Checking in on some former Golden Knights
Some former Vegas Golden Knights stars have found early success elsewhere. Others? Not so much.
Parting is such sweet sorrow, especially when you're a Vegas Golden Knights fan attached to a "Golden Misfit". You hate to see a franchise leader in almost every category go to a different team. However, that was the case with Jonathan Marchessault, who's line dancing to George Strait. There was also Paul Cotter, who suddenly became a unit with the New Jersey Devils.
In case you haven't heard about the topic, it concerns former Golden Knights players who moved during the summer. The team experienced a major reshuffling, with superstars leaving for other pastures. For Marchessault, he's picking up a guitar and singing on-stage with Blake Shelton. Logan Thompson is probably cooking up a run for public office in November.
It doesn't hurt to check on the former guys when your team's not playing hockey. After all, you want to see how they're doing and if they need anything. Does their new team have points this season? How are the former stars doing in a new setting?
Let's see what the old buddies are doing in their new places. Some former Golden Knights are alive and kicking, making a name for themselves in their current domain. Others? Not so much. This relaxing Sunday offers everyone a chance to catch up with some major names formerly of Vegas. Let's see what the former Golden Knights are doing in a different city.
Thriving: Paul Cotter, New Jersey Devils
If you told me Paul Cotter would be tied for fourth in the NHL in goals (five) to start the season, you would've been escorted into an insane asylum. However, that's where we currently sit with the former winger. On a side note, he's on pace for 51 goals this season.
The newest New Jersey Devils star scored four goals and an assist in his first four games this season. He's been a major factor in why the Devils are first in the Metropolitan Division. It's also brought out fans from the Garden State to go crazy over their team again.
Not doing so hot: Jonathan Marchessault, Nashville Predators
In contrast to Cotter helping the Devils reach first place in the Metropolitan Division, there's Jonathan Marchessault. His new team, the Nashville Predators, are the only NHL team left without a point. They've started the season 0-5-0, where no team in history has made the Stanley Cup playoffs.
As for the former Conn Smythe winner? He's scored a goal and has three assists this season. Ironically, Victor Olofsson had three in four games before exiting Tuesday's game with a lower-body injury. It makes Kelly McCrimmon look like the smarter guy in the room, especially when it comes to the contract length. Why pay someone until they're 40 when you already have some long-term contracts on the roster?
Eh...: Logan Thompson, Washington Capitals
Before Saturday's game against the New Jersey Devils, Logan Thompson had an outstanding performance against the Vegas Golden Knights. He stopped 24 of 26 shots, leading the Washington Capitals to a 4-2 victory. That was negated by a sloppy game against New Jersey, where he stopped 26 of 31 shots.
The jury's out on whether Thompson is thriving in his new city or not. He wasn't at his best on Saturday and he's only started for two games. The former Golden Knights netminder could be a pleasant surprise for a reimagined Capitals team.
Doing alright: William Carrier, Carolina Hurricanes
William Carrier has contributed well in his new home with the Carolina Hurricanes. He has an assist, a blocked shot, and three hits in four games. Carolina is currently 2-2-0 and sits in sixth place in the Metropolitan Division.
While Carrier's not expected to carry the load with the Hurricanes, he's doing good for himself in the bottom six. That's good enough for a team looking to finally get to the Stanley Cup Final, where they haven't been since 2006. The "Original Misfit" might find himself hoisting another Stanley Cup soon if they pick up the pace.
Waiting for a point: Michael Amadio, Ottawa Senators
While the previous Vegas Golden Knights players have points, one particular name doesn't. That would be Michael Amadio, who sits with nothing in his first five games. He does have nine shots on goal, which is a promising sign for the Ottawa Senators forward.
Meanwhile, the Senators sit at 3-2-0 with six points and are tied for third in the Atlantic Division. The team looks fun, with star forwards such as Tim Stutzle (three goals, seven points) and Brady Tkachuk (seven points) leading the way. Who knows? Maybe Amadio will get his first point in the upcoming week.
Just doing my job: Alec Martinez, Chicago Blackhawks
While names like Paul Cotter are scoring goals, Alec Martinez has served as an important piece to the Chicago Blackhawks blueline. He's already blocked 15 shots in four games, bringing defense to the team. The three-time Stanley Cup champion even has an assist, showcasing his offensive chops.
The Blackhawks might still be rebuilding in the early years of Connor Bedard. However, Martinez might warrant sticking around for another year or two if he does well. After all, getting Bedard the right pieces will catapult Chicago back into Stanley Cup contender status.
At least I got paid: Chandler Stephenson, Seattle Kraken
Chandler Stephenson shares the same stat line as Jonathan Marchessault to start the season. The center has one goal and three assists in six games. That doesn't stand out much for Stephenson, either. However, life is good when you're making $6.25 million annually.
Still, Seattle Kraken fans have nothing to complain about as they are currently tied for second place in the Pacific Division with eight points (4-2-0). They've done well under new head coach Dan Bylsma, forging a new identity with the younger players. Could that translate to a similar success story to the Golden Knights? Stay tuned.
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