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Vegas Golden Knights First Half Report Cards: Defensemen

By Richard Cardinale

LAS VEGAS, NV - DECEMBER 23: Nate Schmidt #88 of the Vegas Golden Knights warms up prior to the game against the Washington Capitals at T-Mobile Arena on December 23, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by David Becker/NHLI via Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV - DECEMBER 23: Nate Schmidt #88 of the Vegas Golden Knights warms up prior to the game against the Washington Capitals at T-Mobile Arena on December 23, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by David Becker/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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Luca Sbisa

NASHVILLE, TN – DECEMBER 8: Luca Sbisa #47 of the Vegas Golden Knights shoots the puck against the Nashville Predators during an NHL game at Bridgestone Arena on December 8, 2017, in Nashville, Tennessee.(Photo by John Russell/NHLI via Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN – DECEMBER 8: Luca Sbisa #47 of the Vegas Golden Knights shoots the puck against the Nashville Predators during an NHL game at Bridgestone Arena on December 8, 2017, in Nashville, Tennessee.(Photo by John Russell/NHLI via Getty Images) /

Luca Sbisa is also well known for his defensive zone prowess. He’s missed some time due to injury recently, but other than that, there’s not much to complain about here. Sbisa has moved on from the dark days in Vancouver to the bright sunlight in sunny Las Vegas.

Let’s not get carried away here, Sbisa only has one goal, nine assists, and 10 points. But he’s been a much better player since leaving the Canucks in the offseason. He’s consistently making the right plays all the time and almost every time.

Although, it still may not be enough to keep him in Vegas. If there’s one player I see general manager George McPhee shipping off, its the Ozieri, Italy native. He may be the one piece that may net back a prospect or a high draft pick.

However, if McPhee doesn’t elect to trade Sbisa, I won’t blame him one bit. My one major gripe with him is health as it has been an issue in the past. The 27-year old would love to see some playoff hockey for the first time since 2014-15.

Grade: B-

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