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Golden Knights GM Evan McCabe Gearing Up for NHL Entry Draft with Two Late First-Round Picks

June 14th, 2025

Vegas will have the 28th and 32nd Overall Picks in the First Round of the 2025 NHL Draft.

With the Stanley Cup celebrations barely winding down, Vegas Golden Knights General Manager Evan McCabe has already turned his attention to the next chapter of the franchise’s future: the 2025 NHL Entry Draft, set for June 20th in Chicago.

Armed with two first-round selections — 28th overall (via Edmonton) and 32nd overall (their own pick); McCabe and his scouting team are entering the draft with flexibility, momentum, and championship confidence.

Coming off their second Stanley Cup in franchise history, Vegas has proven they know how to build a winner. Now, McCabe is focused on keeping the organization’s pipeline full and competitive for years to come.

While the Golden Knights’ core remains intact — with stars like Mark Stone, Jack Eichel, and Shea Theodore leading the charge; McCabe understands the importance of developing talent internally.

“We’ve built a team that competes now, but we’re always thinking about tomorrow,” McCabe said. “Having two picks in the first round gives us options, to draft smart, or to potentially move up if there’s someone we really like.”

Vegas has maintained a balanced prospect pool in recent years, with younger players like Oliver MacDonald, Nathan Gauthier, and Brendan Brisson contributing during the Cup run. Now, the goal is to add more players who can either grow into the next wave or be developed into assets.

The Golden Knights own the 28th overall pick, acquired from Edmonton as part of a previous trade, and their own 32nd overall selection, earned after hoisting the Cup.

While selecting late in the first round often means less fanfare, McCabe sees opportunity:

“Every draft has depth. Some of the NHL’s biggest stars have come from the 20s and 30s,” he said. “It’s about finding the right player who fits our culture, someone with skill, hockey sense, and the character we value.”

With a deep pool of talent in this year’s draft, especially among forwards and two-way defensemen, Vegas is expected to target players with versatility and upside, though McCabe isn’t ruling anything out.

As is tradition with Vegas front offices, the possibility of trading up or leveraging picks in a deal remains on the table.

“We’re not afraid to be aggressive if there’s a guy we believe in,” McCabe said. “But we also know you can find value by staying patient and trusting the board.”

Rumors have swirled that the Golden Knights may consider bundling their two late picks to move up into the top 20, depending on how the board shakes out.

Under McCabe’s guidance, the Golden Knights have focused on drafting players with high hockey IQ, skating ability, and strong compete levels. Traits seen in recent draftees like Hallum, Gaucher, and Matikka.

“We love players who can think the game and elevate in pressure moments,” McCabe noted. “That’s what wins in June.”

Expect Vegas to stick to that philosophy again this year, looking for players who may not be NHL-ready immediately but who can develop into future contributors on a team built to win.

The Golden Knights are no strangers to big trades or bold decisions, but McCabe also knows that consistent drafting is what sustains success over time.

“Lifting the Cup is always the goal,” he said. “But we also want to make sure we’re drafting players who can be part of the next wave. The guys who’ll carry the torch when the time comes.”

With two first-round picks in hand, and a championship-caliber team already in place, Evan McCabe and the Golden Knights front office are set to make their mark once again; this time, on the draft floor.