If the Vegas Golden Knights fail in acquiring a right-handed defenseman in the offseason, they could bring along Zach Whitecloud.
The Vegas Golden Knights offseason are off to a hot start. The team has already resigned Stefan Matteau and Tomas Hyka to one-year deals. Vegas also signed 2017 draft pick Lucas Elvenes and free agent Brooks Macek.
However, the real need for the Golden Knights this offseason is at defense. Most preferably a right-handed defenseman that moves the puck with precision. Those kinds of defensemen don’t grow on trees.
John Carlson would work perfectly for the Golden Knights, but he’ll be the most sought-after free agent besides John Tavares. What’s the plan if the Golden Knights can’t acquire the position they need the most this offseason? They’ll have to look within their system and find the solution.
The most obvious resolution would be seeing what they have in Zach Whitecloud. You remember this guy, Golden Knights fans? If you do, you can pretty much call yourself a hardcore fan.
This was the player the Golden Knights signed in March to add depth to their lineup. Whitecloud played in just one game for the Golden Knights in 2017-18. In his NHL debut against the Edmonton Oilers, the 21-year old was a +3 in 16:42 of TOI.
Whitecloud finished his sophomore year with Bemidji State University where he registered four goals and 14 assists in 36 games. As a freshman at BSU, he ranked second on the team in assists (14) and blocked shots (59). For his career at Bemidji State, Whitecloud recorded 36 points (7 G, 29 A) in 77 games.
The Brandon, Manitoba native moves the puck with speed and can work with the power play unit. He would have to get accustomed to working the treacherous NHL schedule. Additionally, he will need to beef up during the offseason if he wants to find a spot on the Vegas roster.
The boys gave @ZachWhitecloud a solo lap for his @NHL debut last night in Edmonton #VegasBorn 🙌 pic.twitter.com/1xvmaPPID1
— 🏆 - Vegas Golden Knights (@GoldenKnights) April 6, 2018
I don’t think Whitecloud will make the roster right away. Furthermore, he should go down and play a season with the Golden Knights AHL affiliate, the Chicago Wolves. Then if all goes well, by this time next year, we could be seeing Whitecloud compete for a spot on the Golden Knights blue line.
Next: Vegas Golden Knights Should Pursue John Carlson In Free Agency
All in all, if Whitecloud comes in with a great attitude and mindset for training camp, he could push for a spot in the lineup. Although, I wouldn’t expect that right out of the gate. The Vegas Golden Knights are one or two dynamic pieces away from a Stanley Cup, and Whitecloud could play a huge role in the franchise’s first major title in the future.