The most important part of any sports team is the athletes who make things happen. Here are all happening players who have a home with the Knights:
Left Wingers:
Zidani Zidane: The star of this team, Zidani was obtained from the Miami Surge in a deal that saw Larry Weiss and Jeff Bodger fly South. Assisant Captain for Y21.
Brian McCarty: This new Knight came to New York in a trade that saw Cameron San go to Detroit. McCarty figures to be the second line left winger to start Y21.
Vinny Richards: The heart and soul of the Knights. Vinny Richards came to New York with Dmitri Klaiovich and Andrew Hui from Toronto in exchange for Lui Wen.
Rob Daniels: Another new Knight. Rob came to New York from Pittsburgh along with Kirpal Nakota and Xavier Duncan in a trade that saw Ken Ma and Les Juntar move to the Pride. Daniels is a quality depth player who is strong in his own end.
Maurice Meicharde: Likely Maurice will be used as trade bait sometime this season, but in the past he has been a very useful player.
Abel Tran: Abel will be a depth player this season. He could use some more seasoning as well.
Demetrius Adonis: Knights draftee. Following a couple more farm seasons Adonis could be ready to take a role on one of the top two lines in New York.
Jiro Kiyoshi: Early projections for Jiro are as a role player, but stranger things have happened. The legacy of Derek Yuiso's improvement lives on in the organization and Kiyoshi could be next.
Pentti Piirainen: A Y21 draftee, Piirainen has a few years on the farm ahead of him before he makes the jump to the CSHL.
Centers
Sylvain Belanger: Drafted in Y18, Belanger has stepped up as the team's number one centre. Belanger has a home in New York for many years to come.
Spencer Cooper: Captain Cooper has been with the team for many years, ever since being awarded as compensation from the Vitesse. He is an excellent number two centre.
Jared Johnson: Johnson is a young defensive centre who should find a home in the middle of the third line this season.
Mickey House: Likely another season on the farm is needed for Mickey to prove himself.
Scot Bobiviscot: Only used in emergencies, Bobiviscot is likely on his last legs in the CSHL.
Chen Lian: Lian is a Knights draftee and a future star. With more time in the weight room and in the minors Lian could become a standout player.
Dennis Lowry: Lowry is likely finished as a CSHLer.
Right Wingers
Valeri Korolev: Korolev took a while to get to the pros, but is now solidly on the first line with Belanger and Zidane. Korolev had a sub-par Y20 and should improve his number in Y21.
Jiri Prochazka: Jiri was obtained from the Longhorns in exchange for Jean-Claude Bureau. Prochazka was a very pleasant surprise in Y20 showing that he is one of the best second liners in the league.
Magnus Arvedsson: A tough right winger, Arvedsson consistently has a spot in the Knights lineup.
Charles Dugarry: Dugarry came along with Jayson Smith from the Trappers for David Bishop and Aikeal Adjost. Dugarry is the quintessential depth player.
Xavier Duncan: Recently acquired from the Pride in the Ma deal, Duncan provides some future for the right side.
Bryan Tannis: Tannis has never really improved in his years with New York. He could be on his way out of town this season.
Valtteri Kemppainen: Valtteri is a recent Knights draft pick. With some years on the farm he could blossom into a solid player.
Janni Ruuttu: Another recent Finnish draft pick. Like the others, Janni needs time in the minors.
Defencemen
Jayson Smith: Smith joined the Knights in Y20 from the Trappers. He is a great defensive presence and provides great veteran leadership. Assistant captain for Y21.
Dmitri Klaiovich: Klaiovich came with Richards in the Wen deal. He was resigned this offseason to a three year deal. Liked throughout the organization, Klaiovich is a great defensive player.
Rory Fitzpatrick: Grabbed from the Thrilling two seasons ago. Rory is the heir apparent to Klaiovich and Smith. Already Rory is an excellent defensive defenceman.
Marty Janssens: Janssens provides some offensive punch to the New York blueline. He also has a great all-round game.
Vali Rautescu: Excellent all-round defenceman. Rautescu has no great skills, but also no glaring weaknesses.
Derek Yuiso: Famed for his 13 point overall improvement in a matter of weeks following his trade three years ago from the Predators. Yuiso is a defensive blueliner who should gain a regular spot this season.
Kirpal Nakota: Obtained recently from the Pride, Nakota provides depth to one of the best defence corps in the league.
Josh Johnson: Future star on defence for the Knights. Johnson was drafted in a weak draft, but has progressed well on the farm and could be the powerplay quarterback this season or next.
Patrik Berggen: Another offensive defenceman. Berggen was the fruit of the Aaron Lindsay trade last season. Another year on the farm and Berggen could be ready to crack the lineup.
Tyler Mills: A defensive specialist, Mills is a great player to have in case of injury to the top six.
Yves St-Laurent: A speedy defenceman and excellent passer. St-Laurent also fills in when injuries occur.
Brad Kenninson: A Knights draftee, Kenninson should be ready with another season or two in the minors.
Ivan Kruschev: Ivan came to New York from Anaheim. Since then he has toiled on the farm.
Horus Amiri: It's too early to tell with Horus, but he looks to be a good two-way defenceman with good skills.
Ross Paxton: Paxton is an offensively minded defenceman. He needs a few more seasons in the farm.
Goalies
Han Heun Ha: Goaltender of the year in Y20, Ha is the Knights MVP year after year. He ranks among the very best around the league.
Freddie Gustaffson: Obtained at the Y20 trading deadline from the Daredevils for Gavin Sharpe, Gustaffson is the perfect backup to a great goalie.
Bobby Morrison: Perhaps the Knights goaltender of the future. He came via trade from the Nighthawks.
Jorge Clayver: The fourth goalie in the Knights' system. He arrived in a trade with the Predators.