Better linemates and more playing time should make Golden Knights winger Pavel Dorofeyev a must-bet option almost every night.

The Vegas Golden Knights have been perennial contenders since joining the NHL, making the playoffs in seven of their first eight seasons and capturing a Stanley Cup along the way. But after winning just one playoff round since their 2023 championship, they’ve made it clear they’re all-in once again, highlighted by the offseason blockbuster acquisition of Mitch Marner.

Following a quick five-game playoff exit at the hands of the Edmonton Oilers, Vegas is poised for a rebound. Bettors should keep a close eye on the Golden Knights this season with their odds sitting at a +850 to win the Stanley Cup and +440 as the favorites to win the West. 

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There is hidden value in the player props market, especially when it comes to goal scorers the sportsbooks and the league have not fully caught onto yet. One such player flew completely under the radar last season, yet still managed to score 35 goals, more than household names like Auston Matthews, Sidney Crosby and Nathan MacKinnon.

He is expected to join the top line with Mitch Marner and Jack Eichel, two of the most elite playmakers in the NHL with a combined 345 assists over the past three seasons. That player is breakout candidate Pavel Dorofeyev and with his role about to expand significantly, he is one of the best kept secrets in goal scoring props heading into the season.

Despite that elite company, sportsbooks and projections remain low on Dorofeyev. Yahoo Fantasy has him projected for just 30 goals this season, setting up a potentially valuable over play on his season goal total if available in the sportsbooks. With a significant upgrade in linemates (he played most of last season with Tomas Hertl and Brandon Saad), the situation is setting up for him to push 40–50 goals, especially in a similar role to Zach Hyman’s with Connor McDavid in Edmonton.

The 24-year-old Russian winger will also see more time on the top power play unit, working from the blueline and distributing to elite options like Eichel, Hertl, and Shea Theodore. With that added ice time and offensive support, his 52 points from last season could easily jump to 65–70 making him an attractive target for prop bets.

He enters the new campaign on a hot streak with 31 points (21 goals, 10 assists) over his final 41 games, putting him on par with names like Draisaitl, Nylander, and Forsberg during that stretch. 

Oddsmakers and DFS rankings still underrate him with Yahoo ranking him outside the top 323 players. There's an edge for bettors willing to jump on his production early before markets catch up. He won’t bring much in the way of hits or blocks, but his value lies firmly in finding the scoresheet, especially playing with top-tier playmakers.

His shots on goal volume should also increase with more open looks and set-up opportunities, making him a strong bet for SOG props and anytime goal scorer plays on a nightly basis. All signs point to Dorofeyev being one of the most undervalued skaters entering the season.

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