The Vegas Golden Knights’ 2024 Rookie Camp is officially underway, marking the start of the NHL season for the team’s top prospects. Presented by Martin-Harris Construction, the camp begins on Thursday, September 12, at City National Arena. This year’s camp gives fans a preview of the future stars who could eventually join the main Golden Knights roster. The practices are free to the public, offering a unique opportunity for fans to observe the rookies in action.
After the opening sessions, the rookies will head to Los Angeles for the 2024 Rookie Faceoff, a showcase tournament running from September 13 to 16. This event will feature prospects from the Anaheim Ducks, Colorado Avalanche, San Jose Sharks, Seattle Kraken, Utah Hockey Club, and the host team, Los Angeles Kings. It’s a pivotal chance for these young athletes to demonstrate their abilities in competitive matchups against other top prospects.
Top Players to Watch
Matyas Sapovaliv
Drafted 48th overall in 2022, Sapovaliv had an impressive season with the Saginaw Spirit in the OHL, scoring 62 points over 54 games. He played a crucial role in helping the Spirit win their first Memorial Cup Championship. Internationally, Sapovaliv represented Czechia in the 2024 World Junior Championship, scoring three goals and one assist over seven games and securing a bronze medal.
Mathieu Cataford
Selected 77th overall in the 2023 NHL Draft, Cataford signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Golden Knights. His time in the QMJHL with the Halifax Mooseheads was nothing short of exceptional, tallying 211 points over 195 games. Cataford was named QMJHL MVP after an outstanding final season in Halifax, where he posted 90 points in 68 games.
Jakub Brabenec
A promising forward, Brabenec was drafted 102nd overall in 2021. Known for his playmaking ability, he helped Czechia secure a silver medal in the 2023 World Junior Championship. In the AHL, he continued to hone his skills with the Henderson Silver Knights, playing 48 games last season.
Carl Lindbom
The 222nd overall pick in 2021, Lindbom is a standout goaltender who shined during the 2023 World Junior Championship with Sweden. He recorded a .914 save percentage and a 2.64 GAA. His performances in the SHL, with a .911 save percentage, have made him one of the top prospects to watch this season.
Jesper Vikman
Drafted 125th overall in 2020, Vikman has shown consistent improvement in the WHL and AHL. During his 2023-24 season with the Henderson Silver Knights and Savannah Ghost Pirates, Vikman recorded several wins and has proven to be a reliable presence in goal.
What’s at Stake
For these prospects, Rookie Camp is more than just a training session—it’s their chance to earn a spot in the NHL. Players like Sapovaliv, Cataford, and Lindbom are vying to prove their readiness to join the ranks of the Vegas Golden Knights. Coaches and management will be paying close attention, as this camp could determine their future within the organization.
Vegas Golden Knights 2024 Rookie Camp Schedule
- Thursday, September 12
Practice, 10 a.m. PT (City National Arena) - Friday, September 13
Golden Knights vs. Los Angeles Kings, 7 p.m. PT (Toyota Sports Performance Center) - Saturday, September 14
Practice, 1:45 p.m. PT (Toyota Sports Performance Center) - Sunday, September 15
Golden Knights vs. Seattle Kraken, 1 p.m. PT (Toyota Sports Performance Center) - Monday, September 16
Golden Knights vs. Utah Hockey Club, 12:30 p.m. PT (Toyota Sports Performance Center)
Disclaimer:
The information presented in this article is based on available data and current events around the time of publication, to the best of our staff research and knowledge. It is intended for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as professional advice, financial advice, sports betting advice, or life advice. It is simply our best guess, something to add to your research. We at Las Vegas Top Picks do our best to get stories accurate, but sometimes mistakes and biases happen, and it is always good to double-check other sources and media outlets to confirm stories and the factual details. The opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the overall opinion of Las Vegas Top Picks.
