The preseason standout is back with the Vegas Golden Knights, and he’s ready to make an impact.
There were lots of players that looked great in the preseason that didn’t make the Vegas Golden Knights roster in October. Take Tyler Wong for example. Wong finished with three goals and an assist in three preseason games. What has he done in the regular campaign thus far?
Wong only registered two goals, two assists in 20 games for the Chicago Wolves. Yikes. I think it’s pretty safe to say general manager George McPhee made the right call on this one. Who else exceeded expectations and pushed for NHL roster spot?
Tomas Hyka was another player who played really well in the preseason. Opposite from Wong, Hyka has shown massive improvements in his game since going to the AHL to refine his game. In 16 games played for the Wolves, Hyka totaled six goals and six assists. And after a four-point night in his last game against Grand Rapids, the Golden Knights brass felt that he earned a call-up.
On Monday, the Golden Knights made it official and recalled Hyka from Chicago. For those who don’t remember Hyka from preseason, he was one of the Knights best players. However, I’m sure McPhee and the front office wanted him to develop his game a bit more before making the jump to the show.
The Mlada Boleslav, Czech Republic native made a bid for the Knights roster, but players such as Tomas Nosek and Brendan Leipsic beat him out in camp. And up to this point, those players have done a fantastic job in their roles. I believe Vegas made the right call on the roster since day one, and I also think the Knights are doing just fine without Vadim Shipachyov don’t you think?
The Golden Knights had to place Luca Sbisa on the injured reserve to make room for Hyka on the roster. Gallant said there are no lineup changes against the Lightning tonight aside from Fleury starting in goal. So that means, the 24-year-old will have to wait another day before making his NHL debut.
Next: Vegas Golden Knights: Jonathan Marchessault And Reilly Smith Sink Former Team.
All in all, Hyka earned the call-up and deserved to be up on the big club. However, I’m not sure where he fits on this roster especially when he’s with Ryan Carpenter as an extra forward. But whether they play or not, they’re both anxious to play their first games for the Vegas Golden Knights in the very near future.