Brendan Brisson didn't have the best game for the Vegas Golden Knights on Sunday. He tripped up Macklin Celebrini one minute into the start of the first period and didn't have a goal. While he did add an assist, the young winger suddenly finds himself not making the 12-forward group to start the season. That might not be a good thing starting with the Henderson Silver Knights for the new year.
Brendan Brisson tripped up #1 overall pick Macklin Celebrini within 30 seconds of Celebrini stepping on the ice.
— SinBin.vegas (@SinBinVegas) September 23, 2024
However, all is not lost in the world of hockey. Brisson is 22 years old, giving him ample time to rectify any problems. The native of Manhattan Beach is also waiver-exempt, meaning other teams won't poach him. The winger's still on his entry-level contract, where he can still develop with the Silver Knights. Normally, Vegas has traded their former first-round picks to other teams for better players. However, the University of Michigan alum might get a second life with developmental time.
That's not bad news for the young start, especially if you're looking to become a regular NHL player. The minor leagues offer aspiring stars the opportunity to work out the kinks in their game, whether it's his skating speed or decision-making. But there's more to Brisson possibly playing in Henderson than what's on the surface. What does it mean for the Golden Knights? Who's getting a roster spot in his place?
What could the Vegas Golden Knights do with Brendan Brisson developing
Bruce Cassidy is addressing the third line (where Brendan Brisson was originally projected) by adding Nicolas Roy on the right wing. The Quebec native has positional versatility making him ideal here, where he can anchor the fourth line or play alongside Tomas Hertl. It's nice given Brisson's current situation with the Vegas Golden Knights.
But what about the fourth line? Will we see Zach Aston-Reese fill that spot? Will Tanner Pearson have a solid preseason, where he turns his PTO into a contract? It's something to monitor considering both players have contrasting styles. Aston-Reese plays more into the forecheck strategy, offering a strong defensive style. Here, he can punish opponents physically and can win puck battles. Pearson has a scoring pedigree that makes him a good complementary piece to Keegan Kolesar, giving Vegas more bottom-six depth.
As for Brisson? Some time with the Henderson Silver Knights doesn't sound bad. There's a chance he becomes a regular player with prospects like Carl Lindbom, making the team more formidable in the AHL. That's good news for the Golden Knights future-wise, for they can develop their players further while keeping bridge pieces in place.
Not projecting to make the 12-forward group for the Golden Knights sounds like a rotten deal. However, Brisson still has time to develop, grow, and learn from his "Welcome to the NHL" moment. Building off his nice sample size last season and taking those lessons will help him become a Vegas regular, also helping the team down the road.