Tomas Hyka may have already locked down a Vegas Golden Knights roster spot with his recent play in the preseason.
Preseason always seems to be a little wacky. Fans start to overreact that prospects do well in the preseason, but it doesn’t appear to translate into the regular season. Why is that? There are a few reasons as to why.
The level of competition in the regular season is far more intense than the preseason. And not only is it more intense, but the game also moves at a more rapid pace. NHL players play more consistently in the regular season while the preseason tests the waters with younger players. However, there may be something different with a certain Vegas Golden Knights forward.
Golden Knights General Manager George McPhee signed Tomas Hyka to an entry-level contract way back on June 1st. Honestly, not many fans or people in the media made a big deal out of him. But with his recent play in the preseason, you can’t help but be excited.
Hyka appeared in three preseason games thus far, and he went to score at least one goal in each of those games. Whenever he’s out on the ice, he’s always making something happen. Head Coach Gerard Gallant has to be impressed with Hyka’s play whether it’s creating scoring chances, taking a hit to make a play or drawing penalties. Here’s his first goal in the rookie squad game just over a week ago:
The former 2012 sixth-round pick of the Los Angeles Kings has shattered all expectations and challenges thrown at him in camp. Hyka flourishes in a bottom six role, but it doesn’t mean he can’t challenge for a top-six role shortly. Check out his sick redirection goal last night that proved to be the game-winner against the Anaheim Ducks.
Did You Know?: Tomas Hyka set an all-time record for career goals in a Golden Knights jersey tonight (6).
— 🏆 - Vegas Golden Knights (@GoldenKnights) September 25, 2017
His was also the game-winner. pic.twitter.com/dKUBvAPFpb
Goals such as this one show’s that Hyka could belong on the Vegas Golden Knights roster on opening night in Dallas. I think the only way he doesn’t make the roster is if he goes cold in the next three preseason games and doesn’t make smart enough decisions without the puck. Gallant certainly has some tough decisions to make as players are fighting for NHL jobs.
Next: The Vegas Golden Knights Keep on Rolling in the Preseason.
Players like Tyler Wong, Tomas Nosek, Teemu Pulkkinen and Alex Tuch are also fighting for a spot on the NHL roster. But Hyka may have the inside track to a locker stall at T-Mobile Arena with how productive he’s been. The last three preseason games will tell the story as to who makes it and who gets sent to the Chicago Wolves. Did I mention the last three preseason games were at home? Get out to T-Mobile Arena and have some fun Vegas Golden Knights fans! Your time is finally here!