The Vegas Golden Knights are on the verge of possibly clinching first place in the Pacific Division as well as the Western Conference this week, but they have taken care of some off-ice business today as well. Per a team statement, the Golden Knights have signed prospect Jesper Vikman to a contract.
Vikman is a 21-year-old goaltender who just wrapped up his Junior career with the Vancouver Giants. He put up a 3.29 GAA and a .903 SV% in 45 games for a non-contending Giants squad. The Swedish goaltender was drafted in the fifth round of the 2020 NHL Draft by the Golden Knights and played one final season in Sweden before joining the Giants. He was called up to play five games in the SHL that season, getting some pro experience as a teenager in a difficult league.
There is a path to some pro playing time for Vikman next season. Logan Thompson has been solid for the Golden Knights each of the past two seasons, but Jonathan Quick, Adin Hill and Laurent Brossoit are all unrestricted free agents this summer and the organization is going to need some depth at the position. Robin Lehner is signed as well but missed the entire season with injury so his status will be in question entering next season as well.
Vikman is now eligible to join the Henderson Silver Knights of the AHL where Jiri Patera is the starting goalie. Patera has posted a 2.93 GAA and a .908 SV% and the Silver Knights have just three games remaining in the season before they are done. They sit 9th in the Pacific Division and will not make the Calder Cup Playoffs this season.
Vikman is on a tryout agreement with the Silver Knights for the rest of this season, and his three year entry-level contract will begin in 2023-24.