The Vegas Golden Knights have been a hot topic this season, with fans buzzing about the team's depth-or perceived lack thereof. Concerns about relying heavily on star players like Jack Eichel, Mitch Marner, and Mark Stone have been put to rest, at least temporarily, with the return of Brayden McNabb after the break.
But McNabb wasn’t the only one making a comeback at Friday's practice. Colton Sissons and Brandon Saad also hit the ice, bolstering the Knights' forward group and adding some much-needed depth.
On the surface, their scoring stats might not jump out. McNabb has posted just two goals and an assist this season, while Sissons has contributed three goals and three assists, and Saad has chipped in with two goals and five assists. But there's more to these players than meets the eye.
Starting with McNabb, his defensive prowess is invaluable. Known for his ability to take away shooting lanes and block shots, McNabb strengthens the Golden Knights' back-end defense.
Sissons, acquired from the Nashville Predators alongside Jeremy Lauzon, wasn't brought in primarily for his goal-scoring. Instead, he addresses a critical need in the faceoff circle, where the team had been overly reliant on William Karlsson and Tomas Hertl.
With a faceoff win percentage of 55.1% this season, Sissons is a key asset. His penalty-killing skills and ability to disrupt plays with his stick make him a crucial part of the lineup.
Then there's Saad, whose two-way play is a boon for the lower units, providing coverage across the entire ice. Despite being in the later stages of his career, Saad's presence is more impactful than many realize.
Collectively, these players enhance the defensive side of the game, offering more support for the goaltenders-a sore spot for the Knights recently. With these veterans in the mix, the team can tighten up defensively, especially in the crucial later periods, helping to preserve leads and stifle opponents.
As the season progresses towards April, Golden Knights fans might find these returning players to be a breath of fresh air. If everything falls into place, these unsung heroes could be the key to a deep playoff run, proving that sometimes, it's the lesser-known names that spark something extraordinary.