3 Things I Like About Paul Cotter On The Golden Knights

Cotter is the perfect fit for Bruce Cassidy’s defensive-minded system. He has no problem hitting people, which is evident from his 168 hits in 55 games last season. He already has 74 this season, which is good for fourth in the NHL. His physicality is wearing opponents down, helping Vegas go on the forecheck much easier.

It isn’t just knocking people around that he’s good at, though. He can also block shots. Last season, he blocked 17 shots in 55 games. A major part of Cassidy’s game plan is disrupting opposing offenses by limiting scoring chances. Cassidy’s zone defense is where Paul Cotter is molding into a good fit.

Cotter is also listed at 6’2″, weighing in at a mean 212 lbs. The Golden Knights love their size, which is evident by the metrics; Vegas is tied for the third-tallest team in the NHL at an average height of 73.9 inches. They’re also tied for the second-heaviest team, with an average weight of 206.3 lbs.

This size plays a major role in taking away those scoring chances. You need those bigger bodies in front of the net, blocking shots and clogging shooting lanes. Cotter is another solid big piece of Cassidy’s system, and it’s already showing.