As teams are gearing up to start training camps and the 2023-24 NHL season, it is time to take a look into the true contenders for the Stanley Cup this year. It would be quite foolish to count out the reigning champions, Vegas Golden Knights. Below is an analysis of why the team can achieve the back-to-back victor status:

The Vegas Golden Knights finished 2022-23 with a 51-22-9 record and the number one seed in the Western Conference. The team cruised through the first three rounds, and there was little doubt that the Golden Knights would be able to best the Florida Panthers for the trophy. After the “Golden Misfits” took care of the Panthers in five games, it was time for the offseason. The reigning champions have not had too busy of an offseason, but made a few key moves. 

General manager Kelly McCrimmon had a few choices to make coming off the Stanley Cup run. He decided to re-sign standout forward Ivan Barbashev to a five-year contract and goalie Adin Hill to a two-year contract. Both of these players, while not the stars by any means, were instrumental pieces in the championship win. McCrimmon ended up letting go of goalies Jonathan Quick and Laurent Brossoit as well as center Teddy Blueger, but no moves were necessarily franchise-altering. With this Vegas team shaping up to look quite similar as to how it did just a few months ago, there is a high possibility it will be one of the most dangerous teams in the West.

Colorado Avalanche

One of Vegas’ Western Conference opponents is the Colorado Avalanche. Despite being beaten in round one of the 2023 playoffs, it was not too long ago that this team won the Stanley Cup. With captain Gabriel Landeskog scheduled to miss the entire 2023-24 season due to knee surgery, there is a high likelihood that the Avalanche could slide down the rankings even more. Colorado is hungry to redo what went wrong in 2023 and will remain a team that Vegas should keep on its radar.

Edmonton Oilers

A second Western Conference opponent would have to be the Edmonton Oilers. The Oilers lost to the Golden Knights in round two of the 2023 playoffs and will be seeking revenge this year. A team with Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl on its roster should never be counted out of the picture. Edmonton finally found its starting goaltender in Stuart Skinner this past year, and now have a better understanding of what the team is truly capable of. If nothing else, the Oilers will put up quite the fight in 2024 and Vegas should be on the lookout. 

Seattle Kraken

A third and final Western Conference team that the Golden Knights need to be aware of is the Seattle Kraken. While the Kraken only made it into the 2023 playoffs as a wild card spot, the team still poses a threat for the defending champions. A lot of players on the Seattle roster are heading into a contract year such as Jordan Eberle, Alexander Wennberg, and Matty Beniers, and will be determined to make it a good one. This squad is still quite new to the league and wants to build on the success of 2022-23. Not only will it be fun to watch when these two teams meet in the regular season, but it could be electric if they meet up in the postseason.   

The Vegas Golden Knights have the opportunity to do what only eight other NHL teams have accomplished in the history of the league. Coming back into 2023-24 feeling rejuvenated and excited, there is a realistic possibility of Vegas becoming the ninth team to have back-to-back championship wins. While the postseason is almost guaranteed for this Golden Knights squad, it will be interesting to see how their opponents respond to them with a larger target on their back than ever before.