(Credit: Sportsnet)

As Training camp opened, Golden Knights fans were teased with a fresh-looking lineup for the 2025-26 season. Of course, nothing is permanent this early into camp, but the sneak peek has Vegas fans eagerly waiting for the first official puck drop of the season.

So, now that we’ve seen all three sessions, here’s the first look at the lineup:

Barbashev-Eichel-Marner
Smith-Karlsson-Stone
Saad-Hertl-Dorofeyev
Howden-Sissons-Kolesar

McNabb-Theodore
Hanifin-Whitecloud
Lauzon-Korczak

Hill
Schmid

— SinBin.vegas (@SinBinVegas) September 18, 2025

With the addition of superstar right-wing Mitch Marner inserted into their top six, Vegas is primed for another competitive, division-winning regular season. The Golden Knights ended the season with the 5th most goals in 2024-25 and should match or exceed that mark with the alignment of players released this week. Some would like to see William Karlsson and Reilly Smith matched up with Marner, while others are already penciling in 30 goals for Ivan Barbashev.

No matter how the lineup is drawn up, coach Bruce Cassidy will have multiple effective options with the stars he’s blessed to have on his club. Some fans believe the coach’s roster is so talented that they may never lose.

In eight regular seasons, the Golden Knights have averaged 249.25 goals per year. Sure, the numbers were a little askew with the two shortened seasons, but overall, Vegas has had no problems scoring since they entered the league. So how many could the newly assembled team score in 2025-26?

We’re both going to have to shoot it. I think we’re both going to get some good opportunities. We’ve got to be comfortable in the areas to not be afraid to shoot. Barby’s going to be around the net hunting those pucks, so just try to get it around there. – Mitch Marner

If we use simple math, Barbashev’s goal total should rise. He averages 18 per season, but he’s slightly above his career average since becoming a Knight. If he gets paired with Eichel and Marner, anything less than 25 will be a disappointment. In fact, if he’s not performing while on the top line, there’s a strong chance Cassidy bumps Barbashev down for one of his other wingers who are capable of scoring. Just look at the options on the current third line. Most of Vegas’ wings would surpass their career bests besides Eichel and Marner.

Dorofeyev is better on the right. So he can’t be on the same line with Stone. Karlsson and Smith are very good together and they seemed to like the chemistry of Saad, Hertl, Dorofeyev

— SinBin.vegas (@SinBinVegas) September 18, 2025

When you add in Eichel’s career averages, it’s fair to think his goal total will increase, and his assists total could decrease. If that scenario plays out this season, the bench, Cassidy, and the fanbase would be ecstatic. If the top line collects 25+ from Barbashev and 40+ from Eichel, Marner won’t have to force shots he is uncomfortable with.

Man this season’s going to be fun. See you first home game bring our daughter for her first game ever from New Zealand

— Joel Ireland (@ZackWolf__) September 18, 2025

So, when you add Marner’s 28 goals per season average with the total of goals expected by Barbashev and Eichel, you’re talking about one of the highest scoring lines in the NHL.

And we haven’t even discussed the middle six yet.