3 things the Vegas Golden Knights must do to have a top 5 offense
Not surprisingly, the Vegas Golden Knights are absent from the Hockey Writers's top five offenses list. What can they do to crack the top five?
The Hockey Writers released a list of the five best offenses in the NHL heading to the 2024-25 season. There were some obvious names on the list, including the Edmonton Oilers (No.1) and Vancouver Canucks (No. 5). There were also some surprises, such as the New Jersey Devils being ranked (No. 4) and not the Colorado Avalanche. Not surprisingly, the Vegas Golden Knights weren't on that list despite having Jack Eichel, Mark Stone, and Noah Hanifin.
One would say the Golden Knights would barely be in the top ten if they were lucky. No longer having prominent names like Jonathan Marchessault and Chandler Stephenson hurts the ranking. Of course, it doesn't help that losing lower-line scoring such as Michael Amadio and William Carrier leaves a void. Therefore, not being ranked is justified.
However, there are some things they can do during the regular season to remedy this issue. In fact, there are some viable ways the Golden Knights can tackle the offensive deficit. The problem is salary cap space is tight, with Vegas sitting at -$3,639,983 of non-LTIR space. That leaves some pressing questions.
Could they make a big move and trade for somebody? Perhaps getting that big name and offloading a defenseman will help the team. Maybe it's staying healthy for most of the year and avoiding injuries. Seeing players like Stone and Eichel play for a whole season could solve matters. Here are some ways the Golden Knights can climb the rankings.
The Vegas Golden Knights must get a big name to complement Jack Eichel
This has been mentioned numerous times, specifically with the Mitch Marner and Patrik Laine rumors swirling around. The Golden Knights desperately need a complementary winger for Jack Eichel after Marchessault left the team. It would improve them by leaps and bounds, giving the Massachusetts native a sidekick on the right wing.
But this would be more complicated than what appears on the surface. Aside from the salary cap issues, the Golden Knights would part with prospects and draft picks in a Laine trade. Considering the farm system doesn't have much bite to it (aside from names like Trevor Connelly and Carl Lindbom), it would make matters tough for Kelly McCrimmon.
As for Toronto, they're looking to clear up salary cap space themselves, sitting at $1,275,333 in non-LTIR space. The Golden Knights would have to part with some names to even out the trade, i.e. Shea Theodore and Brayden McNabb. The circumstances would need to be right for this move to happen, adding two departing defensemen and Robin Lehner's LTIR amount.
Staying healthy is a must for names like Jack Eichel and Mark Stone
This is easier said than done, given the random nature of hockey. You never know when a freak accident will happen to a player (i.e. a lacerated spleen for Mark Stone). It could swing a team's fortunes and either give them hope or take it away. It's part of what makes the NHL (or any sport) fun, except if it happens to your team.
Despite this, the Vegas Golden Knights have made the playoffs six of their first seven seasons. They've shown consistency and depth in that span, making them one of the toughest teams in the league. However, much of that depth has gone elsewhere, leaving the Golden Knights without much breathing room.
Last season, Vegas had AHL names such as Sheldon Rempal and Brendan Brisson on the team. It left the team in a struggle to produce goals and without an option other than winning a game defensively. But acquiring a big name or two can remedy this and leave the Golden Knights stronger.
The younger players must step up
Some notable names are playing a full season for the Vegas Golden Knights, including Pavel Dorofeyev and Brendan Brisson. These names are projected to make the main roster, allowing them to show their capabilities. It eases the pressure off the wing positions if they continue developing as a group. That goes beyond scoring goals on even strength, though.
It's also stepping up on the power play. Alexander Holtz and Victor Olofsson are slated to play in the second unit. The goal is boosting the production on the historically mediocre unit, whether on the slot or in front of the net. Luckily, Vegas has a big body in Tomas Hertl to redirect and deflect pucks on the first unit. That should help the franchise get more out of the special teams unit.
Overall, the Golden Knights need Pavel Dorofeyev to take another step as a player. Holtz must live up to his expectations as a former first-round pick, providing needed scoring on the wing. If these names can develop into key players, Vegas will reap the rewards as an overall offense. That'll get them back to being a Stanley Cup contending team who can score at will.
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