With free agency approaching, the Vegas Golden Knights are once again a team people expect to make noise.
That’s the view from NHL Network analyst Mike Rupp, who sat down with Channel 13’s Alex Eschelman and described Vegas’ offseason outlook in one word: “Intriguing. They've always got tricks up their sleeve.”
The biggest question, at least from Rupp’s perspective, is in goal. Asked how the Golden Knights should handle goaltending, he said, “My gut is telling me they're going to try and move Adin Hill.
I don't know if I see this team going back into next season with Adin Hill and Carter Hart as their two goaltenders. They could, and it could work out in a big way ...
Connor Hellebuyck's name is out there too. That's one of the great things about Vegas, they're always in those conversations.”
If Rupp were making the call, he’d look to the blue line first. He said, “I would probably lean more towards the back end.
If you've got an opportunity to land a Zach Werenski or if you have an opportunity to make a big splash on the d-core, I think that's where the move is at. I just feel like this team has been a little bit different since Alex Pietrangelo has been injured, and I don't think you can replace him.
A guy like Zach Werenski isn't the same defenseman, but I'd like to see the d-core being a strength of this team like it once was.”
In Other News...
Golden Knights Reunion Could Finally Answer Their Wing Scoring Problem
The Golden Knights have been searching for more help on the wing, and a familiar face may be part of the answer. According to TSN's Darren Dreger, Vegas is expected to sign a winger who already spent time with the club and could help deepen a forward group that has been looking for another scorer on the outside.
Last season, he bounced between Colorado and Calgary and finished with 13 goals and 18 assists, a reminder that he can still chip in offensively. What makes the fit intriguing for Vegas is the mix of touch and shooting threat he has shown before, especially on the power play, and the reunion would give the Golden Knights another option without forcing them to wait long for reinforcements. [Read more 🡒]
Golden Knights Just Made Two Depth Moves Fans Cant Ignore
The Golden Knights kept busy on the depth front, adding another layer to a roster that has already seen a flurry of movement with recent trades and Rasmus Anderssons extension. This time, the focus was on the forward group, where Vegas turned to two familiar names who can help stabilize the system and keep the organization stocked with experienced options.
Tanner Laczynski comes in on a three-year one-way contract, while Jonas Rondbjerg is back on a one-year two-way deal. Both are positioned to bolster the Silver Knights and provide the kind of call-up insurance every contender leans on during the season, especially when injuries start to test the edges of the lineup. [Read more 🡒]