On the birthday of the United States, let’s celebrate the greatest Americans to ever play for the Vegas Golden Knights.
(Photo Credit: SinBin.vegas Photographer Brandon Andreasen)
Jack Eichel – Center
Clearly the best American to step on the ice in a VGK sweater, Eichel is inching his way towards being the best American to ever play in the NHL. He still has a ways to go, but it is in reach with another decade of success. Can’t wait until he brings home Olympic gold for Team USA in Italy this February.
Max Pacioretty – Left Wing
(Photo Credit: SinBin.vegas Photographer Brandon Andreasen)
Pacioretty played just four seasons with the Golden Knights, yet still stands as the 6th leading goal scorer in franchise history, both in the regular season and playoffs. His 15 goals in 36 playoff games outscore the competition, and his 0.83 points per playoff game rank behind only Eichel and Mark Stone. The end of Pacioretty’s time in Vegas put a bit of a damper on his stay, but he’s undoubtedly one of the most influential Golden Knights, let alone Americans.
(Photo Credit: SinBin.vegas Photographer Brandon Andreasen)
Alex Tuch – Right Wing
Few players embodied what it meant to represent Vegas as a Golden Knight more than Alex Tuch. He was a staple at events in the community, opened a restaurant in Downtown Summerlin, and grew to be known as “The Mayor” by his teammates. His on-ice achievements were pretty impressive for a player in his early 20’s too. Tuch finished his VGK career with 61 goals and 139 points in 249 games and became the kingpin in the trade to bring Eichel to Vegas.
(Photo Credit: SinBin.vegas Photographer Brandon Andreasen)
Alec Martinez – Left Defense
Statistically, Martinez will not blow anyone away, but every person who ever watched him play is well aware of his impact to any team he’s on. The ultimate defense-first defenseman, Martinez ate pucks like he was starving. With Alex Pietrangelo, Martinez was part of the best defensive pair the Golden Knights have ever iced and was instrumental in taking on the hardest assignments night in and night out on the road to the 2023 Stanley Cup.
(Photo Credit: SinBin.vegas Photographer Brandon Andreasen)
Nate Schmidt – Right Defense
The toughest decision on this list came down to Nate Schmidt vs Noah Hanifin. In the end, we went with Schmidt due to longevity and his role on the 2018 Western Conference champions. Despite all odds, Schmidt rose to become the #1 defenseman on the inaugural team and did a heck of a job partnered with Brayden McNabb or Luca Sbisa. His 97 points in 196 games put him in the mix for the most points per game in VGK history for a defenseman and of course, his personality on and off the ice won over the hearts of every Golden Knights fan.
Jonathan Quick – Goalie
It was slim pickings in net for this squad as only two American goalies have ever suited up for the Golden Knights. Garret Sparks appeared in a single game in relie,f allowing two goals on 14 shots. So, basically by default, Quick gets the nod posting five wins in nine starts. To be fair, Quick did serve as the backup for a good portion of the 2023 Cup run and does have his name engraved on the Cup alongside three other Golden Knights goalies.
Golden Knights All-American Team
Pacioretty-Eichel-Tuch
Martinez-Schmidt
Quick
