Ladies and gentlemen, I have an announcement to make. No, it isn't that everyone is getting tacos, as Bruce Cusick would eloquently say. Instead, it involves the holiday season. Hannukkah has just started and Christmas is rapidly approaching, meaning that you'd better get your shopping done now!
The Vegas Golden Knights have plenty of gifts to start the 2025-26 season. For starters, they're in first place in the Pacific Division with 42 points (they've played two fewer game than the Anaheim Ducks entering Thursday). They also have bona fide stars like Jack Eichel and Mitch Marner, giving fans something to cheer about.
However, some things feel like, well, they're missing in life. It feels like the Golden Knights need a few things to make the holiday season feel... special. After all, we can always use something a little extra in our lives.
So, let's concoct a Christmas list for the Golden Knights. 'Tis the season to be giving for everyone's favorite hockey team in the valley. Because we all need a few gifts in our lives, you know?
Jeremy Lauzon: A homemade penalty box
Let's be honest here. A homemade sin bin literally screams Lauzon's name, especially since he has 30 penalty minutes this season. He's on pace for 77 penalty minutes, barely edging Ryan Reaves's mark for the most single-season penalty minutes (74 in 2018-19).
So, let's make him feel like he's at home. That way, he can stay out of the real-life penalty box and not leave the Golden Knights constantly on the penalty kill, even if they're doing spectacular work in 2025-26 (seventh in the NHL with a penalty kill percentage of 82.9%).
Jack Eichel: Dayquil and chicken noodle soup
You always need your best player on the ice in key situations. That was apparent on Wednesday when the Golden Knights lost to the New Jersey Devils in a shootout. Vegas didn't have its best superstar on the ice due to an illness, leaving the Golden Knights offensively handicapped.
After all, 12 goals and 29 assists are gaudy numbers for a hockey player. With everyone getting sick during the colder months, Vegas must get its best player the cold-fighting essentials. Also, be sure to give him plenty of water, too!
Brandon Saad: A big soccer net
In 29 games this season, Saad only has one goal! One goal! That's not going to cut the mustard in Las Vegas, especially when you're missing the aforementioned Eichel, along with Shea Theodore.
So, we're going to build his confidence back up with a big ol' soccer net. We're talking regulation-sized netting for the winger to build his confidence up. That way, the Golden Knights can get more from the two-time Stanley Cup winner.
Reilly Smith: A Granny Smith apple
People often mistake Reilly Smith for a teacher. It doesn't matter if it's the occasional comedian or the average person. People see his laid-back demeanor and think...
"Man, Reilly Smith must be a teacher!"
While his day job is a hockey player who kills penalties, why not give him an apple for his troubles? It's the perfect gift for a seasoned veteran who won the 2023 Stanley Cup. Plus, he's an Original Misfit and has been with the team since "Day F*****g One."
William Karlsson: ABBA's music collection
Okay, I'm willing to bet that he already owns this since he's from Sweden. However, it doesn't hurt to give Vegas's resident "Dancing Queen" another collection. He can dance with his mother or wife to this and the time of his life.
You need good music to listen to while sitting on the sidelines. Why not give Karlsson something from his homeland while he waits to return to the ice?