Joe Fleming, the latest project for the Vegas Golden Knights

Back in the summer, the Vegas Golden Knights held a development camp for their prospects, and prospect invitees to show their game and skill at City National Arena in Las Vegas. Among the invites was Joe Fleming, who played the 2021-22 season with USHL Cedar Rapids. Fleming had 16 points in 60 games, with 202 penalty minutes.

During the development camp, Fleming was very noticeable. Multiple reporters could tell he could very well get under opponents’ skin by his physicality and defense. He became a mini fan favorite as well because of how much he stood out during the development camp, which says a lot.

After the development camp, Fleming earned himself an entry-level contract with Vegas. Since Fleming was a Northeastern commit, he no longer was able to play college hockey due to the signing, so he also signed with Sherbrooke of the QMJHL.

Phœnix de Sherbrooke @PhoenixSherbroo

Stéphane Julien annonce la signature de Joe Fleming. Le défenseur américain de 6'1" et 220 lbs, âgé de 19 ans, se joindra à la troupe de Stéphane Julien pour la prochaine saison. Welcome Joe ! Pour consultez le profil de Joe Fleming : eliteprospects.com/player/617531/…

After a bit of the offseason went by, the Golden Knights held their rookie camp for their prospects. With Fleming in attendance, he wanted to make himself known once again. He picked up where he left off with the physicality, getting into a fight after a massive hit.

rob @IvanIvanlvan

I honestly wouldn’t be surprised if Fleming gets into another fight tonight. Here’s the clip of the hit and fight, just loves to get involved.

Jesse Granger @JesseGranger_

To absolutely no one’s surprise, Joe Fleming drops the gloves for the first fight of the tournament. He laid a big hit that led to the fight. He was getting under everyone’s skin during July’s development camp. Entertaining player to watch.

Once rookie camp ended, he got a taste of his first NHL training camp. After training camp, Fleming headed over to Sherbrooke to start his next year of development.

So far in his first year in the QMJHL with Sherbrooke, Fleming has been very strong on the defensive side of the game. He leads the Phœnix in 5.4 hits in 60 minutes. Since joining the Sherbrooke, his physicality has really stood out.

Fleming really likes to hit. You can see it in this video, and as I mentioned before, it gets under the opponent’s skin by being physical. It’s definitely a part of the game that fans love, seeing a defender crush a winger into the boards like it’s no problem.

rob @IvanIvanlvan

Almost done with this piece on Joe Fleming, this hit has to be my favorite. #VegasBorn

Fleming has good analytics too, he has an EV xGF% this season of 59.42%. To have an xGF% (expected goals percentage) of near 60 at even strength is really solid. This means the puck is mostly in the attacking zone over half the time when he is on the ice, and the expected goals are near 60% when he’s on the ice. That shows you his full 200-foot game, and how much he is involved.