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Krebs

Jonathan Hayward / The Canadian Press via AP

Vegas Golden Knights pick Peyton Krebs, center, poses during the first round of the NHL hockey draft at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, British Columbia, Friday, June, 21, 2019.

The Golden Knights have reached the point in their history when they’re starting to rely on homegrown talent. Cody Glass and Zach Whitecloud became lineup regulars after coming up through the system, and another set of players isn’t far off from contributing, too. Here’s a look at the Golden Knights’ top prospects, with opinions on each from ESPN scouting expert Chris Peters.

Peyton Krebs, 20 years old, 2019 first-round pick

Krebs is the club’s unanimous top prospect, one knocking on the door to the NHL. He could get a shot this year, thanks partially to the league’s creation of a taxi squad and the uncertainty surrounding his junior league’s season. Krebs, who’s known as a center but can also play wing, boosted his stock with a strong showing for Team Canada at the World Junior Championship.

• Peters says: “He’s a high-end prospect with a chance to be a top-six forward in the NHL over time. The thing that has always impressed me about him is, he’s a highly intelligent player with great vision and ability to set up plays and see the ice very well.”

• Where he’ll likely start 2021: NHL taxi squad.

Brendan Brisson, 19 years old, 2020 first-round pick

Another World Juniors player, Brisson helped the Americans win gold in the competition earlier this month before heading back to play college hockey at Michigan. He has an outstanding shot and an especially lethal one-timer, which has helped him average about a point-per-game as a freshman with the Wolverines. He’s eligible to sign with Vegas after the college season ends, but he’ll probably return to Michigan for at least one more season before going pro.

• Peters says: “Clearly he’s looked really comfortable so far [at Michigan], but I think he has another level to get to—that I think he can get to—as he continues to develop at the collegiate level.”

• Where he’ll start 2021: University of Michigan.

Lucas Elvenes, 21 years old, 2017 fifth-round pick

The Swede set the American Hockey League on fire to start last season, his first in North America, before eventually cooling off. Still, Elvenes has developed into a legitimate NHL prospect who could raise his profile with another strong season in the minors. He could earn serious consideration for NHL action this year.

• Peters says: “I was very impressed by the craftiness he plays with. I think he’s a very clever player. He challenges defenses that way, and I’m excited about the prospects of what he can be. I still think he has a little ways to go to reach his full potential, but he’s a very interesting prospect, and one who has only improved year-over-year.”

• Where he’ll likely start 2021: Henderson Silver Knights.

This story appeared in Las Vegas Weekly.

Article written by #LasVegasSun

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