Welcome to this edition of the 2025 WHL Prospect Pools. Throughout the 2025 off-season, we will be taking a look at current or recently graduated WHLers who have either been drafted or signed by NHL clubs. Today's organization is the Vegas Golden Knights, which has three WHLers in its prospect pool.
Alex Weiermair of the Portland Winterhawks (Photo Credit: Keith Dwiggins/Portland Winterhawks/WHL)The Golden Knights have added WHL talent not just through the draft, but also through free agency. Vegas selected Lethbridge Hurricanes forward Jordan Gustafson in 2022 and Portland Winterhawks forward Alex Weiermair in June. As mentioned, the Golden Knights have also dipped their foot into the free agent market, signing Prince George Cougars defenceman Viliam Kmec back in September.
Starting with Gustafson, he wrapped up his WHL career this season. The 21-year-old played in 162 regular-season games and was part of the Seattle Thunderbirds team that went to the Memorial Cup Final in 2023. Listed at 6'0", 183 lbs, Gustafson will be headed to the AHL next year.
Next up is Weiermair, who had a strong rookie campaign with Portland. After transferring from the University of Denver early in the season, the 20-year-old recorded 46 points in 41 games before exploding for 23 points in 18 playoff games. Listed at 6'1", 180 lbs, Weiermair is scheduled to return to the WHL next year.
Last up is Kmec, who completed his fourth WHL season in 2024-25. The 21-year-old played 245 regular-season games for Prince George while representing Slovakia three times at the World Juniors. Listed at 6'3", 220 pounds, Kmec departs the WHL as the all-time leader in games played by a player from Slovakia.
Make sure you bookmark THN's WHL site and add us to your favourites on Google News for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. This article originally appeared on The Hockey News.
The Hockey News