William Karlsson

Reilly Smith

Mark Stone

Jack Eichel

Jonathan Marchessault

VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS

Meet the Golden Knights

2023 Golden Knights roster

By Mark Anderson Las Vegas Review-Journal

Get to know the 2022-23 Golden Knights that will try to make owner Bill Foley's "Cup in six" prediction a reality. They've assembled a deep group that's been able to weather storms of adversity throughout the season and return to the playoffs after the first miss in franchise history. It's a mix of familiar faces and new ones that have come together quickly for the common goal of winning it all.

VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS PROFILES

Learn a little more about the Golden Knights players by hovering or clicking on their bio boxes.

CENTERS

William
Karlsson

#71

Nicolas
Roy

#10

Chandler
Stephenson

#20

Jack
Eichel

Teddy
Blueger

#53

LEFT WINGS

William
Carrier

#28

Pavel
Dorofeyev

#16

Ivan
Barbashev

#49

Brett
Howden

#21

Paul
Cotter

#43

RIGHT WINGS

Keegan
Kolesar

#55

Reilly
Smith

#19

Mark
Stone

#61

Jonathan
Marchessault

#81

Michael
Amadio

#22

Phil
Kessel

DEFENSE

Nicolas
Hague

#14

Alec
Martinez

#23

Brayden
McNabb

Alex
Pietrangelo

Shea
Theodore

#27

Zach
Whitecloud

Ben
Hutton

#17

GOALIES

Logan
Thompson

#36

Laurent
Brossoit

#39

Adin
Hill

#33

Jonathan
Quick

#32

Team Pet

Goldie

Fish

VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS

WILLIAM
KARLSSON

Position: Center | Shoots: Left

Karlsson, nicknamed “Wild Bill,” was one of the Knights’ immediate success stories and quickly became a fan favorite. The speedy center scored 43 goals and 78 points the team’s inaugural season after mainly being a depth player early in his career. Karlsson hasn’t kept up that offensive pace in subsequent years, but he’s still been one of the Knights’ most valuable all-around players. He brings tremendous defensive value and is one of the best penalty killers in the NHL.

PERSONAL STATS

Born: Jan. 8, 1993
Height: 6 feet
Weight: 191 lbs
Draft: 2011, second round (53rd overall), Anaheim Ducks
Birthplace: Marsta, Sweden
Salary-cap hit: $5.9 million

JONATHAN
MARCHESSAULT

Position: Right Wing | Shoots: Right

Marchessault looms large in the Knights’ dressing room despite his short stature. The 5-foot-9 winger has been one of the team’s vocal leaders since he was selected from the Florida Panthers in the 2017 expansion draft. Marchessault is the Knights’ all-time leader in goals, assists and points but plays responsible defensively as well.

PERSONAL STATS

Born: Dec. 27, 1990
Height: 5 feet 9 inches
Weight: 180 lbs
Draft: Undrafted
Birthplace: Cap-Rouge, Quebec
Salary-cap hit: $5 million

NICOLAS
ROY

Position: Center | Shoots: Right

Roy was a surprise contributor during the Knights’ 2020 run to the Western Conference Final as a rookie. The big-bodied forward can play center or wing and has filled a variety of roles in the bottom six. He’s one of the team’s most consistent penalty killers as well. Roy’s offensive game has grown as he’s developed. He’s scored 69 points the past two seasons.

PERSONAL STATS

Born: Feb. 5, 1997
Height: 6 feet 4 inches
Weight: 205 lbs
Draft: 2015, fourth round (96th overall), Carolina Hurricanes
Birthplace: Amos, Quebec
Salary-cap hit: $3 million

CHANDLER
STEPHENSON

Position: Center | Shoots: Left

The Knights’ decision to trade for Stephenson on Dec. 3, 2019 is one of the best in franchise history. He was struggling to carve out a bottom-six role with the Washington Capitals when the move happened. Since then, he’s received tons of playing time in the Knights’ top six and earned a spot in the 2023 NHL All-Star game. Stephenson’s speed, vision and passing make him valuable in all situations.

PERSONAL STATS

Born: April 22, 1994
Height: 6 feet
Weight: 199 lbs
Draft: 2012, third round (77th overall), Washington Capitals
Birthplace: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Salary-cap hit: $2.75 million

WILLIAM
CARRIER

Position: Left Wing | Shoots: Left

Carrier, an original Golden Knight, has been a mainstay among the team’s bottom-six forwards. The speedy winger has been known for his grit and tenacity throughout his career more than his skill, but he scored a career-high 16 goals this season. He’s a former second-round pick the Knights took in the 2017 expansion draft from the Buffalo Sabres.

