The Vegas Golden Knights are no strangers to bold moves, and their offseason haul has them squarely in the Stanley Cup contention. After a hot summer that began by acquiring Mitch Marner in a sign-and-trade blockbuster with the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Golden Knights have reloaded a roster that just might have a Stanley Cup pedigree.
But the Western Conference is loaded.
Let’s cut to the chase: Vegas is lighting the strip with +850 odds to win it all, putting them in league with Edmonton and Colorado among the top contenders. That’s no fluke. General manager Kelly McCrimmon didn’t sit idle after a disappointing second-round exit last spring. The Marner deal — shipping Nicolas Roy to Toronto while inking the star winger to an eight-year, $96 million extension — injects elite playmaking into a lineup hungry for another ring. Marner, coming off a 27-goal, 75-assist campaign, pairs perfectly with Jack Eichel and Mark Stone, forming a “Big Three” that could terrorize defenses. If you’d prefer to work online instead of placing the bets in person, the dabbler promo code is available.
Depth was the offseason priority, and Vegas delivered. They snagged forward Colton Sissons and defenseman Jeremy Lauzon for added grit, bolstering a blue line anchored by Alex Pietrangelo and Shea Theodore. Up front, Tomas Hertl and William Karlsson provide secondary scoring, while goaltender Adin Hill returns as the backbone after a solid .915 save percentage last year. The Knights’ strength lies in their versatility — a mix of speed, skill, and physicality that thrives in playoff hockey. They’ve won once since entering the league in 2017 and reached the final in their debut season. Experience matters, and this group has it in spades.
But here’s the reality check: The path isn’t paved in gold. Marner’s playoff history — just 13 goals in 70 games — raises eyebrows, especially in a high-pressure market like Vegas. The Western Conference is a gauntlet, with Edmonton led by Connor McDavid, Dallas’ defensive lockdown, and Colorado’s Nathan MacKinnon-led resurgence. Salary cap gymnastics could bite if injuries hit, and the Knights’ reliance on veterans like Stone (age 33) means health is key. Last season’s 98-point finish was good but not dominant; they’ll need to eclipse 105 to claim a top seed.
Still, don’t count them out. McCrimmon’s aggressive style — trading picks and prospects for proven talent — mirrors the franchise’s DNA. With Marner alleviating Eichel’s load and a deeper bench, Vegas projects as a 107.5-point team, per oddsmakers. Playoff odds sit at -1100, all but guaranteeing postseason action.
In the end, the Golden Knights’ chances hinge on finding chemistry with Marner and a few clutch goals this year wouldn’t hurt, either. Marner’s fresh start in the desert could be the spark, turning potential into silver. If they stay healthy and gel early, another parade down the Strip isn’t far-fetched. But in the NHL’s parity era, it’s a long grind from October to June. Vegas has the tools; now it’s about execution.