The long awaited and highly anticipated return of 32 thots has arrived. The next 5 teams will include shockers and ones that many will probably not agree with. The 23^rd team features Joe Bast's Las Vegas Golden Knights. The Golden Knights are having a brutal season. They are currently 6^th in the Pacific Division with a 21-37-2 record. Offense is a major weakness, as they rank 27^th in goals per game (2.4 GF), despite having a top-tier power play (23.53%, 6^th overall), which suggests they struggle heavily at even strength.

Defensively, things aren’t much better—allowing 3.32 goals per game (24^th overall) and sitting dead last in penalty killing (75.39%, 30^th overall). Their inability to shut down opposing power plays has been a massive Issue, leading to consistent defensive collapses.

Forwards:

• Key Players: Adam Fantilli, Matthew Beniers, Jesper Boqvist, Cam Atkinson, Brendan Gallagher
• Depth Players: Zemgus Girgensons, Bobby McMann, Tanner Pearson, Morgan Barron, Noah Gregor
• Scratched Players: Tye Kartye

Grade: B

Your forward core is strong and built for the future, led by Adam Fantilli and Matthew Beniers, two of the best young centers in the game. Jesper Boqvist, Cam Atkinson, and Brendan Gallagher provide strong two-way play and leadership.

Your depth is solid, but not elite—players like Tanner Pearson and Morgan Barron are serviceable but not difference-makers. Tye Kartye could develop into a solid contributor, but you still lack a high-end, elite scoring winger to complement your centers.

THOTS: Your team is built around two future stars, but you need a game-breaking winger to maximize their potential.

Defense:

• Key Players: Bowen Byram, Simon Edvinsson, Braden Schneider
• Depth Players: Jonas Siegenthaler, Brian Dumoulin, Kaiden Guhle, Oliver Ekman-Larsson

Grade: B

Your defensive group is one of your biggest strengths. Bowen Byram and Simon Edvinsson are future top-pairing defensemen, while Braden Schneider brings a strong two-way presence.

Your depth is strong with Jonas Siegenthaler and Kaiden Guhle, both reliable defensive options. Brian Dumoulin and Oliver Ekman-Larsson provide veteran experience, though they are past their prime.

THOTS: You have an excellent mix of young, high-potential defensemen and steady veterans.

Goaltending:

• Goalies: Yaroslav Askarov, Daniel Vladar, Jet Greaves
• Scratched Goalies: Brandon Bussi, Cale Morris

Grade: B

Yaroslav Askarov is one of the best goaltending prospects in the world, and if he develops as expected, he will be a franchise-changing goalie. Daniel Vladar is a reliable backup or short-term starter, while Jet Greaves is still unproven.

THOTS: If Askarov reaches his potential, you will have elite goaltending for years.

Prospect Pool:

• Top Prospects: Conor Geekie, Kasper Halttunen, Otto Stenberg, Nick Lardis
• Other Notable Prospects: Fabian Lysell, Brennan Othmann, Daemon Hunt, Logan Mailloux, David Reinbacher

Grade: B

Your prospect pool is loaded with high-end talent, particularly on defense and in goal. Conor Geekie, Kasper Halttunen, and Otto Stenberg give you a strong group of young forwards. Fabian Lysell and Brennan Othmann add even more offensive upside.

Your defensive prospects are elite, with Logan Mailloux, David Reinbacher, and Carson Lambos developing into top-pairing potential.

THOTS: Your pipeline is stacked, giving you an excellent foundation for the future.

Draft Capital & Future Outlook:

• Notable Picks:
• 2025 1st (LVG), 2026 1st (LVG)
• Multiple second-round and later-round picks

Grade: B

Owning your own first-round picks in 2025 and 2026 is crucial, and you have a healthy supply of mid-round selections to continue building depth.

Overall Team Evaluation:

Final Grade: B

Your team is one of the best positioned for the future in BRHL. With elite young centers, high-end defensive prospects, and a franchise goalie in the making, you are on the verge of becoming a powerhouse. Your team is on the cusp of dominance, and with a few strategic moves, you could become a championship contender within the next two seasons.

The reason you are ranked 23^rd is due to your trading capability. You are not willing to make the moves needed to get out of your rebuild. Your patience and stubbornness in trading will only get you so far. Eventually, you need to start taking risks and adding to this team so you can take the next step. If this is not done, you will be the Chicago Blackhawks (NHL) of the BRHL. Do you have what it takes to do what is necessary , Joe Bast? What say you.

How to Improve:

1. Find a true elite scoring winger to complement Fantilli and Beniers.
2. Be patient with Askarov’s development—he could be the key to your long-term success.
3. Use your draft picks to reinforce scoring depth rather than adding more defense.