PERSONAL STATS

Born: Dec. 20, 1994
Height: 6 feet 2 inches
Weight: 218 lbs
Draft: 2013, second round (57th overall), St. Louis Blues
Birthplace: LaSalle, Quebec
Salary-cap hit: $1.4 million

KEEGAN
KOLESAR

Position: Right Wing | Shoots: Right

Kolesar made the Knights out of training camp after playing his first NHL game the previous season. His calling card is his gritty, physical game but he’s shown he’s got some offensive pop as well. Kolesar scored 20 goals in the American Hockey League in the 2018-19 season.

PERSONAL STATS

Born: April 8, 1997
Height: 6 feet 2 inches
Weight: 217 lbs
Draft: 2015, third round (69th overall), Columbus Blue Jackets
Birthplace: Brandon, Manitoba
Salary-cap hit: $725,000

REILLY
SMITH

Position: Right Wing | Shoots: Left

Smith has been one of the Knights’ key players since being acquired in an expansion draft trade. The understated right wing doesn’t receive nearly as much attention as some of his other teammates, but he’s been a fixture in the top six since the inaugural season. Smith brings speed, strong defense and good offensive tools every time he steps on the ice. He’s one of the best penalty killers in the NHL and also helps out on the power play.

PERSONAL STATS

Born: April 1, 1991
Height: 6 feet 1 inch
Weight: 182 lbs
Draft: 2009, third round (69th overall), Dallas Stars
Birthplace: Mimico, Ontario
Salary-cap hit: $5 million

MARK
STONE

Position: Right Wing | Shoots: Right

Stone became the first captain in Knights’ history before the 2021 season. The honor was well-earned after he became the team’s emotional leader after being acquired from the Ottawa Senators before the 2019 trade deadline. Stone is one of the NHL’s top two-way forwards and brings passion and intensity every time he steps on the ice. He’s one of the league’s top passers and makes everyone on the ice with him better. The only thing holding him back in recent years has been health. Stone has had two back surgeries since May.

PERSONAL STATS

Born: May 13, 1992
Height: 6 feet 3 inches
Weight: 202 lbs
Draft: 2010, sixth round (178th overall), Ottawa Senators
Birthplace: Winnipeg, Manitoba
Salary-cap hit: $9.5 million

NICOLAS
HAGUE

Position: Defenseman | Shoots: Left

Hague made his NHL debut in 2019 after being one of the Knights’ most prized prospects. He was taken early in the second round in 2017 because players with his blend of size and offensive instincts don’t come around often. Hague has since established himself as an NHL regular. He brings a lethal one-timer (which has teammates refer to as a “Haguerbomb”) on offense and uses his length to disrupt plays on defense.

PERSONAL STATS

Born: Dec. 5, 1998
Height: 6 feet 6 inches
Weight: 230 lbs
Draft: 2017, second round (34th overall), Golden Knights
Birthplace: Kitchener, Ontario
Salary-cap hit: $2.294 million

ALEC
MARTINEZ

Position: Defenseman | Shoots: Left

Martinez has fit the Knights like a glove since coming over from Los Angeles before the 2020 trade deadline. The steady veteran makes smart plays, takes care of the puck and has a strong one-timer on the power play. He’s also one of the NHL’s best shot blockers. Martinez has experienced plenty of success in his career. He won two Stanley Cups with the Kings, and scored the winning goal in double overtime during Game 5 of the 2014 Final.

PERSONAL STATS

Born: July 26, 1987
Height: 6 feet 1 inch
Weight: 209 lbs
Draft: 2007, fourth round (95th overall), Los Angeles Kings
Birthplace: Rochester Hills, Michigan
Salary-cap hit: $5.25 million

BRAYDEN
MCNABB

Position: Defenseman | Shoots: Left

McNabb has been a stalwart defender for the Knights since arriving from the Los Angeles Kings in the 2017 expansion draft. He’s often tasked with defending the opposing team’s top forwards both at five-on-five and on the penalty kill. He tends to make life uncomfortable for opponents, especially when delivering one of his crushing hip checks. His steady play makes him one of the Knights’ unsung heroes.

