Golden Knights 

By: Mike Rifkin

The Vegas Golden Knights have had a rich history since their inception in 2017. Now they will be making their second appearance in the Stanley Cup Final. Jonathan Marchessault and Reilly Smith have become cogs in the lineup for Vegas since the expansion draft; both players were acquired from the Florida Panthers, who Vegas will play in the Stanley Cup Final. 

Marchessault scored 30 goals for the Panthers in 2016-17. The Panthers left Marchessault unprotected in the expansion draft, and Vegas took advantage of the situation. Since becoming a member of the Golden Knights, Marchessault has 348 points in 432 games. Marchessault also has 30 goals and 63 points in 83 games in the playoffs as a member of the Golden Knights. 

The Knights also traded for Reilly Smith for a 2018 fourth-round pick. Since joining the Golden Knights, Smith has 286 points in 399 games played. Smith also has 16 goals and 62 points in 83 career playoff games for Vegas. Marchessault and Smith are a combined +53 in the playoffs for Vegas. 

Marchessault and Smith are in the top five for the Golden Knights in games played, goals, points, Plus Minus, Power Play Goals, and game-winning goals. Yes, it’s a short history for the Vegas Golden Knights, but Marchessault and Smith have been important players for the franchise as it looks to win its first Stanley Cup against the team that let both players go.