Knights On Ice’s 2020-21 preseason Golden Knights Top 25 Under 25 series ranks the top 25 players under the age of 25 currently in Vegas’ system. The KOI staff members created their own Top 25 Under 25 ballots. Each individual writer’s ballot was then used to generate a composite score that formed the final rankings.
We continue this year’s version of our Top 25 Under 25 series, highlighting the top young players in the Vegas Golden Knights’ organization. Pavel Dorofeyev, a 2019 third-round draft pick, comes in at No. 18.
No. 18: Pavel Dorofeyev
- Position: RW
- Age: 20
- Currently playing: Henderson Silver Knights
- Nationality: Russian /
Pavel Dorofeyev signed an ELC with the Golden Knights on Jan. 25, coming over from his home of Russia after playing in the multiple leagues this season. Dorofeyev had eight goals and 17 points in 36 games in the VHL, Russia’s AHL equivalent. He has yet to make his AHL debut with the Silver Knights due to his COVID-19 quarantine period and getting back into game shape.
He is expected to make an impact whenever he does debut with Henderson, as he has the skills and speed to be a top-six player in the AHL and a middle-six option in the future for the Golden Knights, should he continue to develop.
Dorofeyev has shown the hands and skating ability to compete at the upper levels of North America. He needs to continue developing his consistency and defensive abilities and could become a producer in the NHL if he does.
🚨 Pavel Dorofeyev PP – 2nd of the game
5-0 RUS
🎥 @TSN_Sports #WorldJuniors pic.twitter.com/PQAiqeq06H— Here’s Your Replay ⬇️ (@HeresYourReplay) December 31, 2019
How many defenders does it take to stop Pavel Dorofeyev? The world may never know. #Vegasborn #VGK #GoKnightsGo #GoldenKnights pic.twitter.com/DYltknZJD8
— Jack Manning (@NHLJackManning) September 25, 2019
Dorofeyev fell to the third round in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft despite being projected higher. NHL Central Scouting had him 12th among European skaters for the 2019 NHL Draft. The Golden Knights were able to grab a steal with the 79th overall pick.
Dorofeyev fell in our Top 25 Under 25 this year (after being ranked No. 13 last season) because of smaller production numbers than would be desired in Russia but has a chance to turn it around with Henderson. He had seven points in the KHL as a 19 year old but played just one game this season.
The Silver Knights have talent aplenty with Peyton Krebs, Lucas Elvenes and Jack Dugan all playing there this season. Dorofeyev could get the chance to play with all of them, but at least be on a line with one.
Dorofeyev cleared COVID-19 protocol on Feb. 19 after traveling from Russia. Henderson head coach Manny Viveiros has said he hopes Dorofeyev will make his AHL debut sometime this week.
Manny Viveiros said Pavel Dorofeyev will be done with his quarantine and able to join the Silver Knights for practice on Friday
He probably won’t play this weekend but he said they hope to get him out there for his first game next week #HomeMeansHenderson #VegasBorn
— Jesse Merrick (@JesseNews3LV) February 15, 2021
Henderson next plays on Feb. 24.
Previously in the Golden Knights Top 25 Under 25 2020-21 Series:
Honorable mention: Layton Ahac
No. 25: Jonas Rondbjerg
No. 24: Jake Leschyshyn
No. 23: Paul Cotter
No. 22: Keegan Kolesar
No. 21: Ben Jones
No. 20: Marcus Kallionkieli
No. 19: Lukas Cormier