Vegas Golden Knights: Glass hungry to improve ahead of sophomore season

Cody Glass is hungrier than ever following his first taste of NHL action and the stud forward is eager to improve for the Vegas Golden Knights.

After exploding onto the scene following a strong Training Camp, the sky was the limit for Glass ahead of his rookie year with the Vegas Golden Knights in 2019-20.

However, despite getting off to a strong start with a goal on his NHL debut against the San Jose Sharks coupled with four points (two goals, two assists) in his first five games, it proved to be a tough transition for the rookie.

While showcasing his vision and elite playmaking ability on the power play with Mark Stone and Max Pacioretty, Glass struggled at 5-on-5 for the most part and being moved up and down the lineup didn’t help his cause either.

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Disaster then struck as the center suffered a concussion and two knee injuries, with the second blow to the knee needing surgery which ended Glass’ rookie year while in the AHL with the Chicago Wolves.

It was a crushing end to a year that started with so much promise, but they do say that adversity can be the making of greatness.

That will be the aim for Glass now who still boasts tremendous upside and a huge ceiling, and the task will be to rehab and to heal both physically and mentally ahead of Training Camp.

Hitting the ground running in preseason will also be important for Glass who will have a new Head Coach in Peter DeBoer to impress.

And, currently rehabbing in Vegas, Glass outlined to the Winnipeg Sun the process behind his painstaking recovery.

Under NHL rules, injured players are still allowed to use team facilities and Glass has been a lone wolf as he goes through his rehab and receives treatment at City National Arena.

“I’m still rehabbing, still working out, getting better each day. It’s kind of a blessing in disguise going through this pandemic – it sounds weird but if you have to go through an injury, it’s good to go through it during this time.” Glass via The Winnipeg Sun.

A blessing is right to describe Glass’ current situation in that the 21-year-old has ample time to get himself back in shape for Training Camp.

While he likely won’t be available should hockey return this year, Glass will at least have more time to rehab, regain his sharpness and be ready to tear it up during preseason.

And, having recorded 12 points (five goals, seven assists) in 39 NHL regular-season games, Glass is hungry for more.

“I got a chance to play with Mark Stone and Max Pacioretty and I played different positions. I kinda got a feel for the league and that’s something going into the summer that I want to build on. Now I have a taste for it and I just want to keep improving and get better.” Glass via The Winnipeg Sun.

Glass is a natural center but was often used on the wing in his rookie year, although he showed what he could do when given top-line minutes with elite line-mates in Pacioretty and Stone.

He was also a stud on the power play and his ability to read the open ice while being able to create high-danger chances for his teammates will be a deadly weapon in the NHL.

So, now having got his rookie year out of the way, Glass is determined to improve and the forward feels there is a lot more to come now he’s seen what the NHL has to offer.

“I wasn’t very satisfied with my season. I know I can always get better and improve but for my first 39 games, it was an incredible experience. Honestly, it was a nice first taste of pro hockey. I played in the AHL Playoff run but it’s a lot different going into the NHL. People are a lot faster, a lot stronger and it’s something you have to get used to. It’s a learning experience at the same time as trying to play your hardest. It’s just an adjustment and it takes time to get used to. Maybe just gaining a few pounds and getting stronger on my feet is something I need to improve on.” Glass via The Winnipeg Sun.

Glass has thrived at every level he’s played at and there is no doubt that he has all the weapons in his arsenal needed to succeed in the NHL.

And, let’s not forget that it is common for rookies to take a while to adapt and adjust to the elite nature of the NHL, just look at the struggles of Jack Hughes and Kaapo Kakko in their rookie years in 2019-20.

But Cody Glass is obviously aware of what he needs to work on in order to take his game to the next level, and he also seems to have the fire needed to bounce back from a tough rookie year and show the NHL and the Vegas Golden Knights what he’s all about in 2020-21.