Not every general manager is perfect, not even Kelly McCrimmon. For every Jack Eichel and Mitch Marner he's acquired and signed, he's also had an Alexander Holtz or a Brandon Saad. These players haven't lived up to the Golden Knights standard, wallowing behind their teammates.
Speaking of Saad, he hasn't shown up at all this season. The veteran winger only has one assist in nine games. Not even shuffled lineups from Bruce Cassidy have gotten anything from him. He's played on the fourth line and the top line alongside Jack Eichel, producing mediocre results.
What could possibly be causing this downtrodden play? Is it because he's trying too hard to finish plays? Perhaps he's searching for that first goal and is overexerting himself? Whatever the case, something must change with Saad and quickly.
Perhaps it's time for the two-time Stanley Cup champion to take a trip to the pressbox to collect his thoughts. Other names, such as Alexander Holtz and Cole Reinhardt, could step up in his place and provide a much-needed sparkplug. After all, Vegas's lower units haven't done much to start the season, leaving a massive scoring void.
Why the Vegas Golden Knights need to bump Brandon Saad to the pressbox
Bruce Cassidy isn't one to shy away from lineup shuffles. He'll throw his lines into a blender until something works or when a certain player gets going. But what happens when that player doesn't get going? Does he end up relegated to the pressbox or Henderson?
For Saad, the latter isn't an option. He's past that point and hasn't done much, regardless of where he's been placed. A fourth-line spot hasn't beared any fruit. Not even Jack Eichel could fix the veteran winger.
A demotion could serve as a needed kick in the rear. Last season, Saad was serviceable in his role, scoring six goals and eight assists with the Golden Knights. He faced a similar situation upon leaving St. Louis, where he couldn't get going (seven goals and nine assists in 43 games in 2024-25). So, why not go for a similar effect?
Who could step in for Saad, should he be demoted by the Golden Knights?
As mentioned in previous articles, Alexander Holtz has worked on his mechanics throughout the season. He's stayed late after practice to develop his shot and become a better defensive player. While he doesn't have any points to show for it, the Swedish winger is due for a breakthrough.
Ironically, Holtz was in a similar situation last season. He was put through the line shuffler before eventually being sent to the Henderson Silver Knights. Another player who works here is Cole Reinhardt. He's a solid fourth-line addition that plays hard on every shift.
Regardless of who steps in, it must result in Saad getting bumped down. The Golden Knights need whatever spark they can get right now, specifically with players like Mark Stone out of commission. Unless he suddenly gets hot, it appears that the veteran winger won't have anything to show for it.