The addition of Nikita Gusev gives the Vegas Golden Knights more depth and options.
Let’s face it; the Vegas Golden Knights have not played well to start this first round series against the San Jose Sharks. Luckily, the Golden Knights pulled out a win on Friday night to tie the series heading into T-Mobile Arena for games three and four. If there’s ever a time to take advantage of home ice at the Fortress, now is the time.
However, just before the Golden Knights took the ice out for their morning skate, the team made a transaction that could provide huge dividends. On Sunday, the Vegas Golden Knights have signed Nikita Gusev to a one-year entry-level deal worth 925,000 dollars. For those who don’t remember, Vegas acquired his rights in the expansion draft from the Tampa Bay Lightning. Gusev will wear number 17 on his back when he skates for his first practice with the Golden Knights on Monday at City National Arena.
The most significant part of his deal is he can come in and play playoff hockey starting in game four on Tuesday night. However, it’s yet to be decided if general manager George McPhee and head coach Gerard Gallant will even use Gusev. They may want him to get some practice time with the club before stepping onto the ice in a crazy playoff atmosphere. But the real question is, just who is Nikita Gusev?
The Moscow, Russia native just finished up his season with the KHL after leading his team to a Conference Finals berth. Gusev had a fantastic year with SKA St. Petersburg as he scored 17 goals, 65 assists, and 82 points in 62 regular season games. The 26-year old led the league in both assists and points.
Gusev didn’t let up in the KHL playoffs either, he notched nine goals, ten helpers and 19 points in just ten games played. His style features a high-skill playmaking ability, an underrated shot and a knack for the heroics. As for his game on the other side of the puck, he’ll need to adjust and get stronger as he transitions into the NHL.
His play on the international stage increased, even more, when he and the Olympic Athletes of Russia won the gold medal in the 2018 Winter Games. Gusev’s numbers in the Olympics showed why he’s one of the best international prospects in the world. The newest Golden Knight was named “Best Forward” in the entire tournament as he tallied four goals, eight assists in six games.
It’ll be tough for Gusev to slide in the lineup as he would have to outbattle Ryan Carpenter, Brandon Pirri and Tomas Nosek for the last spot. Gallant remains set on keeping William Carrier, Pierre-Edouard Bellemare, and Ryan Reaves together on his fourth line. So if Gusev were to get inserted into the lineup, it would likely be on the Golden Knights third line that consists of Alex Tuch and Cody Eakin.
All in all, the Vegas Golden Knights have added a solid, young talent to their squad in Nikita Gusev. It remains to be seen if Gusev will even play, but if there’s a situation where an injury occurs on the top six, Gallant shouldn’t hesitate in adding Gusev to his lineup.