The Vegas Golden Knights may not have a significant presence at the 2024 IIHF World Championship, but two former players are making headlines. This year’s championship, held in the Czech Republic, features top NHL stars like Connor Bedard (Canada), Nico Hischier (Switzerland), and Erik Karlsson (Sweden). Despite the absence of current Golden Knights players such as Jack Eichel and William Karlsson—who were busy with the Stanley Cup playoffs—there are still reasons for Vegas fans to tune in.
While the Golden Knights fell short of repeating their Stanley Cup success, two former players are shining at the World Championship. Although they weren’t standout stars on the Golden Knights roster, their participation still sparks interest among Vegas hockey fans. Watching former team members succeed, even on an international stage, is a source of pride.
Pierre-Edouard Bellemare: Representing France
Pierre-Edouard Bellemare might not be a “superstar” in the context of the IIHF World Championship, especially with players like Connor Bedard and John Tavares in the mix. However, he is a notable player for France, being the only current French NHL player (Seattle Kraken).
This season, Bellemare scored four goals and three assists in 40 games with the Kraken, including an assist against the Golden Knights in a 5-4 overtime loss on March 12. During his two seasons with Vegas, Bellemare scored 12 goals and 19 assists in 148 games, including two short-handed goals. He also played for the Philadelphia Flyers, Colorado Avalanche, and Tampa Bay Lightning. Currently, Bellemare has two goals in three games for France.
While most Golden Knights fans may not remember Bellemare’s time with the team vividly, his underdog story is one to root for. Watching him lead France, an underdog team in a tournament filled with hockey powerhouses like Canada and Sweden, adds an exciting narrative.
Tomas Tatar: Representing Slovakia
Tomas Tatar, Bellemare’s teammate on the Seattle Kraken, is also a former Golden Knight representing Slovakia. Tatar is more familiar to Vegas fans, having been acquired from the Detroit Red Wings during the Golden Knights’ 2017-18 Stanley Cup run.
Tatar had a more productive season than Bellemare, scoring nine goals and 15 assists in 70 games for the Kraken. Initially traded from the Colorado Avalanche for a 2024 fifth-round draft pick, the 33-year-old remains a valuable depth player. During his brief tenure with the Golden Knights, Tatar contributed four goals and two assists in 20 games, including a power-play goal and assist, enhancing Vegas’s special teams. Although the Golden Knights fell to the Washington Capitals in the Stanley Cup Finals that year, Tatar played a crucial role in their remarkable run. Currently, Tatar has one assist in three games for Slovakia.
Golden Knights fans may feel a stronger connection to Tatar, given his role in the team’s inaugural season success. Slovakia also has a better chance of making a significant impact in the tournament compared to France, making Tatar an exciting player to watch.
It’s exciting to see two former Golden Knights making their mark on the world stage. Bellemare and Tatar played vital roles in establishing the franchise during its early years, and their participation in the IIHF World Championship provides Golden Knights fans with compelling hockey to watch during the offseason. Whether pulling for an underdog story with Bellemare or hoping for a deep run with Tatar, Vegas fans have plenty to cheer for in this international competition.
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