The Vegas Golden Knights are making headlines yet again, and this time it’s all about their knack for uncovering hidden talent deep in the NHL Draft. On March 1, 2026, General Manager Kelly McCrimmon confirmed that the franchise has inked forward Alex Weiermair to a three-year, entry-level contract, a move that’s generating plenty of buzz across hockey circles. The 20-year-old right winger, originally picked in the sixth round (186th overall) of the 2025 NHL Entry Draft, has been turning heads with his electrifying play for the Portland Winterhawks in the Western Hockey League (WHL).
Weiermair’s numbers this season are nothing short of eye-popping. Through 57 games, he leads the Winterhawks with 75 points, comprised of 32 goals and 43 assists. That tally puts him 11th among all WHL skaters this year, a remarkable feat for a player drafted so late. His recent form has been particularly impressive—he’s racked up 16 points in his last 10 games, showcasing a scoring touch and playmaking ability that have scouts and fans alike eagerly watching his every shift.
But this breakout campaign didn’t come out of nowhere. Last season, his first full go-round with Portland, Weiermair put up 46 points (21 goals, 25 assists) in 41 regular-season games. When the pressure ramped up in the playoffs, he delivered again, tallying 23 points (10 goals, 13 assists) in 18 postseason contests and helping propel the Winterhawks all the way to the WHL Western Conference Final. That postseason performance ranked him 11th among all WHL skaters in the 2025 playoffs, a testament to his ability to shine when the stakes are highest.
A native of Los Angeles, California, Weiermair’s hockey journey has been anything but ordinary. Before his arrival in Portland, he spent parts of two seasons with the University of Denver Pioneers in the NCAA, skating in 33 games and recording eight points (three goals, five assists). While those numbers might not leap off the page, his time at Denver was highlighted by a crowning achievement—winning the NCAA National Championship in the 2023-24 season. That experience, facing the best collegiate talent in the country, seems to have laid a solid foundation for his rapid development in junior hockey.
Weiermair’s path to the pros also included a stint with the USA Hockey National Team Development Program (USNTDP), where he suited up for 107 games and tallied 49 points (25 goals, 24 assists). That experience, competing against top-tier international talent, no doubt helped shape his two-way game and instilled the kind of work ethic that’s now paying dividends in the WHL.
Standing at 6 feet 1 inch and weighing in at 209 pounds, Weiermair brings a powerful presence to the ice. He shoots right, and his combination of size and skill has allowed him to dominate at the junior level. The Golden Knights, who have a history of success with late-round picks and unheralded prospects, clearly believe that Weiermair fits the mold of a player who can translate his junior success to the professional ranks.
"We’re thrilled to add Alex to our organization," said General Manager Kelly McCrimmon, as reported by multiple outlets on March 1. "His development over the past two seasons in Portland has been remarkable, and his performance in the playoffs last year showed he can handle big moments. We’re excited to see how he continues to grow."
Weiermair’s signing also reunites him within the Golden Knights’ system with fellow Portland Winterhawks teammate Carter Sotheran, another Vegas prospect. That familiarity could prove valuable as both players transition to the next level and navigate the challenges of pro hockey together.
For now, all eyes will remain on Weiermair as he finishes out the current WHL season with Portland. The Winterhawks are pushing for another deep playoff run, and with Weiermair leading the charge, their chances look as strong as ever. Once the WHL campaign wraps up, the expectation is that Weiermair could join the Henderson Silver Knights, Vegas’ American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, either for their playoff push or for the 2026 training camp. It’s a natural progression for a player who has already shown he can adapt quickly to new challenges.
The Golden Knights’ front office, led by McCrimmon, has built a reputation for shrewd drafting and development. Since entering the NHL as an expansion franchise in 2017-18, Vegas has quickly become a model organization, highlighted by their historic run to the Stanley Cup in 2022-23. The addition of Weiermair, a late-round pick who’s blossomed into a top scorer in the WHL, only reinforces the team’s commitment to finding and nurturing talent at every stage of the draft.
Fans in Vegas and Portland alike have plenty to be excited about. Weiermair’s journey from the NCAA, through the USNTDP, and now as a WHL star is a testament to his perseverance and adaptability. His ability to contribute in high-pressure situations, as shown by his playoff heroics, bodes well for his future as a professional.
The Golden Knights’ faith in Weiermair is clear. As he wraps up his junior career, the anticipation surrounding his pro debut will only intensify. Can he become the next late-round steal for Vegas, following in the footsteps of other NHL stars who slipped through the draft’s early rounds? Only time will tell, but the early signs are promising.
For now, Weiermair remains focused on helping the Winterhawks chase WHL glory. His scoring touch, leadership, and big-game experience make him a player to watch as the playoffs approach. Once his junior season concludes, the next chapter in his hockey journey awaits—one that could see him don the Silver Knights’ jersey in the AHL and, perhaps someday soon, skate onto the ice in Vegas as a member of the Golden Knights.
With a new contract in hand and a bright future ahead, Alex Weiermair stands as the latest example of Vegas’ ability to spot and develop talent where others might overlook it. Hockey fans would be wise to keep an eye on this rising star as his story continues to unfold.