Golden Knights Begin 10th Season as a Transformative NHL Franchise
Vegas opens its 10th NHL season Tuesday against Chicago, celebrating a decade since becoming the city's first major professional sports team. The Golden Knights rank fifth in regular-season wins and first in playoff wins since 2017-18, with three Stanley Cup Final trips and a 2023 championship. Their success helped attract other leagues to Las Vegas, including the NFL, WNBA, MLB, PWHL, and NBA interest.
Vegas opens its tenth campaign Tuesday against Chicago at T-Mobile Arena, with a large “X” at center ice and on road uniforms. Since 2017-18, the club has 401 regular-season wins, 76 playoff wins, eight playoff appearances in nine years, three Stanley Cup Final trips and the 2023 title.
The franchise’s arrival preceded or coincided with other Las Vegas teams: the WNBA’s Aces in 2018, NFL’s Raiders in 2020, MLB’s Athletics in 2028, and PWHL expansion this year, while the NBA studies expansion. Captain Mark Stone signed a two-year, $18 million extension; Mitch Marner left Toronto for eight years and $96 million and topped all postseason scorers with 29 points.
The Golden Knights’ decade could strengthen Las Vegas’s sense of civic identity beyond tourism, affecting residents, fans, athletes, and workers who may gain year-round events and community pride. Other leagues’ interest may bring more visibility and economic activity, though whether those benefits reach broadly or strain local services remains uncertain. The team’s success may also raise expectations for newer franchises and show how sports can reshape a city’s national image.