Golden Knights Recall Viliam Kmec; Reassign Ville Heinola

According to a team announcement, the Vegas Golden Knights have recalled Viliam Kmec from the AHL’s Henderson Silver Knights. In a corresponding roster move, the Golden Knights reassigned defenseman Ville Heinola.

Kmec, 22, is viewed as one of the better defensive prospects in Vegas’ relatively thin pipeline. The Golden Knights signed the Kosice, Slovakia, native to his entry-level contract a few years ago after he was passed over in three consecutive NHL Drafts.

He was coming off an inspired season with the WHL’s Prince George Cougars when he signed his first professional contract. The 6’3″ defenseman scored 18 goals and 61 points in 65 games with a +43 rating, with an additional one goal and five points in seven postseason contests. He finished the season registering two assists in three games for the Silver Knights.

Last season, in his first full professional campaign, Kmec played fairly well, scoring four goals and 16 points in 65 games with a +12 rating. He also played for Team Slovakia at the IIHF World Championship during the summer, finishing with one goal and two points in seven contests. This season, Kmec has tallied three assists in 10 contests to begin the season.

Meanwhile, Heinola continues his carousel between the AHL and NHL. The former first-round pick is in his first year with the Golden Knights organization after signing as an unrestricted free agent this past offseason. He has registered one assist in two NHL contests and one goal and five points in five AHL appearances.