Vegas Golden Knights: Top 8 prospects worth getting excited about

6. Peter Diliberatore

The sixth best prospect in Vegas’ system is yet another defenseman – Peter Diliberatore. Much like Corcoran, Diliberatore was a late pick in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft, being selected in the sixth-round with the 180th overall pick.

At the time he was drafted, not much was known about the Halifax, Nova Scotian native as he had just wrapped up his second season of high school hockey for Salisbury School. While there was no doubt he looked impressive that season, it remained to be seen how he would perform in 2018-19 for Quinnipiac University against much higher competition.

He proved that he was very well worth the pick in his freshman season, putting up 19 points in 38 games, along with a plus/minus of plus 22. This past season, he followed up his great rookie campaign with an even better sophomore season of six goals and 21 points in 34 games, both of which led all defenseman on his team.

The fact that he has not only held his own as an 18 and 19-year-old in college hockey but has been a top player is extremely exciting for the Golden Knights organization.

5. Brandon Kruse

Another exciting college player the Golden Knights have in the pipeline is forward Brandon Kruse. Kruse was yet another late round selection, being taken in the fifth-round (135 overall) at the 2018 NHL Entry Draft.

At the time of being drafted, he had just finished up a very impressive freshman season with Bowling Green State University with 33 points in 41 games, good enough for second in team scoring.

This past season was Kruse’s third for Bowling Green State, and while he posted good numbers with 34 points in 38 games, it felt like somewhat of a disappointment after his previous season with 41 points in 41 games.

While his point totals look great, it is somewhat concerning he hasn’t been able to improve much over his three seasons of college hockey. This 2020-21 season (assuming it happens) will be huge for Kruse. If he is not able to produce at a higher rate, he will see himself fall down the Golden Knight’s top prospects list dramatically.