PERSONAL STATS

Born: Jan. 21, 1991
Height: 6 feet 4 inches
Weight: 216 lbs
Draft: 2009, third round (66th overall), Buffalo Sabres
Birthplace: Davidson, Saskatchewan
Salary-cap hit: $2.85 million

ALEX
PIETRANGELO

Position: Defenseman | Shoots: Right

Pietrangelo was the most expensive free-agent signing in Knights’ history when he signed a seven-year deal Oct. 12, 2020. His hefty price tag was well earned. Pietrangelo established himself as one of the best two-way defensemen in the NHL during his 12 years in St. Louis, the last four of which he spent as the Blues’ captain. He led the franchise to its first Stanley Cup in 2019, and he’s trying to do the same thing with the Knights.

PERSONAL STATS

Born: Jan. 18, 1990
Height: 6 feet 3 inches
Weight: 210 lbs
Draft: 2008, first round (fourth overall), St. Louis Blues
Birthplace: King City, Ontario
Salary-cap hit: $8.8 million

SHEA
THEODORE

Position: Defenseman | Shoots: Left

Theodore kept growing each season with the Knights after being acquired in an expansion trade until he became one of the most fearsome defenseman in the NHL. The former-first round pick has a combination of skating and stickhandling ability that’s almost unmatched on the back end. He’s able to create transition opportunities on his own either by dancing around opponents or firing pristine passes to his teammates.

PERSONAL STATS

Born: Aug. 3, 1995
Height: 6 feet 2 inches
Weight: 195 lbs
Draft: 2013, first round (26th overall), Anaheim Ducks
Birthplace: Langley, British Columbia
Salary-cap hit: $5.2 million

ZACH
WHITECLOUD

Position: Defenseman | Shoots: Right

Whitecloud was a college free-agent find for the Knights coming out of Bemidji State in Minnesota. He carved out a role for himself as a rookie in 2019-20 thanks to his heady play and poise beyond his years. Whitecloud isn’t the flashiest player, but he also rarely makes a mistake. It didn’t take long for him to win the trust of his coaches.

PERSONAL STATS

Born: Nov. 28, 1996
Height: 6 feet 2 inches
Weight: 211 lbs
Draft: Undrafted
Birthplace: Brandon, Manitoba
Salary-cap hit: $2.75 million

LOGAN
THOMPSON

Position: Goalie | Catches: Right

Thompson has had a remarkable rise since signing an entry-level contract with the Knights in July 2020. He made his debut March 10, 2021, becoming the first goalie that’s played Canadian college hockey to appear in an NHL game since 1994. Thompson didn’t stop there. He started out as the Knights’ No. 1 this season and was named an NHL All-Star as a rookie. Lower-body injuries have kept him from the crease since.

PERSONAL STATS

Born: Feb. 25, 1997
Height: 6 feet 4 inches
Weight: 201 lbs
Draft: Undrafted
Birthplace: Calgary, Alberta
Salary-cap hit: $766,667

Adin
Hill

Position: Goalie | Catches: Left

Hill joined the Knights in an offseason trade with San Jose when Robin Lehner’s hip injury made goaltending depth a priority. He served as the team’s backup for most of the season, but played well in his limited opportunities to be a No. 1. Hill’s primary asset is his size. He fills up the net and makes it difficult for opponents to find holes to shoot at

PERSONAL STATS

Born: May 11, 1996
Height: 6 feet 4 inches
Weight: 215 lbs
Draft: 2015, third round (76th overall), Arizona Coyotes
Birthplace: Comox, British Columbia
Salary-cap hit: $2.175 million

Jonathan
Quick

Position: Goalie | Catches: Left

The Knights added Quick, a two-time Stanley Cup winner with the Los Angeles Kings, as extra goaltending insurance before the trade deadline. He’s one of the best American goaltenders in NHL history, but also one of the most unorthodox. He’s relied on an aggressive, athletic style in his career that would never appear in a goaltending textbook but certainly got results. He’s likely to be the Knights’ backup in the playoffs.

PERSONAL STATS

Born: Jan. 21, 1986
Height: 6 feet 1 inches
Weight: 220 lbs
Draft: 2005, third round (72nd overall), Los Angeles Kings
Birthplace: Milford, Connecticut
Salary-cap hit: $5.8 million

Laurent
Brossoit

Position: Goalie | Catches: Left

Brossoit joined the Knights as a free agent in 2021 after spending three years backing up Connor Hellebuyck in Winnipeg. The veteran’s first season with his new team was cut short by injury, and he was placed on waivers early this year while recovering from hip surgery. Brossoit came back better than ever to earn the No. 1 job down the stretch. He’s calm and composed in net, reading plays out patiently before trying to make a save.

