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Vegas Golden Knights Top 25 Under 25: Lucas Elvenes is coming to America!

Posted on by Jeff Paul

Knights On Ice’s 2019-20 preseason Golden Knights Top 25 Under 25 series ranks the top 25 players under the age of 25 currently in Vegas’ system. Six Knights On Ice writers created their own Top 25 Under 25 ballots. Each individual writer’s ballot was then used to generate a composite score that forms the final ballot.

Coming in at No. 6 on our Top 25 Under 25 list is none other than 2017 fifth-round pick (No. 127 overall), Lucas Elvenes. Elvenes combines smooth skating, with some decent hockey IQ and solid puck skills, and he’s finally coming to North America!

No. 6: Lucas Elvenes
Position: LW/RW
Age: 20 (August 18, 1999)
Size: 6-foot-1, 172 pounds
Nationality: Swedish

Playing in Sweden, Elvenes has been competing against grown men in SHL, which should give him a leg up over most of his draft class heading into training camp this weekend. Elvenes could end up being a high-value pick for the Golden Knights, a late-round diamond in the rough.

Elvenes is no stranger to high-level competition, and he has declared that he will indeed make the jump to the North American game. The transition shouldn’t be an issue for the young winger, as he’s no stranger to tough competition. He has played against many former NHL players in the SHL and should already have an idea of what to expect.

Although the winger was one of Sweden’s final cuts in 2017, he was able to represent his country in the World Juniors this past year and played well (5GP: 1g, 3a). In the clip below, you can see his vision and playmaking at work, leading to an OT game-winner for the boys in yellow and blue.

In last weekend’s Rookie Faceoff in Irvine, California, Elvenes skated on the Golden Knights’ top line, alongside the phenom Cody Glass and Jonas Rondbjerg. Elvenes acquitted himself very well, making a few nice plays and showing a nose for the net. In this 2-on-1 against the Baby Ducks, Elvenes kept the puck himself, pulled off a filthy toe-drag and beat the Anaheim goaltender on his backhand. Showing off more of his creativity and offensive spark will serve Elvenes well throughout camp.

After signing a contract with the Golden Knights last summer, Elvenes is anticipated to become a member of the Chicago Wolves (AHL) this season. Playing under coach Rocky Thompson will be great for Elvenes’ growth, as the Wolves have had a ton of success as of late. While the Golden Knights’ system isn’t loaded with exciting forward prospects, Elvenes is one of the few that looks to have an NHL pedigree and should thrive in the AHL.

He will have some growing pains, as most overseas imports do, but all signs point to Elvenes becoming a force in the North American game once he gets settled in. If Cody Glass returns to the AHL — which would be deemed a failure for him — Elvenes could pair with the crafty forward and do some real damage in Chicago.

Previously in Vegas Golden Knights Preseason 2019 Top 25 Under 25:

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