In professional sports, few stories captivate the imagination quite like that of the Vegas Golden Knights. Since its inception in 2017, this NHL franchise has redefined what it means to be an expansion team, writing a narrative of success that has both thrilled fans and confounded experts. From the glittering lights of the Las Vegas Strip to the gleaming ice of T-Mobile Arena, the Golden Knights have carved out a unique place in hockey lore.
Their journey, marked by historic achievements and unexpected triumphs, offers a compelling case study on how to build a winning franchise from the ground up. As we delve into the five most significant moments in Golden Knights history, we witness a tale of ambition, skill, and the indomitable spirit of a team that refused to be constrained by the traditional limitations placed on newcomers to the league. These milestones not only shaped the identity of the Golden Knights but also left an indelible mark on the landscape of professional hockey in North America.
1. Founding of the Franchise (June 2016)
The founding of the Vegas Golden Knights franchise was a significant milestone in NHL history. On June 22, 2016, the NHL Board of Governors unanimously approved an expansion bid for Las Vegas, marking the league’s first expansion since 2000. This decision was groundbreaking, making the Golden Knights the first major professional sports franchise based in Las Vegas.
The franchise’s establishment was led by Bill Foley, who committed to paying the league’s $500 million expansion fee. Foley became the majority owner through his company, Black Knight Sports and Entertainment, with the Maloof family holding a minority stake. Following the approval, Foley and his team began building the organization from the ground up. The franchise unveiled its identity on November 22, 2016, announcing the team name as the Vegas Golden Knights.
The Golden Knights’ operations officially began on March 1, 2017, when they completed their expansion fee payments and filings. This allowed them to start making personnel moves, the first of which was the signing of Reid Duke to an entry-level contract on March 6, 2017.
2. Inaugural Season and Western Conference Title (2017-2018)
In their very first season, the Golden Knights defied all expectations. Despite oddsmakers placing their championship chances at 500 to 1 at the start of the season, Vegas shocked the hockey world. They made the playoffs and dominated the Western Conference, losing just three games before capturing the conference championship.
The Golden Knights enjoyed unprecedented success for a first-year franchise in North American professional sports history. Highlights include:
- On February 1, 2018, they broke the record for most wins by an expansion team in their first season, earning their 34th victory.
- On February 21, they set a new record for the most points by an expansion team in their inaugural season with 84.
- On March 26, they became the first team to make the playoffs in their inaugural season since the Edmonton Oilers and Hartford Whalers in 1979-80.
- On March 31, 2018, with a 3-2 win over the San Jose Sharks, the Knights became the first modern-era expansion team from any of the four major North American sports leagues to win their division in their inaugural season.
The Golden Knights finished the regular season with an impressive .665 points percentage. Their success continued into the playoffs, where they:
- Defeated the Los Angeles Kings in the first round, becoming the first team in NHL history to sweep their first playoff series in their inaugural season.
- Dispatched the San Jose Sharks in six games in the second round.
- Eliminated the Winnipeg Jets in five games to win the Western Conference championship.
- Advanced to the Stanley Cup Finals in their very first season, where they faced the Washington Capitals.
Though they ultimately lost to the Capitals in five games, the Golden Knights’ inaugural season was nothing short of historic. Their unexpected success earned them the nickname “Golden Misfits,” as many of their players had career years after being cast off from other teams. The team’s remarkable run captivated Las Vegas and the broader hockey world, setting a new standard for what an expansion franchise could achieve in its first year.
3. Acquisition of Rielly Smith (June 21, 2017)
The Golden Knights acquired Reilly Smith from the Florida Panthers during the 2017 expansion draft for a 2018 4th-round pick and expansion draft considerations. Just a year earlier, Smith had signed a substantial five-year, $25 million contract extension with Florida but experienced a dip in production the following season, scoring just 37 points in 80 games.
Despite this temporary setback, the Golden Knights saw potential in Smith that the Panthers seemed to overlook, and the gamble paid off handsomely for Vegas. Over six seasons with the team, Smith proved to be an offensive dynamo, accumulating 286 points in 399 regular season games. His playoff performances were equally impressive, ranking second in team history for postseason scoring with 66 points in 88 games.
4. Acquisition of Mark Stone (February 25, 2019)
On February 25, 2019, the Golden Knights moved significantly by acquiring Mark Stone from the Ottawa Senators. Stone, known for his two-way play and leadership, quickly became an integral part of the team. His addition bolstered the Knights’ roster and was crucial to their continued success in subsequent seasons. The trade deadline deal saw the Senators sending Stone and minor leaguer Tobias Lindberg to the Golden Knights in exchange for defenseman prospect Erik Brannstrom, forward Oscar Lindberg, and a 2020 second-round draft pick.
Stone, regarded as one of the best two-way forwards in the NHL, immediately bolstered the Knights’ roster. His impact was felt both on and off the ice in Las Vegas.
Stone would sign an eight-year, $76 million contract extension with Vegas, demonstrating the team’s long-term commitment to him. In his first full season with the Knights (2019-20), Stone recorded 63 points in 65 games, finishing second on the team in scoring. Upon joining the team, Stone became an alternate captain and was later named the first captain in Golden Knights history in 2021.
5. Stanley Cup Victory (June 2023)
The pinnacle of the Golden Knights’ achievements came in June 2023 when they clinched their first Stanley Cup championship. In a dominant performance, Vegas defeated the Florida Panthers in five games, outscoring them 26-15 across the series[5]. This victory, coming in just the team’s sixth season of existence, solidified the Golden Knights’ place in NHL history and rewarded the faith of their passionate fanbase.
These five moments encapsulate the rapid rise of the Vegas Golden Knights from expansion team to NHL champions. From their founding to their Stanley Cup victory, the Golden Knights have consistently defied expectations and established themselves as a force in the league.
