Welcome to the Oil Rig’s Pacific Division preview series. Today let’s take a closer look at the Vegas Golden Knights.
Overview
Fresh off of a Stanley Cup Final loss, expectations are high for the Knights. Along with the Oilers, the Knights are poised to be the powerhouses of the Pacific Division. The Knights undoubtedly return as true contenders.
Although their strong roster suggests that continuity is a good thing, it might also be a big reason for dread. The Knights veterans are another year older. None of the issues from last season are improved on paper. There might be some young talent pushing for internal improvements, but naturally the Knights are not afraid to work the trade market.
Obviously, the Knights are no stranger to bold inseason moves to upgrade their team. Oiler fans are familiar with the stubbornness that a Stanley Cup Finals loss can bring. The Knights, meanwhile, will be focused on taking things just another step further this upcoming season.
Forwards
Barbashev—Eichel—Stone
Howden—Karlsson—Marner
Olofsson—Hertl—Bowman
Holtz—Dowd—Gatcomb
Extras: Laczynski, Rondbjerg, Lavoie, Connolly, Hemmerling, Uchacz
The Knights have a strong foundation down the middle. Jack Eichel is the feature here, but William Karlsson and Tomas Hertl are strong support. Both can play some heavy games in traffic, especially given their offensive contributions as centres. Nick Dowd is a strong option as a defensive specialist.
Capable defensive wingers bolster this stability. On top of being stars in their own right, Mitch Marner and Mark Stone are among the stronger defensive wingers in the league. Marner was even able to hold his own as a centre last season. Ivan Barbashev and Brett Howden bring a dimension of power to the top-nine as well.
Victor Olofsson is more of an offensive specialist, but Braeden Bowman and Alexander Holtz provide some offensive spark as well. With all three fighting for a spot in the top-nine, the victor will benefit from the talented and well rounded group alongside. Bowman seems the most likely to assert himself as a long term option.
Even longer term there might be some hope within the prospect system. Ben Hemmerling has continued to impress on his journey, while some prospects with controversial off ice baggage have been improving in the AHL. Trevor Connelly is the standout, with a bold, flashy, and skilled offensive game.
The biggest concern might be the extensive injury histories of both Stone and Hertl. The Knights often trade away youth for immediate support, but for one reason or another some Knights drafted prospects might finally start to become part of the NHL lineup.
Defence
McNabb—Theodore
Hanifin—Andersson
Wotherspoon—Lauzon
Extras: Coghlan, Cormier, Davies, Heinola, Tuomisto
Again, there is a stable of name-brand talents as the foundation of the group. Shea Theodore is undoubtedly the top option, playing huge minutes on his weak side at that. Noah Hanifin and Rasmus Andersson are quality top-four options. The trio gives the Knights a lot to work with, providing structure for role players to settle into manageable situations.
Brayden McNabb and Jeremy Lauzon bring some physicality, McNabb’s game complementing Theodore’s quite well. Parker Wotherspoon is coming off of a strong season with the Pittsburgh Penguins, posting strong analytical results at a low cap hit.
The Knights do boast a number of quality depth options. In particular, Coghlan, Cormier, and Davies might provide some offence. Adding another quality top-four option would really help put the group over the top, and Theodore’s positional flexibility helps make that handedness agnostic.
Goalies
Hill
Hart
Lindbom
Perhaps the biggest issue with the Knights was their goaltending. Adin Hill struggled all season, while Carter Hart was able to put enough together to win the Western Conference. Hart might be able to be more effective this coming season. Carl Lindblom should be positioned to pick up the slack if either misses time. After earning some starts last season he might be primed to do so.
In theory the Knights strong defensive game should help out their goalies. In practice it has not been so. Fans get frustrated, as many believe even average goaltending would be enough for the Knights to prosper.
Prediction for this season
Undoubtedly the Knights will be among the favourites for the division crown alongside the Oilers. The teams have owned the Pacific Division for some time now, and should continue their divisional dominance.
The Knights are likely to buy at some point during the season. Goaltending could be the likely area to address, especially if the platoon does not start the season well. Connor Hellebuyck is on the market, for example, but the Knights do not have a lot of trade assets to work with considering the off-ice baggage of some of their players.
In the end the Knights should remain a true contender. Some better goaltending could easily power the Knights to a stronger regular season than last year.
Photo by Curtis Comeau/Icon Sportswire
