"They always find a way" "Took a massive step back": NHL fans left debating over Golden Knights' playoff hopes for next season

The Vegas Golden Knights, 2022-23 Stanley Cup champions, are sparking debates about their playoff hopes this season. The team, founded in 2016, quickly found success but finished 45-29-8 last season and was eliminated in the first round.

The NHL shared a projected lineup for the new season on social media:

Forwards:

• Ivan Barbashev -- Jack Eichel -- Victor Olofsson
• Pavel Dorofeyev -- Tomas Hertl -- Mark Stone
• Brendan Brisson -- William Karlsson -- Alexander Holtz
• Brett Howden -- Nicolas Roy -- Keegan Kolesar

Defensemen:

• Noah Hanifin -- Alex Pietrangelo
• Brayden McNabb -- Shea Theodore
• Nicolas Hague -- Zach Whitecloud

Goaltenders:

• Adin Hill
• Ilya Samsonov

The NHL asked fans on X (formerly Twitter) if the Golden Knights would make the playoffs again with this lineup.

"Will the @GoldenKnights make the #StanleyCup Playoffs for the third season in a row with this projected lineup?" - NHL

Reactions were mixed, with fans sharing their differing opinions.

"Nope. They took a massive step back," a fan tweeted.

"They’ll be back in, they always find a way. Most of the time that way is cap circumventing," another fan tweeted.

"They'll make it. However, the roster is half of what it was last year." a fan tweeted.

The Golden Knights’ playoff prospects remain a hot topic as the new season begins. Here are some more reactions from fans:

"Yeah, easily. Their D one of the best in the NHL and they still have guys up front who can get the job done. Goaltending looks a bit underwhelming but I think between Hill, Samsonov and Schmid, it should work out fine. Roster is missing another top 6 W though. Maybe Marner @ TDL?" A fan tweeted.

"Winger depth is rough, but if guys like Brisson, Holtz, and Dorofeyev break through, they could be in a great situation, also will need to stay healthy and have a bounce back from Olofsson," a fan tweeted.

"Yes, considering how weak the Pacific Division is," another fan tweeted.

Vegas Golden Knights' major acquisitions over the summers

Ilya Samsonov signed a one-year deal with the Golden Knights and will likely back up Adin Hill. Last season, he had a 23-7-8 record with the Maple Leafs.

Victor Olofsson joined on a one-year contract after scoring 15 points in 51 games with the Sabres. He might play on the top line with Jack Eichel. Alexander Holtz was traded from the Devils and could take a top-six role after scoring 16 goals last season.