Episode
Summer Coolers – Vegas Golden Knights
- Podcast
- NHL Wraparound Podcast
- Published
- Sep 16, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 520
- Processing state
not_requested
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Summary
Summer Coolers – Vegas Golden Knights The Vegas Golden Knights may finally be changing their philosophy. After a 95-point regular season, a late coaching change sparked an incredible run to the Stanley Cup Final, where Vegas ultimately fell to Carolina. Now Ryan Craig takes over behind the bench, Pavel Dorofeyev is gone, six draft picks have been acquired through offseason moves, and an organization famous for chasing every available star appears ready to put more emphasis on player development. Neil Smith and Vic Morren examine whether Vegas can build for tomorrow while still competing today. IN THIS EPISODE: [00:00:00] Vegas finishes with 95 points as its offense, defense and power play all decline from the previous season. [00:00:35] Bruce Cassidy is dismissed with eight games remaining and John Tortorella takes over, immediately guiding Vegas to a 7-0-1 finish. [00:01:00] The Golden Knights beat Utah and Anaheim in six games each before sweeping Colorado to reach the Stanley Cup Final. [00:01:20] Vegas leads Carolina 2-1 in the Final before dropping three straight and falling short of another championship. [00:01:40] Ryan Craig replaces Tortorella after three seasons coaching Vegas’ AHL affiliate in Henderson, becoming the franchise’s first head coach without previous NHL head-coaching experience. [00:02:00] Vic sees a possible philosophical change. Vegas has always operated in win-now mode, but this offseason suggests a greater emphasis on recovering draft capital. [00:02:30] Neil points out how few truly homegrown players Vegas has developed, with Pavel Dorofeyev representing one of the rare examples. [00:03:00] An aging roster and a thin prospect cupboard may finally have convinced Kelly McCrimmon and George McPhee that development has to become a priority. [00:…