PERSONAL STATS

Born: March 23, 1993
Height: 6 feet 3 inches
Weight: 204 lbs
Draft: 2011, sixth round (164th overall), Calgary Flames
Birthplace: Port Alberni, British Columbia
Salary-cap hit: $2.325 million

Michael
Amadio

Position: Right Wing | Shoots: Right

Amadio’s been an impressive find for the Knights as a waiver pickup. The right wing has enough skill to play higher in the lineup, and he’s improved in puck battles along the boards as well. He scored a career high goal last season after being claimed by the Knights on Oct. 30, 2021. Then he went out and bettered that this year by banking 16. His secondary scoring has been crucial.

PERSONAL STATS

Born: May 13, 1996
Height: 6 feet 1 inch
Weight: 204 lbs
Draft: 2014, third round (90th overall), Los Angeles Kings
Birthplace: Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario
Salary-cap hit: $762,500

Ivan
Barbashev

Position: Left Wing | Shoots: Left

The Knights brought in Barbashev before the trade deadline in a deal with the St. Louis Blues. He fit the exact profile they were looking for in a forward: A tough, versatile inside presence that can play anywhere in the lineup. Barbashev was on the Blues’ fourth-line when they won the Stanley Cup in 2019, but he has enough pop to skate in the top six as well. He’s been a smooth fit with the Knights since arriving.

PERSONAL STATS

Born: December 14, 1995
Height: 6 feet 1 inch
Weight: 195 lbs
Draft: 2014, second round (33rd overall), St. Louis Blues
Birthplace: Moscow, Russia
Salary-cap hit: $2.25 million

Teddy
Blueger

Position: Center | Shoots: Left

Blueger’s calling card has been his defense through his career so far. The center can handle difficult matchup and is also a top-tier penalty-killing forward. He suits the way coach Bruce Cassidy wants to play. Blueger has been in and out of the lineup since being acquired by the Knights before the trade deadline from the Pittsburgh Penguins. It’s not that he’s been struggling, it’s more a sign of the team’s depth.

PERSONAL STATS

Born: August 15, 1994
Height: 6 feet
Weight: 185 lbs
Draft: 2012, second round (52nd overall), Pittsburgh Penguins
Birthplace: Riga, Latvia
Salary-cap hit: $2.2 million

Paul
Cotter

Position: Center | Shoots: Left

Cotter is a speedy, gregarious rookie that’s brought the Knights’ locker room plenty of energy this season after making the team out of training camp. The left wing used his silky-smooth hands to score 13 goals this season, the second-most by a first-year player in franchise history. Cotter is still working on his decision making and defensive details, which often left him on the bench down the stretch.

PERSONAL STATS

Born: Nov. 16, 1999
Height: 6 feet 2 inches
Weight: 212 lbs
Draft: 2018, fourth round (115th overall), Knights
Birthplace: Canton, Michigan
Salary-cap hit: $760,000

Pavel
Dorofeyev

Position: Left Wing | Shoots: Left

Dorofeyev gave the Knights a jolt when he was inserted into the lineup March 12 against St. Louis. He scored seven goals in his next 10 games to make his case for a regular role in the playoffs. The left wing’s game has developed nicely in the past few years. He’s improved his pace of play, and is more willing to fight for inside ice in the offensive zone. Those improvements have paired nicely with his natural talent to form a productive player.

PERSONAL STATS

Born: Oct. 26, 2000
Height: 6 feet 1 inches
Weight: 194 lbs
Draft: 2019, third round (79th overall), Knights
Birthplace: Nizhny Tagil, Russia
Salary-cap hit: $925,000

Jack
Eichel

Position: Center | Shoots: Right

Eichel was added in a blockbuster trade with Buffalo on Nov. 5, 2021. The center is a transcendently talented hockey player, one who went second overall in the 2015 draft behind only Connor McDavid. Eichel’s smooth stride, long reach and impressive vision are all standout traits that make him lethal in transition. He’s also worked hard to improve his defensive game this season, which makes him one of the Knights’ most valuable players.

PERSONAL STATS

Born: Oct. 28, 1996
Height: 6 feet 2 inches
Weight: 207 lbs
Draft: 2015, first round (second overall), Buffalo Sabres
Birthplace: North Chelmsford, Massachusetts
Salary-cap hit: $10 million

Brett
Howden

Position: Left Wing | Shoots: Left

Howden is a former first-round pick the Knights acquired in a July 2021 trade with the New York Rangers. The 25-year-old is a fast bottom-six penalty killer, but he’s flashed some skill in his limited opportunities higher up in the lineup. He’s scored 33 points in 101 games for the Knights the last two seasons.

