How acquired: Selected with the No. 222 pick in the 2021 NHL Draft
2025-26 season: Vegas (NHL): 8 GP, 2-4-2, 3.00 GAA, .873 SVP; Henderson (AHL): 35 GP, 24-5-5, 2.16 GAA, .926 SVP
Lindbom was one of the top goalies in the American Hockey League last season, and the 23-year-old could see more NHL time this season.
“We’re really comfortable that he’s ready to be a good No. 3 goaltender in our organization,” Vegas general manager Kelly McCrimmon said.
At 6-1, 186 pounds, Lindbom relies on hockey sense and athleticism.
“When you’re 6-1, you have to be so precise with your movements,” Nichol said. “You have to read the play so much better than someone who’s 6-5 because the margin for error is so small. So, his hockey sense is through the roof. His ability to read plays is incredible. He’s got great hand-eye coordination. He smothers rebounds. He moves well. Like, he’s got it all.
“He’s athletic, and he’s a fierce competitor. I wasn’t surprised that he had the big year, and I’m not going to be surprised if he has another big one this year.”
Projected NHL arrival: 2026-27
How acquired: Signed as free agent
2025-26 season: Vegas (NHL): 3 GP, 0-0-0; Henderson (AHL): 68 GP, 20-31-51
Uchacz is a great story that could get even better.
Undrafted, he signed an AHL contract with Vegas. In his second professional season, he was an alternate captain for Henderson, produced strong numbers and earned his first taste of the NHL.
Vegas coach Ryan Craig coached Henderson the past three seasons and knows what the 23-year-old (6-2, 206) can do.
“He’s a big, strong two-way center,” Nichol said. “He can really shoot the puck. Plays a 200-foot game. He’s tough. If you need someone to police it a little bit and fight, he’s able to do that. But he’s another one. He’s a wonderful kid.”
Projected NHL arrival: 2026-27
How acquired: Selected with the No. 48 pick in the 2022 NHL Draft
2025-26 season: Henderson (AHL): 72 GP, 18-17-35
Sapovaliv played all but one of Henderson’s games over the past two seasons, and he took a step forward with 19 points (11 goals, eight assists) in 71 games in 2024-25. The 22-year-old (6-4, 204 pounds) also had three assists in four games during the 2026 Calder Cup Playoffs.
“His durability is something that’s really good, especially the way he plays,” Nichol said. “He did get a little dinged up in the playoffs but still played and played well. He was a plus-5 in the four games.
“He has good offensive ability, and he’s starting to find it. He can shoot the puck. He can make plays. He’s very good net-front on the power play, but he’s so good defensively. He’s such a good penalty killer. He’s a really good 200-foot center.”
Projected NHL arrival: 2026-27
