LAS VEGAS -- Pressure might not be the word Reid Duke would use to describe his aspirations of one day making the Vegas Golden Knights roster.

There is, however, a sense of self-urgency that comes with being the first player to sign a contract with the Golden Knights, which he did March 6, 2017. There's also the element of unfinished business for the 22-year-old center, who missed four months last season with a shoulder injury.

He has put in a lot of time and effort to return healthy this season, and has plenty of motivation to push toward an eventual full-time job in the NHL given that the Golden Knights advanced to the Stanley Cup Final in their first season.

"Ever since [the season ended] I've been looking forward to [development camp in June] and to just being back on the ice," Duke said. "This being the second time around, I know a lot of guys from last year were a little wide-eyed. But being back around, a lot of guys know what to expect.

"The biggest thing I learned is there is just so much incentive to put the work in to have the opportunity to put that jersey over your back. To witness what happened this season with the fans and the city and the team makes it really easy walking into training every day."

By all accounts, the work is paying off.

"He looks really good on the ice," Golden Knights center prospect Nick Suzuki said. "He's fast and his shot is improved too. I think he's only gotten better."

Duke (6 feet, 191 pounds) is trying to pick up where he left off after he had 184 points (90 goals, 94 assists) in three seasons with Brandon of the Western Hockey League. His first pro season was cut short because of his injury; he was limited to 14 games without a point for Chicago of the American Hockey League.

"We're excited about Reid and what he can bring to the table," Golden Knights director of player personnel Bob Lowes said. "Obviously last year was not how he wanted to start his time here, but he's a capable scorer and he can only get better with more game experience."

Duke is expected to contribute in the AHL this season and take part in the inaugural Vegas Rookie Faceoff showcase at City National Arena from Sept. 8-11.

"I felt so blessed to be a part of last season," he said. "It was so special to be a part of. I'm pretty thrilled to be back here and am looking forward to the coming months."