Predicting when every NHL team will win its next Stanley Cup

Vegas Golden Knights

Vegas Golden Knights owner, Bill Foley, promised fans that the organization would win a Stanley Cup within the team’s first five seasons, and he could be inadvertently correct.

Yes, the departure from two of the team’s top goal-scorers last season in David Perron and James Neal hurts Vegas in 2019, but it doesn’t necessarily harm the Knights’ chances from winning a Cup in the near future.

Vegas still has point-getters such as William Karlsson, Jonathan Marchesseault and Reilly Smith, all who are under the age of 30. While Karlsson isn’t locked up long-term like the other two skaters mentioned, you can bet on the idea of Vegas inking him to a nice contract by season’s end.

The addition of Paul Stastny should help, but Tomas Tatar proved last season that “newcomers” don’t necessarily fit in well with the original Golden Misfits. Luckily, Stastny won’t be relied upon too much and role on the team should hopefully benefit his overall performance and when the Knights will need him most come playoff time.

There’s no need to question Vegas’ goaltending situation after Marc-Andre Fleury reminded the hockey world last season that he’s still capable of playing like a Hockey Hall of Fame netminder.

As for the defense, that’s where the Knights may have to take interest in improving. If Vegas wants to win a Cup within the next four to five seasons, a superstar may be necessary to acquire on the backend. Erik Karlsson has been linked to joining the Knights and it would appear to be a good fit, but only time can tell for that situation.

Vegas wins a Cup in 2022.