Vegas Golden Knights GM Kelly McCrimmon Addresses Media

McCrimmon discusses team's playoff preparations ahead of first-round matchup.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 9:27pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a hockey game, with players and the puck broken down into overlapping, angular shapes in navy, silver, and crimson, conveying the team's tactical complexity and creative flair.The Golden Knights' playoff push is built on a foundation of strategic depth and creative playmaking, as illustrated by the team's dynamic, multi-faceted approach to the game.Seattle Today

Vegas Golden Knights General Manager Kelly McCrimmon held a press conference on Friday, April 17, 2026, to discuss the team's preparations for the upcoming Stanley Cup Playoffs. McCrimmon addressed a range of topics, including the team's recent performance, key player updates, and the mindset heading into the postseason.

Why it matters

As the Golden Knights look to make another deep playoff run, McCrimmon's remarks provide valuable insight into the team's strategy and mindset. His comments offer a glimpse into the organization's approach to the high-stakes playoff environment and set the stage for the team's first-round matchup.

The details

During the press conference, McCrimmon touched on the team's recent games, including their victories over the Seattle Kraken and Winnipeg Jets. He highlighted the strong performances of players like Reilly Smith, Shea Theodore, and Valeri Dorofeyev, who have been key contributors throughout the season. McCrimmon also addressed the status of injured players and expressed confidence in the team's depth and ability to overcome any challenges.

  • The press conference took place on Friday, April 17, 2026, ahead of the start of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

The players

Kelly McCrimmon

The general manager of the Vegas Golden Knights, responsible for overseeing the team's roster, operations, and strategic direction.

Reilly Smith

A veteran forward for the Vegas Golden Knights, known for his scoring touch and two-way play.

Shea Theodore

A skilled defenseman for the Vegas Golden Knights, who contributes at both ends of the ice.

Valeri Dorofeyev

A rising young forward for the Vegas Golden Knights, known for his offensive creativity and goal-scoring ability.

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What they’re saying

“We're excited about the opportunity that lies ahead of us in the playoffs. Our guys have worked hard all season to put themselves in this position, and we're confident in our ability to compete at the highest level.”

— Kelly McCrimmon, General Manager, Vegas Golden Knights

What’s next

The Golden Knights will begin their first-round playoff series against an opponent to be determined in the coming days. McCrimmon and the team will continue to prepare the squad for the challenges of the postseason.

The takeaway

Kelly McCrimmon's press conference highlighted the Golden Knights' strong regular season performance and their readiness for the upcoming Stanley Cup Playoffs. With a talented roster and a proven track record, the team appears poised to make another deep playoff run and potentially capture the franchise's first championship.