3 Vegas Golden Knights that could be roster mainstays
Training camp begins on Thursday, with the Vegas Golden Knights preparing to start another exciting season. Here are three names that could be roster staples.
Are you ready for roster speculation? With NHL training camp starting Thursday, there are some questions about how the Vegas Golden Knights roster will look. Who will be on the fourth line? How will the power play look? These will burn in the minds of Golden Knights fans as the team gathers for the upcoming 2024-25 season.
That gives names like Ben Hutton and Tanner Pearson optimism that they can crack the opening night roster. But let's go one step further than that. There's also the possibility they could stick with the team for the entire season. That could come from various factors, including trades, injuries, and... being terminated for missing a medical exam. Jim Carrey sums up the possibility for these players perfectly.
It gives these players hope they'll contribute regularly to the Golden Knights. After all, who wouldn't want to be on a team that's made the Stanley Cup playoffs six of its first seven seasons? The realistic possibility of competing for a Stanley Cup makes playing in Vegas enticing, where they can hoist the most glorious trophy in sports.
It's a goal for every NHL player passing through the league. Getting your name engraved on the trophy after fending off 31 other teams is a rite of passage for hockey immortality. That's why these three players want to become roster mainstays, for they'll have an incredible story to show their children. Who are these mysterious players that Golden Knights fans should watch for as roster regulars?
Ben Hutton
First, Ben Hutton is on the outside looking in regarding defensive pairings. He's projected to be the seventh blue-liner for the Vegas Golden Knights, sitting behind a loaded group that features big names such as Noah Hanifin, Shea Theodore, and Alex Pietrangelo. However, some circumstances could open a door for the journeyman player.
Let's say a defender like Zach Whitecloud doesn't pan out as intended. He's owed $2.75 million annually and has no conditions or terms, only him and his contract until 2028. If dealt during the season, there's the chance Hutton steps in, especially since Hutton is due $975,000 for the next two seasons.
Granted, that wouldn't be as plausible as, say, Brayden McNabb being traded. That's especially true with the tenured Golden Knights star entering NHL training camp at 33 years old. Theodore has also dealt with said rumors, which will be revived if Vegas isn't contending. Thus, Ben Hutton will be a name to watch as a long-term roster option if things head south by the trade deadline.
Jesper Vikman
Wait, this Jesper Vikman? Are you saying there's a good chance he'll have time on the Vegas Golden Knights this season? Considering he's entering the NHL training camp session with a decent showing at the Rookie Faceoff, there's a possibility fans could regularly see him as the No. 2 goaltender in 2024-25.
There's concern about Ilya Samsonov's viability heading into the new hockey season, where he might still face jitters from the 2024 Stanley Cup playoffs. What would happen if Adin Hill went down with another injury and the Russian backup was playing like he was still on the Toronto Maple Leafs? That could open an opportunity for the Swedish prospect to get some regular reps.
Yes, he hasn't been the best during his minor league career, with his best tenure coming with the Savannah Ghost Pirates in 2023-24 (3.01 GAA in 15 games). However, he showed signs of brilliance during the Rookie Faceoff, including his 11-save performance where he allowed no goals against the Los Angeles Kings.
Plus, the Golden Knights have been in this situation before. They've lost goaltenders and stayed the course with names like Jiri Patera and Jonathan Quick. The result was a Stanley Cup, showing a stable system makes a difference. Thus, Carl Lindbom could also be a viable option like Vikman, although both are long shots for the season.
Victor Olofsson
Victor Olofsson should make the group of 12 forwards to start the 2024-25 season. In fact, it's been rumored that he could be playing on the top line with Jack Eichel and Ivan Barbashev. But there's one hangup with his position for the long-term: He's signed to a one-year deal with the Vegas Golden Knights worth $1.075 million this season.
It's easy to see why he didn't get a stellar contract. The Swedish forward contributed seven goals and eight assists to the Buffalo Sabres last season. The dropoff in production is alarming for a player not even in his 30's. However, there's good reason for him to be a long-term roster mainstay if he performs well this year.
He is a good bounce-back candidate that could benefit from reuniting with Eichel. If Olofsson does play on the top line, he could have a stellar playmaker playing alongside him. Bear in mind Jonathan Marchessault scored a career-high 42 goals last season when he played alongside the former first-round pick. Therefore, it shouldn't surprise fans to see the forward's production bounce back.
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