Cole Schwindt doesn't get enough love as a Vegas Golden Knights forward. The Ontario native is relegated to playing in the shadows of prominent superstars such as Jack Eichel and Mitch Marner, leaving him to dig for the crumbs.
Life's not fair, is it?
However, that doesn't mean that the 24-year-old doesn't serve a vital purpose. What happens when your starter goes down in a heap? Who will replace him and take care of business?
Cue the Cole Signal for the forward to step in. It's time to save the day.
Last season was a good example of his prowess. He scored one goal and seven assists in 42 games, stepping in and producing when needed. On top of that, he provided a physical edge by registering 41 hits.
Not bad for someone who played seven total career games in two seasons before landing in Las Vegas.
So, I bet you're asking about Schwindt and his purpose. Why is he so important to the team's success? Will Golden Knights fans appreciate what the forward brings to the table?
You know what time it is, folks. Let's meet the forgotten Golden Knight and appreciate his talents, shall we?
Why Cole Schwindt matters to the Vegas Golden Knights in 2024-25
Last season was perhaps the most forgiving for the Golden Knights injury-wise. They avoided major blows to key players such as Jack Eichel and Adin Hill, fetching them a Pacific Division title, 50 wins, and 110 points.
However, Vegas was completely exempt from the ol' injury bug. It bit players such as Mark Stone and William Karlsson, leaving a void. That's where Schwindt came in as he provided lower-line stability as a center and on the wing.
Along the way came scoring chops. As mentioned, he scored a goal and seven assists in 42 games, providing some offensive prowess on the lower lines. It helps that he stands at 6'2", making him tougher to defend on the lower units.
Combine physical acumen and you have a solid two-way forward. That makes him an integral part of Bruce Cassidy's forward rotation, specifically with his 200-foot game. Imagine if the Golden Knights can get more consistency from him when he steps on the ice. That would shoot his stock through the roof... sort of.
Don't sleep on Schwindt this upcoming season
Let's face it. It's nearly impossible to duplicate the same success that you had injury-wise two years in a row. You must rely on luck and the injury bug not touching your superstars. That means wrapping Eichel and Marner up in bubble wrap and rolling them away from the dreaded bug.
Still, fans can't forget the role that Schwindt plays on the team. He can step in when someone like Eichel, Stone, or Karlsson gets hurt and boost the offensive game. That's what makes him underrated as a Golden Knights forward.
Therefore, you shouldn't be sleeping on the 24-year-old when 2025-26 rolls around. Everyone appreciates an underdog in life, whether it's on a superstar-laden team or the team itself being historically poor. Think of Schwindt as someone like Rocky Balboa, only he can move his entire face.