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How getting William Carrier back will help Vegas

The Vegas Golden Knights are no strangers to the injury bug. However, the latest reinforcement is coming back to bolster the offense.

By Jacob Walters |
Florida Panthers v Vegas Golden Knights
Florida Panthers v Vegas Golden Knights / Ethan Miller/GettyImages
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The Vegas Golden Knights are no strangers to the injury bug. The injury bug has claimed victims such as Jack Eichel, Mark Stone, and William Karlsson. While most of the reinforcements are coming back (and then some), there's a player quietly returning to the lineup: William Carrier.

Brett Howden returning is nice, don't get me wrong. He's another depth piece that can be used on the lower lines. Having him back will give the Vegas Golden Knights more bite without relying on AHL-level players.

But let's focus on William Carrier since he's been out for a while. He's been out over two months, with the Golden Knights missing his services. What makes the native of La Salle, Quebec, a big piece for the Golden Knights?

1. William Carrier is physical

Vegas Golden Knights v Tampa Bay Lightning
Vegas Golden Knights v Tampa Bay Lightning / Mike Ehrmann/GettyImages

Standing at a bulky 6'2" and weighing in at 220 lbs., William Carrier is not a lightweight. This season, he's administered 71 hits in 33 games, dishing out pain among opponents. In fact, his tenure with the Vegas Golden Knights has seen him deliver 1,097 hits in seven seasons with the team.

Getting Carrier back adds bite to the Golden Knights physically. Making 291 team hits in the past 10 games sounds substantial. However, Vegas will become more physical with the forward returning. With players like Keegan Kolesar and Carrier on the lower lines, the Golden Knights can wear down their opponents more easily.

2. William Carrier scores goals

Calgary Flames v Vegas Golden Knights
Calgary Flames v Vegas Golden Knights / Ethan Miller/GettyImages

People forget that William Carrier scored 16 goals last season in 56 games with the Vegas Golden Knights. The 29-year-old has proven his value on the lower lines, producing at an impressive clip.

Carrier knows how to use his size in front of the net, creating havoc for goals. When the Golden Knights get the Quebec native back, they get a bigger body that causes problems for opposing defenses. That will add an edge to Vegas's attack, allowing them to do more damage in the middle and front of the net.

3. It's always good to have Golden Knights returning

Vegas Golden Knights v Dallas Stars
Vegas Golden Knights v Dallas Stars / Sam Hodde/GettyImages

As the push for the playoffs ramps up, you need as many healthy bodies as possible. That way, you can bolster your depth and match up better with teams like the Edmonton Oilers and Vancouver Canucks. Both teams are offensive wrecking balls, boasting Hart trophy candidates in Connor McDavid and Quinn Hughes.

Getting Carrier back means the Vegas Golden Knights can tap into their depth. No more relying on AHL-level players to get the job done. Now you have your regular lineup (with some extra) to attack these teams on the third and fourth lines. That's why getting both Brett Howden and Carrier back is huge. The Golden Knights won the Stanley Cup on the back of their forward depth and forecheck last season. This season, they need all hands on deck to repeat, starting with everyone being healthy.

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