Debating Keegan Kolesar’s Value to the Golden Knights Organization

The Vegas Golden Knights current fourth-line winger, Keegan Kolesar, has created some controversy on social media. With multiple people saying that they think he’s good and what feels like more people saying he sucks, we take a look at rather or not he should be apart of the Knights.

The Vegas Golden Knights traded for Keegan Kolesar back in 2017 and since have given him opportunities to stick in the NHL as a grinder. However, in light of recent events, does he deserve a spot?

Keegan Kolesar, before he became a Vegas Golden Knights was a Columbus Blue Jacket. He was drafted by the Columbus Blue Jackets in the third-round by the back in 2015. After not really ever finding his footing there, the Vegas Golden Knights stepped in and traded for the winger.

Since that point, he’s had multiple opportunities to make an impact with the Knights. Last season being his first official season in the NHL, he played in 44 games in which he had three goals and 10 assists for 13 points. Looking ahead to this season, it’s not really any different.

This season he currently has played in 48 games in which he has four goals and 12 assists for a total of 16 points. Which, quite frankly, isn’t bad given the role he has been given by Pete DeBoer.

Playing and acting as the teams enforcer, he’s not really asked to go make plays or shoot the puck much so the production is skewed. Being a 6’2″ 227 lbs., he is asked to create a presence that puts fear in the opposition. But, there have been occasions this season in which he’s taken on a different role.

During the Vegas Golden Knights injury plague earlier this season, Kolesar was often moved to all different lines. He was once even put on the teams first-line a couple times. Now, that experiment didn’t last long. However, in the past we’ve seen that he has a pretty good shot. But that’s about all the offensive talent he’s got. So therefore, it’s understandable why they don’t quite like him.

I feel another part that draws people away from his game is the impact Reaves had compared to him.

Ryan Reaves was a beloved Vegas Golden Knights enforcer and he was truly feared around the league. Furthermore, Reaves was known around the league and he was one of the few people around the league that no one wants to mess with. Kolesar on the other hand doesn’t have that same impact.

Keegan Kolesar doesn’t quite have the same impact. Now, he’s not afraid to drop the gloves and defend his team, but he’s not really created a name for himself like Reaves did. Therefore, what’s suppose to be appealing is his fighting, checking, and strength, but it’s obsolete.

That isn’t to take away from how he could develop as a player, but right now he hasn’t quite made a name for himself quite like we thought he would. It’ll be interesting to see how he pans out but for right now, there are good points to both sides.