Chase Pauls isn't related to Logan or Jake Paul. Thank goodness because I don't know what hockey fans will do if they found out that the AHL rookie did controversial YouTube videos while promoting his own energy drink. At least he plays hockey and is the newest member of the Henderson Silver Knights.
The defenseman was signed from the ECHL's Rapid City Rush on Wednesday, giving the team strength on the blue line. He was signed to a professional tryout and came to the Rush from a trade with the Bloomington Bison on January 6. He's scored three points and had a rating of +7 (best among active skaters in the ECHL this season) in 16 games.
Given that the Silver Knights have been the ugly stepchild of the Vegas Golden Knights in 2024-25, it's a welcome sight. The team needs whatever talent they can get their hands on. They're last in the Pacific Division with 42 points entering Saturday (20-29-2-0) and aredesperately seeking a playoff spot. Miracles have happened before. Therefore, it's on players like Pauls to make that happen.
But first, he must help the team win. Do whatever it takes to get them a spot. In the meantime, let's meet the newest defenseman. What does he potentially bring to the AHL club? Will he help the team get that coveted playoff spot? Here's a look at the (potentially) new player, Chase Pauls.
Meeting Chase Pauls
Pauls was born on October 7, 2003. He was born in Osler, Saskatchewan, and plays primarily on the blue line. He has a right-handed shot and is well-known for his time with the Warman Wildcats. Here, he scored 18 goals and 38 assists in 63 games. He also had 40 penalty minutes in that span, showing he has a chip on his shoulder. It's only a matter of being more careful, especially since the Vegas Golden Knights are a clean team (305 penalty minutes, fewest in the NHL).
While he has no realistic shot of making the main roster, he does have one noteworthy attribute: His size. The defenseman stands at 6'5" and weighs 212 lbs. He can throw his weight around and defends the rush well. Pauls also has solid knowledge of the game, using said size to steer opponents toward low-danger scoring opportunities. That helps his netminders by taking the burden off them, especially with his tireless play.
He's not a perfect player, though. With that big size comes slowness in his skating. Often, he's seen lagging behind his teammates in transition, making him an offensive liability. The 21-year-old also has problems with defensive awareness, being caught off-guard on numerous shots. If he can improve his foot speed and see the play better, he'll become more useful and get more minutes.
With the Silver Knights having an outside shot of making the Calder Cup playoffs, he might be what the doctor ordered. Big defensemen are a prized possession, especially when they help the team get easier shot attempts to save. That makes the lives of Carl Lindbom and company easier, creating a positive chain effect. You certainly can't say that for a couple of YouTubers, can you?