PERSONAL STATS

Born: March 29, 1998
Height: 6 feet 3 inches
Weight: 200 lbs
Draft: 2016, first round (27th overall), Tampa Bay Lightning
Birthplace: Calgary, Alberta
Salary-cap hit: $1.5 million

Ben
Hutton

Position: Defenseman | Shoots: Left

Hutton, an upbeat, happy-go-lucky personality, joined the Knights as a free agent last season. He’s since filled an important role as the team’s go-to seventh defenseman. The Knights are comfortable turning to the veteran whenever an injury arises on the blue line. He plays a responsible game in his own end, and can contribute offensively when opportunities arise.

PERSONAL STATS

Born: April 20, 1993
Height: 6 feet 3 inches
Weight: 201 lbs
Draft: 2012, fifth round (147th overall), Vancouver Canucks
Birthplace: Brockville, Ontario
Salary-cap hit: $850,000

Phil
Kessel

Position: RIGHT WING | Shoots: Right

Kessel, one of the all-time characters in recent NHL history, joined the Knights as a free agent this summer. The two-time Stanley Cup winner proceeded to set the NHL record for consecutive games played with the team in October. Kessel has long been a standout offensive player, with 413 goals and 992 points to his name. He’s found a comfortable role on the Knights’ third line with center Chandler Stephenson.

PERSONAL STATS

Born: Oct. 2, 1987
Height: 5 feet 11 inches
Weight: 208 lbs
Draft: 2006, first round (fifth overall), Boston Bruins
Birthplace: Madison, Wisconsin
Salary-cap hit: $1.5 million

Goldie

Motto: Glub Knights Glub

PERSONAL STATS

Hometown: Las Vegas, NV
Height: 1.8 inches
Length: 3.2 inches
Weight: 0.7 lbs
Favorite temperature: 70 degrees Fahrenheit
Preferred pH Level: 6.8
Favorite Tank Ornament: Victory Flamingo
Twitter handle: @VGKFish
Favorite food: Fish flakes (honorable mention - pizza from MacKenzie River Pizza, Grill, & Pub)
Hobbies: Swimming, going glubbing, shopping at The Arsenal at City National Arena

Meet the Golden Knights

VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS PROFILES

CENTERS

LEFT WINGS

RIGHT WINGS

DEFENSE

GOALIES

Team Pet

WILLIAM KARLSSON

PERSONAL STATS

JONATHAN MARCHESSAULT

PERSONAL STATS

NICOLAS ROY

PERSONAL STATS

CHANDLER STEPHENSON

PERSONAL STATS

WILLIAM CARRIER

PERSONAL STATS

KEEGAN KOLESAR

PERSONAL STATS

REILLY SMITH

PERSONAL STATS

MARK STONE

PERSONAL STATS

NICOLAS HAGUE

PERSONAL STATS

ALEC MARTINEZ

PERSONAL STATS

BRAYDEN MCNABB

PERSONAL STATS

ALEX PIETRANGELO

PERSONAL STATS

SHEA THEODORE

PERSONAL STATS

ZACH WHITECLOUD

PERSONAL STATS

LOGAN THOMPSON

PERSONAL STATS

Adin Hill

PERSONAL STATS

Jonathan Quick

PERSONAL STATS

Laurent Brossoit

PERSONAL STATS

Michael Amadio

PERSONAL STATS

Ivan Barbashev

PERSONAL STATS

Teddy Blueger

PERSONAL STATS

Paul Cotter

PERSONAL STATS

Pavel Dorofeyev

PERSONAL STATS

Jack Eichel

PERSONAL STATS

Brett Howden

PERSONAL STATS

Ben Hutton

PERSONAL STATS

Phil Kessel

PERSONAL STATS

Goldie

PERSONAL STATS

WILLIAM
KARLSSON

JONATHAN
MARCHESSAULT

NICOLAS
ROY

CHANDLER
STEPHENSON

WILLIAM
CARRIER

KEEGAN
KOLESAR

REILLY
SMITH

MARK
STONE

NICOLAS
HAGUE

ALEC
MARTINEZ

BRAYDEN
MCNABB

ALEX
PIETRANGELO

SHEA
THEODORE

ZACH
WHITECLOUD

LOGAN
THOMPSON

Adin
Hill

Jonathan
Quick

Laurent
Brossoit

Michael
Amadio

Ivan
Barbashev

Teddy
Blueger

Paul
Cotter

Pavel
Dorofeyev

Jack
Eichel

Brett
Howden

Ben
Hutton

Phil
Kessel