Let's get to know Henderson Silver Knights star, Mason Geertsen

The journey to the NHL can be a long, arduous one. You're competing against millions of aspiring hockey stars in the amateur scene, ranging from the WHL (Western Hockey League) to the OHL (Ontario Hockey League). Then, you either choose to go to college to play in the NCAA or get drafted in the NHL.

Then, you'll get your work in the minor leagues, playing for teams such as the Henderson Silver Knights and Chicago Wolves. The goal? Getting to the big leagues, where teams like the Vegas Golden Knights and New Jersey Devils await.

You're lucky if you snag one of the roster spots, whether it's one of the 12 forwards, six defensemen, or two goaltenders. But that hasn't stopped Mason Geertsen from chugging along in his hockey journey. The 29-year-old is currently with the Silver Knights, where he added two assists in Saturday's 8-3 win over the Calgary Wranglers.

He's had an incredible journey throughout hockey, playing for teams such as the WHL's Edmonton Oil Kings, AHL's Hartford Wolf Pack, and the Devils. Last season, the skater scored six goals in 58 games with the Silver Knights.

Let's get to know the journeyman player better and trek through his hockey world. What are his biggest strengths? Does he have a viable shot at making the Golden Knights roster? It's time to meet Mason Geertsen and see what the skater does best.

The journey of Mason Geertsen

A long time ago (in 2008-09, to be exact), Geertsen played in the AMBHL for the Leduc Oil Kings. He spent two seasons in the U15 AAA league (five goals and 19 assists in 60 games) and two games with the U16 AAA club. He played five seasons in the WHL for the Edmonton Oil Kings and Vancouver Giants.

During that tenure, he was drafted in the fourth round (93rd overall) by the Colorado Avalanche. Then, it was a decorated AHL career as the defenseman played for clubs such as the Colorado Eagles, Hartford Wolf Pack, and San Antonio Rampage (now the Henderson Silver Knights).

Geertsen scored 19 goals and 47 assists in 420 games (10 seasons), with six coming with the Silver Knights last season. Perhaps the best AHL season for the defenseman was in 2018-19 with the Eagles. Here, he scored three goals and 13 assists (58 games) with the club.

He's even gotten experience at the NHL level, playing 25 games for the New Jersey Devils in 21-22. But will the Canadian blue-liner get an opportunity with the Vegas Golden Knights? Will fans see the former fourth-round pick play at T-Mobile Arena?

Could we see Geertsen with the Vegas Golden Knights?

This season? That's a narrow chance of happening. The Golden Knights have a plethora of blue-liners to work with, ranging from Shea Theodore to Alex Pietrangelo. With endless scoring options, it shouldn't be hard to find a quality offensive-minded defenseman on the Golden Knights.

Granted, the group isn't the best defensively, specifically in transition. However, the excessive amount of defenseman will leave Mason Geertsen fortunate to grab a roster spot during the season.

What's more, Geertsen's a free agent after this season. Therefore, he must take a two-way deal (at best) to get a shot. But crazier things have happened in the league. Look at Tanner Pearson as a perfect example. Nobody expected the forward to turn a PTO into a one-year deal. As Kevin Garnett once said...

The 29-year-old did live out his NHL dream with the Devils, which would've completed the journey. But imagine if a crazy circumstance happened where a roster spot suddenly opened up. It would be akin to 2022-23, where the Golden Knights rode a wave of goaltenders to the Stanley Cup. It might not be realistic. But, again, crazier things have happened.