Vegas Golden Knights rookie Trevor Connelly, the 19th overall pick in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft, has made an immediate impact. After signing a three‑year entry‑level contract in 2025, he debuted on Sept. 29, 2026, against the Chicago Blackhawks and scored his first NHL goal just under 15:30 of the first period with assists from Brayden McNabb and Shea Theodore. In his first ten games he has tallied four goals and three assists for seven points, the highest total among league rookies as of Oct. 19.
Connelly’s contributions have already helped secure key victories. He netted the winning goal in a five‑round shootout against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Oct. 8 and scored a breakaway goal off a giveaway from Sidney Crosby during the Oct. 17 game with the Pittsburgh Penguins. He also recorded an assist on a Mark Stone goal in the first period alongside Mitch Marner.
"I've really enjoyed hanging out with him. [Connelly is a] super great kid," Marner told media after the Golden Knights' 2‑1 overtime win against the Kings earlier this month. "It's always fun to hang out with, uh, you know, kids nowadays. I'm getting kind of old." "He's such a good player," Marner, who is not yet 30, added. "He just reads the plays so well. He makes so many great offensive plays, and he's really building his defensive game as well."
Connelly’s past includes a controversial Snapchat post showing a swastika‑shaped block formation and an alleged racial slur incident in 2021, which was later cleared after an investigation. He apologized for the image and disputed the slur allegation. General Manager Kelly McCrimmon said the organization conducted a "very extensive" background check and found Connelly to be candid and transparent about his mistakes.
The Golden Knights sit at an 8‑2‑0 record heading into week four of the 2026‑27 season, including back‑to‑back 6‑2 home wins, and were leading the league on the morning of Oct. 19.
Sources: 8 News Now
Original reporting: 8 News Now →
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