--- title: "Lavoie, Heinola headline 11 Golden Knights signings" description: "Vegas adds AHL-ready depth with forwards and defensemen, keeping roster moves cheap and farm-focused." url: https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/lavoie-heinola-among-11-golden-knights-signings-dff6603c published: 2026-07-03T08:30:06.978+00:00 updated: 2026-07-03T08:30:06.978+00:00 author: "Kostadin Stamboliev" publisher: "Pineido" site: "Sportopod" language: en topics: ["hockey"] --- # Lavoie, Heinola headline 11 Golden Knights signings > Vegas adds AHL-ready depth with forwards and defensemen, keeping roster moves cheap and farm-focused. The Vegas Golden Knights finalized 11 free-agent signings to shore up their AHL depth ahead of the 2026-27 season. Forwards Raphael Lavoie, Marc Gatcomb, and Ville Heinola headline the group, with the club targeting players ready to step into the Henderson Silver Knights immediately. Lavoie, 24, comes off a 20-goal AHL campaign with the San Diego Gulls and slots in as a middle-six forward. Heinola, 23, adds offensive upside from the blue line after posting 11 points in 22 NHL games with Winnipeg last season. Gatcomb, 26, brings grit and penalty-kill experience, having logged 38 NHL contests with Ottawa. The remaining eight signings include forwards Jakub Demek, Joe Fleming, and Antti Tuomisto, along with defensemen Adam Ginning and Joni Heinola. Vegas also added defenseman Antti Tuomisto, a 6-foot-5 physical presence who split time between the NHL and AHL in Detroit’s system. The Golden Knights’ approach mirrors a broader NHL trend: teams are increasingly treating AHL affiliates as self-sustaining development hubs rather than dumping grounds for fringe NHL talent. Henderson’s 32-35-5 record last season exposed the need for a more structured pipeline, and these signings directly address that gap. By locking in players with NHL games under their belts—even in limited roles—Vegas ensures Henderson can absorb call-ups without systemic collapse. This class of signings also carries long-term financial benefits. League-wide cap pressure forces teams to find production outside traditional free-agent markets. Vegas’ deals are structured to minimize risk: no term longer than two years, no AAV exceeding $800,000. That ceiling allows Henderson to absorb roster churn without derailing the Knights’ long-term flexibility, a model that could influence how other clubs approach AHL roster construction in the coming years. The additions reflect a calculated bet on organizational depth. Henderson’s inability to sustain consistent performance last season—despite flashes from players like Jake Bischoff and Michael Hutchinson—highlighted the need for a more stable foundation. These 11 signings provide immediate competition for roles, ensuring no single departure creates a void. The group’s collective NHL experience (148 total games among them) also means Henderson won’t be forced to rely on unproven talent during inevitable call-ups. Kelly McCrimmon framed the additions as cost-controlled, AHL-first moves to stabilize the Silver Knights after a roster overhaul. ‘We’re building a team that can compete nightly in the AHL while developing NHL talent,’ McCrimmon said in a release. ‘These players bring the right mix of skill and professionalism.’ What's next: The Golden Knights will open training camp in September with these 11 players competing for AHL roles. Expect Henderson to lean on this group as it aims to improve on last season’s 32-35-5 record and push for a playoff spot in the Pacific Division. The signings also set the stage for potential midseason call-ups. With players like Heinola and Lavoie already familiar with NHL environments, Henderson can afford to develop younger prospects without sacrificing competitiveness. This dual-track approach—competitive AHL play paired with NHL-ready depth—positions Vegas to navigate roster injuries or underperformance at the top level more effectively than in previous seasons. ## Why this matters The Golden Knights’ 11 signings reflect a deliberate shift toward affordable, AHL-ready talent under McCrimmon. By prioritizing players who can step into Henderson immediately, Vegas reduces roster risk while keeping cap flexibility intact. The moves also signal a farm-first philosophy after last season’s AHL struggles, ensuring NHL call-ups won’t be rushed into untenable roles. This strategy aligns with the league’s broader emphasis on sustainable development, where AHL affiliates are treated as critical assets rather than afterthoughts. The financial discipline—no deals longer than two years and AAVs capped at $800,000—further cements Henderson’s role as a self-sustaining hub, reducing the need for costly NHL roster shuffling. ## Frequently asked ### Who are the key forwards signed by the Golden Knights? Raphael Lavoie, Marc Gatcomb, Jakub Demek, Joe Fleming, and Antti Tuomisto headline the forward group. ### What did Ville Heinola bring to the Golden Knights? Heinola adds offensive upside from the blue line with NHL experience, including 11 points in 22 games with Winnipeg last season. ### How many players did the Golden Knights sign in total? Vegas signed 11 free agents to bolster AHL depth ahead of the 2026-27 season. ### Why did the Golden Knights target AHL-ready players? GM Kelly McCrimmon emphasized cost control and farm stability, ensuring Henderson can compete nightly while developing NHL talent. ### When will training camp open for the Golden Knights? The Golden Knights will open training camp in September with these 11 players competing for AHL roles. ### How do these signings compare to other NHL teams’ AHL strategies? Vegas’ approach mirrors a league-wide trend of treating AHL affiliates as self-sustaining development hubs, prioritizing NHL-ready talent and cost-controlled contracts to minimize risk. ## Sources & Citations - [Lavoie, Heinola among 11 Golden Knights signings](https://www.dailyfaceoff.com/news/raphael-lavoie-ville-heinola-jakub-demek-joe-fleming-marc-gatcomb-adam-ginning-antti-tuomisto-among-11-golden-knights-signings-nhl-ahl-signings-free-agent-ufa) — Daily Faceoff (2026-07-02) --- Cite: Lavoie, Heinola headline 11 Golden Knights signings. Sportopod, 2026-07-03. https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/lavoie-heinola-among-11-golden-knights-signings-dff6603c