The idea of a Las Vegas NHL team dates back to the early 2000s, but it wasn't until 2014 that serious progress began to be made. In that year, a group led by businessman Bill Foley announced that they were seeking to bring an NHL team to Las Vegas. Foley was able to secure the support of the city and the NHL, and in 2016, the league's Board of Governors voted to approve the expansion team.
The Golden Knights began building their roster in 2017 through an expansion draft, in which they were able to select one unprotected player from each of the other 30 NHL teams. The team also made several key trades and free agent signings, including the acquisition of goaltender Marc-André Fleury, who would become one of the faces of the franchise.
The Golden Knights made their NHL debut in the 2017-18 season, and they quickly exceeded expectations. The team finished the regular season with a record of 51-24-7, good for first place in the Pacific Division. The Golden Knights went on to defeat the Los Angeles Kings in the first round of the playoffs, before falling to the San Jose Sharks in the second round.
Despite the loss to the Sharks, the Golden Knights' inaugural season was a resounding success. The team drew record crowds to T-Mobile Arena, and they quickly became one of the most beloved teams in the city. The Golden Knights have also been successful on the ice, as they have qualified for the playoffs in each of their first five seasons.
The formation of the Vegas Golden Knights was a major milestone for the city of Las Vegas and for the NHL. The team has brought a new level of excitement and energy to the city, and they have quickly become one of the most popular and successful teams in the league.