Forward Matyas Sapovaliv (25) in scrimmage during Development Camp at City National Arena — Monday, June 30, 2025 We’re wrapping up our Vegas Golden Knights [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/vegas-golden-knights] Development Camp coverage with a spotlight on two standout 21-year-olds, Matyas Sapovaliv and Abram Wiebe. Both Sapovaliv and Wiebe were drafted by the Knights back in 2022. Sapovaliv in the second round (48th overall) and Wiebe in the seventh round (209th overall). Sapovaliv is a Czech center known for his poise and precision in the offensive zone. A natural facilitator, he thrives by slowing the game to his tempo, using his vision and puck control to let plays develop before threading pinpoint passes through tight lanes. His technical playmaking ability has been on full display throughout his development, from his standout seasons with the Saginaw Spirit in the OHL. He posted 62 points (19 goals, 43 assists) in just 54 games in the 2023–24 season. Following that came his transition into the AHL with the Henderson Silver Knights. He played 71 games in the 2024–25 season, posting 19 points (11 goals, 8 assists). Sapovaliv’s knack for navigating traffic and delivering the puck under sticks and through bodies makes him a constant threat and a valuable asset in any offensive scheme. “It’s pro hockey. It's been hard, especially the start,” Sapovaliv said in regard to his first pro season. “I had good teammates and good coaching staff. I got better through the season and finished hard.” Now for Wiebe—he’s been on a slightly different, yet still impressive path, playing at the D1 collegiate level for the University of North Dakota. In his 2023–24 freshman season, the defenseman appeared in all 40 games, putting up 10 points (1 goal, 9 assists) and finishing second on the team with a +14 rating. At the end of that season, he was named to the NCHC All-Academic Team and also earned NCHC Distinguished Scholar-Athlete honors. Going into his 2024–25 season, he improved his numbers, putting up 24 points (4 goals, 20 assists) in 38 games. “I’m so thankful for the opportunity to play at North Dakota,” Wiebe said. “It’s such an amazing university, amazing hockey team with great coaches, so I’m so thankful that I got the opportunity to play there. I thought last year, going from my freshman to sophomore year, I just gained a lot of confidence heading into my sophomore year, which gave me the opportunity to join the rush and be more involved on the offensive side of the game this year. So, I’m kind of just using that this summer to get bigger, stronger, and faster.” Both of these young men have exciting seasons ahead, and their performances over the past few days at development camp gave fans a clear glimpse of the potential they bring to the future of this organization.
