Vegas adds a winger and defenseman after drafting three centers and a goalie.
The Vegas Golden Knights wrapped up the 2022 NHL Entry Draft by selecting winger Ben Hemmerling in the sixth round (No. 177) and defenseman Abram Wiebe in the seventh round (No. 209).
In total, the Golden Knights picked up three centers, one winger, one defenseman and one goalie in the franchise’s sixth draft.
Ben Hemmerling, RW
Hemmerling was Vegas’ sixth-round selection (No. 177).
The 5-foot-10 winger needs to add to his 159-pound frame but saw an uptick in production in his second season with the Everett Silvertips of the WHL, scoring 10 goals and 47 points in 57 games after recording three goals and seven points in 22 games in 2020-21. He also scored one goal and four points in six playoff games this past season.
He has good hockey sense and is a strong skater.
Hemmerling also has skill.
Ben Hemmerling, the Golden Knights’ 2022 sixth-round pick (No. 177), with some nifty moves #VegasBorn #NHLDraft pic.twitter.com/ZT4iGJ6jHE
— Jillian Wagner (@JillianSydney) July 8, 2022
However, he doesn’t score many goals and doesn’t possess much of a “wow” factor. He has found twine just 13 times in 79 WHL games and is much more of a playmaker. He finished fifth on the Silvertips with 37 assists and could see that number rise next year in a more substantial role.
The native of Sherwood Park, Alberta has top-nine potential.
Ben Hemmerling highlights, anyone? Looking at you, @GoldenKnights! pic.twitter.com/zDNtmNOJ7d
— The WHL (@TheWHL) July 8, 2022
Abram Wiebe, D
The Golden Knights drafted just one defenseman in 2022, and they waited until the final round to do so, grabbing Wiebe with the 209th pick.
It is the first time in franchise history Vegas selected a defenseman in the seventh round.
Wiebe is a sizable blueliner capable of chipping in offensively.
He kicked off the 2021-22 campaign with 11 points in eight games and finished the year with two goals and 31 points in 54 games in his second season with the Chilliwack Chiefs of the BCHL, adding nine assists in 11 playoff games.
But Wiebe is more focused on being a 200-foot defender who can contribute in all situations. There’s a lot to like about his attitude, which is team-first.
The 6-foot-3, 194-pound rearguard is committed to North Dakota for the 2023-24 season.
Abram Wiebe takes that puck for a walk
5-3 Rivermen pic.twitter.com/SkrArgj6eZ
— Chilliwack Chiefs (@Chiefs_Hockey) October 17, 2021
Golden Knights 2022 NHL Entry Draft results
Round 2 (No. 48) — Matyas Sapovaliv (C)
Round 3 (No. 79) — Jordan Gustafson (C)
Round 4 (No. 128) — Cameron Whitehead (G)
Round 5 (No. 145) — Patrick Guay (C)
Round 6 (No. 177) — Ben Hemmerling (W)
Round 7 (No. 209) — Abram Wiebe (D)