Golden Knights camp opens with Craig’s urgency

Connelly gets his chance

Few players have more to gain over the next several days than Trevor Connelly.

The 20-year-old opened camp alongside Tomas Hertl and Victor Olofsson. Craig coached Connelly in Henderson and said the prospect gets the “first kind of crack” at that opportunity.

“Trevor has a skill set that he brings to our group that not a lot of people in our organization have,” Craig said.

Connelly understands the opportunity.

He added about 12 pounds since development camp while focusing on his strength, shot and 200-foot game. Now, he faces another jump in speed.

“Last year, obviously, playing in the AHL was a step from college and junior, and this is another big step,” Connelly said.

Hertl was already offering advice during Thursday’s practice. Meanwhile, Connelly called his approach simple: listen, learn and “be a sponge” around Vegas’ veterans.

There is also familiarity behind the bench.

“He’s very hard, very honest, but he cares about his players so much,” Connelly said of Craig. “He helped me so much last year with little details of the game.”

Bowman enters different camp

Braeden Bowman knows how quickly an opportunity can become something bigger.

A year ago, the undrafted forward entered camp hoping to get noticed and position himself for a call-up. He eventually played 54 NHL games, recording eight goals and 18 assists.

Now, Bowman enters camp after signing a six-year, $20.4 million extension. The new deal begins in 2027-28 and keeps him under contract through the 2032-33 season.

“It’s really an honor to be a Vegas Golden Knight for the next six more years,” Bowman said. “I can’t wait for the season to start.”

The contract provides security. However, it does not eliminate the competition.

“This year, I’m trying to carve out my role on the team,” Bowman said. “Got to earn my spot, so a little different.”

Craig saw Bowman’s development firsthand in Henderson. As a result, he understands how far the 23-year-old has come.

Craig also believes the extension can remove one distraction.

“You don’t have to worry about the contract or where you are,” Craig said. “You just get down to playing hockey.”

Bowman spent the summer working on his pace, lower-body strength and first few strides. Meanwhile, his expectations have changed, too.

Plays that once represented progress are becoming his new standard.

Starting over without forgetting

That balance might define this entire camp.

Vegas is starting over with a new coach, but it is not rebuilding. The current roster still features Jack Eichel, Mark Stone, Mitch Marner, William Karlsson and Hertl.

Stone recently signed a two-year extension through 2028-29. Bowman, meanwhile, is now committed to Vegas through 2032-33.

Connelly represents another piece trying to push his way into that picture.

Still, Craig has only four preseason games to evaluate everything before opening night.

“We have a plan here,” Craig said. “We’ll execute it day to day as we go through it.”

The clock is already moving.

Up next

The Golden Knights open their four-game preseason Saturday, Sept. 19 against the Los Angeles Kings at T-Mobile Arena. Puck drop is scheduled for 6 p.m. Pacific.

Vegas then visits the San Jose Sharks on Tuesday, Sept. 22 at 7 p.m. Pacific.

After that, the Knights return home to face the Colorado Avalanche on Thursday, Sept. 24 at 7 p.m. Pacific. They host San Jose on Saturday, Sept. 26 at 7 p.m. Pacific.

Finally, Vegas opens its 84-game regular season against the Chicago Blackhawks on Tuesday, Sept. 29 at T-Mobile Arena. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Pacific.