Vegas Golden Knights forward Ben Hemmerling (63) attends training camp at City National Arena Friday, Sept. 22, 2023.
Wednesday, July 10, 2024 | 2 a.m.
Vegas Golden Knights’ fans got a look at the future of the franchise last week as 44 prospects suited up at City National Arena for the team’s annual development camp.
Players in organization from 18 to 21 years old were broken up into two teams and participated in three practices and two scrimmages. They also got familiar with the community via charity work with Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada.
A handful of the prospects showed they could be back in Las Vegas sooner rather than later as part of the NHL roster. Here are four of them that looked particularly promising.
Samuel Mayer, defenseman, Ottawa 67s (Ontario Hockey League)
Mayer showcased his abilities on both offense and defense, specifically in the initial scrimmage.
Along with a handful of big hits, he was constantly taking the puck into the offensive zone, leaving his position at the point, and creating plays. He even scored a goal.
“It’s been a lot of fun here. It’s a great city and a great organization,” Mayer said. “I’m having a blast right now.”
Mayer has spent the last four seasons in the OHL with Ottawa and the Peterborough Petes. He only played 32 games this past season in Ottawa but recorded 24 points off nine goals and 15 assists.
He made his biggest impact during the playoffs with 11 points in 10 games. At 21 years old, Mayer has aged out of the OHL and is expected to play with the Henderson Silver Knights this coming season.
“Every guy is trying to find a spot on the team, and some guys have more a physical game, so they’re going to be more physical on the ice,” Mayer said. “I don’t mind being physical, and I love when it gets physical.”
Mayer has the potential to grow into a mobile defenseman who can play an aggressive game at his position and add a scoring punch.
Ben Hemmerling, center, Everett Silvertips (Western Hockey League)
Hemmerling might be coming off the best season of any of the prospects at development camp. He put together a campaign in the OHL where he had 91 points in 65 games with 30 goals and 61 assists.
“I think I took strides throughout my four years in the Western league, and I’m hopefully ready to make the jump to pro,” Hemmerling said.
At development camp, his playmaking abilities shined. He showed great awareness, setting up a handful of scoring chances both for himself and his teammates.
Hemmerling’s hands and speed appear to be his best attributes. Physicality is where he may need to improve.
He’s slightly undersized at 5-foot-11, 176 pounds, and it showed in the scrimmages. Hemmerling got shoved around on a few occasions.
An adjustment to the pro game could take a bit for Hemmerling, but considering how fast he’s grown in juniors and his general skill set, he could turn into a strong player in the next few years.
Trent Swick, left-wing, Kitchener Rangers (OHL)
Height can be a blessing or a curse in the NHL. Taller players can usually find an edge defensively, but it’s skating and transitions that can hurt them in making the jump to pro.
The 6-foot-7 Swick has shown that he can use his frame in all aspects of his game. He was one of three 2024 draft picks on the ice at development camp and left one of the biggest impressions.
He scored in the second game and even awarded a penalty shot.
The Golden Knights’ staff had to have been thrilled to see a first-year camp prospect making an immediate impact.
“There’s a lot of guys here, and I need to be better than them to play in the NHL,” Swick said. “It’s gonna motivate me every day. It’s just getting stronger, bigger, faster and better at everything to be at that point.”
He’s shown promise so far: He had 62 points in 63 games with the Kitchener Rangers this year.
Swick has billed himself as a player who can have an impact in front of the net, using his body to create chances.
General manager Kelly McCrimmon said he projected Swick only getting more comfortable with using his body to his advantage. Considering he’s already off to a fast start, Swick could be in Henderson quicker than expected.
Carl Lindblom, goaltender, Färjestad BK (Swedish Hockey League)
Lindblom is a dark horse in the Golden Knights development system and is ready to make the next major jump in his career.
He’s spent the last two seasons in the SHL and posted decent numbers — a .911 save percentage, 2.12 goals against average and a 17-7 record.
Lindblom said that he planned to be back in September for Golden Knights’ preseason camp where he would, “Try to take a spot.” With backup goalie Logan Thompson gone in a trade with Washington and Ilya Samsonov, who played in 40 games last season with Toronto, on a “show-me” contract with the Golden Knights, it’s possible Lindblom could earn a roster spot.
“I feel like I’m ready (to come over to North America),” Lindblom said. “I had two good years in Sweden playing pro.”
The 21-year-old was one of the veterans of development camp and had the most consistent showing out of all the goalies this past week. Don’t be surprised if he’s donning a gold or silver jersey next season.
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