Once upon a time, the Vegas Golden Knights were faced with a tough choice. Who would they take from the Los Angeles Kings to help build their franchise? Would that be Brayden McNabb or Nic Dowd? It's important to hit a home run with this pic so everything goes swimmingly well, you know.
Ultimately, the Golden Knights chose McNabb, who became the People's Bro. He also became the team's proverbial Iron Man, playing 647 games with Vegas (franchise record). That includes three straight seasons of 82-game campaigns, making him the most consistent Golden Knights around.
Ironically, Dowd said that it was ultimately the right choice. He promoted McNabb's character and eventually got his spot on the Golden Knights himself. It's like life told him that you deserve to be a Vegas Golden Knights star for your troubles. Not a Misfit, yet he deserves the honor.
But let's look at what Dowd's in for this season. What is his role with the Golden Knights and how will it help the lower lines? More importantly, which spots will call for his services the most? Believe it or not, there's a purpose for the former Washington Capital this season.
What fans should expect with Nic Dowd playing for the Vegas Golden Knights for a full season
First and foremost, Dowd is known as a defensive center-type. Think of William Karlsson in his role, only with fewer goals. It all starts with the physicality, where Dowd has 1,216 career hits.
Last season, the center had 140 total hits with the Capitals and the Golden Knights. He has an 82-game average of 152, making him an important physical body. He and Marc Gatcomb would make for a great hitting duo on the lower lines.
One other facet that has impressed Golden Knights fans in his limited time was his faceoff efficiency. He had a faceoff win percentage of 51% in 20 games, slightly above his career average of 50.7%. Now, I know what you're asking: Why is this important?
Why the Golden Knights need Nic Dowd for the 2026-27 season
Think about this for a second, dear reader. You're in a late-game situation with a one-goal lead. The opponent has the extra skater out and is looking to score. The faceoff is in your defensive zone with one minute left. Who are you going to call in this scenario?
You need one of your best faceoff winners to win the battle so you can dump the puck down the ice. That way, you can eat the clock and force your opponent to reset offensively. Without Dowd, that becomes harder to achieve.
Now, could he regress a little bit, faceoff-wise? Possibly. His last three seasons have seen him win less than 50% of his faceoffs. However, it's a major part of why the Golden Knights need him as a center this season. Sometimes, it's the little things that win you a hockey game.
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