an organizational need for additional depth down the middle. He is seen as a smart, dependable center who plays a responsible two-way game and can be used in all situations.

While he doesn’t possess elite offensive upside, the Golden Knights have had success developing players with strong hockey sense and versatility. Wilmott projects as the kind of player who could eventually become a middle-six forward or a valuable depth center.

Sean Burick, Defense — Grade: B

With the selection of Sean Burick, Vegas doubled down on their desire to add defensive depth. Burick brings size and physicality to the blue line, giving the organization a prospect with a bit of a different skillset than Piiparinen.

His development path may take longer, but the Golden Knights have shown patience with their defensive pipeline previously. If Burick can improve his puck-moving abilities and continue to refine his defensive game, he could turn into a reliable stay-at-home defenseman at the NHL level.

Jonah Siverston, Right Wing — Grade: B+

Jonah Siverston may end up being one of the more interesting picks in this draft class. The right winger possesses offensive instincts and has shown an ability to create scoring chances, giving Vegas a prospect with good upside.

The Golden Knights’ prospect pool can always use additional scoring talent, and Siverston offers just that. His consistency and all-around game need refinement, but the potential is there for him to become a productive offensive contributor.

Will McLaughlin, Defense — Grade: B

Will McLaughlin’s game is built around reliability and defensive awareness, traits that often earn players a chance in professional hockey. While he doesn’t have the highest ceiling among Vegas’ picks, every organization needs prospects that are capable of becoming dependable depth options. McLaughlin projects as that kind of player.

Matthew Minchak, Goalie — Grade: B

Teams can never have too many goalies in their system; they tend to take longer to develop and hone in their game, which can make them hard to project. Vegas addressed their need for a goalie by selecting Matthew Minchak. Taking a chance on a netminder with upside in the later rounds is typically worth the gamble.

Noel Pakarinen, Left Wing — Grade: A-

This was an interesting pick that feels like it could turn out to be valuable in the long run. Noel Pakarinen, a Finnish left-winger brings skill and offensive creativity to the Golden Knights’ organization. His game appears well-suited to the fast, aggressive attack style of hockey that the team likes to play. His ceiling may turn out to be higher than where he was selected, making him an exciting addition to the prospect pool. If his offensive game continues to mature, there is a chance this could be one of the best picks Vegas made this year.

Final Grade: B

With McCrimmon barely squeezing into acquiring a first-round pick, it seemed as if the plan was to always find their value in the later rounds. They accomplished that and more with their selections in this year’s draft, adding various skillsets, and strengthening their depth in all three categories: forward, defense and goaltending.

While this class may not generate immediate headlines, it feels very in line with how Vegas has built their prospect system over the years. The organization targeted players with projectable NHL traits and long-term upside. If even two or three players eventually become NHL contributors, the Golden Knights can look back on this as a successful draft to round out the 2025-26 season.