Vegas Golden Knights: Three things to look out for in preseason opener

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IRVINE, CA – SEPTEMBER 10: The Golden Knights”u2019 Dylan Coghlan (52) takes a swing at the Ducks”u2019 Antonine Morand (54) during their game in the 2019 Anaheim Rookie Face Off at the Great Park Ice & Fivepoint Arena in Irvine, CA, on Tuesday, Sep 10, 2019. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen/MediaNews Group/Orange County Register via Getty Images) /

Rejoice, Vegas Golden Knights fans, because the most wonderful time of the year is finally here with hockey officially returning tonight.

Yes, that’s right, the Vegas Golden Knights are back to it today when they get the NHL’s preseason schedule underway against the Arizona Coyotes at T-Mobile Arena – 1:30 p.m. PT. Christmas has indeed come early for hockey fans and this afternoon’s matchup should be a fascinating one for a number of reasons.

Firstly, it will satisfy the severe hockey cravings we’ve all suffered through following what was a lengthy off-season, with today marking the start of 2019-20 and an endless amount of hockey every single night. That is something we can all be thankful for.

Secondly, it will give fans and the media alike a first glimpse at the class of 2019-20, although don’t expect to see all of the Golden Knights’ big guns out on the ice today. Instead, the coaching staff will more than likely put a number of their prospects to the test to see what they are really made of, with a few established stars littered in for good measure.

Today will all be about shaking off the rust, getting back into the swing of things and blowing off the cobwebs after the summer break, while it will also give certain players a chance to impress in their bid to win a spot on the opening night roster, although there aren’t too many berths open on the team given the abundance of riches this franchise can boast.

So, on that note, we’ve rounded up three quick storylines to keep an eye on during today’s preseason opener against the Arizona Coyotes at T-Mobile Arena…

ROSEMONT, IL – JUNE 06: Chicago Wolves left wing Tye McGinn (5) and Chicago Wolves center Cody Glass (29) celebrate a goal during game four of the AHL Calder Cup Finals between the Charlotte Checkers and the Chicago Wolves on June 6, 2019, at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont, IL. (Photo by Patrick Gorski/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

1. Young Guns Out To Impress

The Vegas Golden Knights have drafted extremely well since entering the NHL in 2017 and the 2019 NHL Entry Draft was no different, with the front office doing a very good job of replenishing their farm system, including selecting high-end forward Peyton Krebs with the No. 17 overall pick.

Krebs is currently recovering from a torn Achilles so hasn’t participated in Rookie or Training Camp, although Kaedan Korczak, the No. 41 overall pick in the 2019 Entry Draft, has dominated all summer long and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the stay-at-home defenseman get a big role against Arizona today.

Along with Nic Hague, Zach Whitecloud and Dylan Coghlan, Korczak really impressed throughout Rookie Camp and with one roster spot on the blueline up for grabs, the preseason will give Vegas’ glut of stud defensemen the chance to battle it out and give Head Coach Gerard Gallant some real food for thought.

However, as fascinating as the battle for an opening night roster spot on the blueline is, all eyes will be on Cody Glass and what he can do on the big stage. Glass, the No. 6 overall pick in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft and the first ever pick in franchise history, has dominated at every single level he’s played at and he’s ready to make the leap to the NHL now.

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With a stunning 292 points (94 goals, 198 assists) in 239 games with the Portland Winterhawks in the WHL, Glass followed that up with seven goals and eight assists for 15 points in the Calder Cup Playoffs for the Chicago Wolves in the AHL.

Glass is without a doubt the biggest jewell in the farm system for the Golden Knights and fans are chomping at the bit to see one of the most exciting prospects in the NHL in action up close and personal. And 2019-20 could be the year the two-way forward announces his arrival in the majors in a big way.

With the left wing spot on the third-line up for grabs, Glass will likely be given a huge role throughout the preseason, starting with today’s tilt against the Coyotes. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see him on the top line later, and this afternoon will be a big opportunity for the rookie to showcase his talents and prove why he’s ready for the big time this year.

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