Let's go back to the post regarding Pete DeBoer for a second. Vegas Golden Knights fans were torn on whether they were rooting for the former head coach. Some fans wanted to see him win his first Stanley Cup. Others? Not so much.
Such a debate was up there with legendary topics such as...
"Does pineapple go on pizza?" (No, but it shall go into my smoothie)
"Who would win: 100 men or a gorilla?" (It's amazing how many people underestimate a gorilla's strength)
"Are Roberto's chicken tacos the best thing ever?" (Yes. They're sent from the heavens above)
However, one particular debate has dawned on Golden Knights fans. That debate involves which team fans should root for after their favorite team has been eliminated. The options are pretty solid.
The Florida Panthers have long been a snakebitten franchise. Now, they can go back-to-back.
The Dallas Stars have a zoo of solid players, ranging from a moose (Mikko Rantanen) to an otter in net (Jake Oettinger).
The Carolina Hurricanes have surprised people with their "boring" play, thanks to a blistering offense. Bunch of "Jerks."
Edmonton, well... They have McDavid and Draisaitl, I guess? But let's just say you want to root for Mattias Janmark. Anyway, here's a comprehensive guide to a who's who of former Golden Knights in the conference final.
Carolina Hurricanes
The first (and obvious) Carolina Hurricanes player that stands out on this list is William Carrier. The "Original Misfit" has found new life after seven solid years with the Golden Knights.
This season, he scored four goals and seven assists. That's a modest output for a player on a six-year, $12 million deal. Still, Carrier made his living by hitting people, amassing 1,384 hits during his nine-year career.
Florida Panthers
A couple of former Golden Knights are on the Florida Panthers. First, there's Tomas Nosek, a fellow "Misfit" who has a goal and eight assists this season. He spent four seasons in Vegas before playing for teams like the New Jersey Devils and Boston Bruins.
Then, there's Nate Schmidt, who had a more productive season with the Panthers. The former Golden Knight scored five goals and 14 assists this season, adding offensive bulk to a devastating offensive attack. If you don't mind Brad Marchand and Matthew Tkachuk, you should get your sunscreen and shades ready.
Dallas Stars
Obviously, fans will look at former Vegas head coach, Pete DeBoer. He's back in the Western Conference Final and has another semifinal appearance under his belt. But will he finally get over the hump? Stay tuned.
There's also Evgenii Dadonov, who briefly appeared with the Golden Knights for a season. In 2021-22, the Russian forward scored 20 goals and 23 assists. This season? He has 20 goals and 20 assists.
Edmonton Oilers
Let's say you don't like rooting for Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid. You're a Vegas Golden Knights fan who feels gross rooting for Oilers fans. It's like rooting for Nintendo to raise the price of the Switch 2, only with online trolls and Evander Kane.
Luckily, there's a safe haven starting with Mattias Janmark. The Swedish forward has been vastly underrated this season, scoring two goals and 16 assists for Edmonton. There's also Calvin Pickard, who's infamously known as the first overall pick in the 2017 Expansion Draft by... The Golden Knights.