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Is Everything Okay With Zach Whitecloud on the Vegas Golden Knights?

There seems to be some things wrong with Zach Whitecloud this season. What can be done to fix him?

By Jacob Walters |
Vegas Golden Knights v New York Islanders
Vegas Golden Knights v New York Islanders / Bruce Bennett/GettyImages
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Thursday saw an interesting healthy scratch in the Vegas Golden Knights lineup: Zach Whitecloud. The native of Brandon, Manitoba was left out of the lineup against the Arizona Coyotes. Granted, Daniil Miromanov was coming back from LTIR, so he had to get some fresh legs. However, the defenseman does have some cause for concern.

That has led to some speculation about whether the undrafted Golden Knight would be traded. I know what you're thinking, though.

"Why trade Zach Whitecloud when he isn't a locker room cancer for Vegas? He's reserved and well-liked."

That's not the story, though. After all, Whitecloud will get paid $2.75 million a year through the 2027-2028 season. But there are underlying concerns with his game that must be addressed before it's too late.

1. Zach Whitecloud's Injury History

Vegas Golden Knights v New York Islanders
Vegas Golden Knights v New York Islanders / Bruce Bennett/GettyImages

If you recall earlier in the season, Whitecloud was out for the start of the NHL season with an upper-body injury. The defenseman was also out for the start of the new year. The injury designation? Upper-body.

In fact, it's been this way for a bit. Last season, Zach Whitecloud spent some time on LTIR with a lower-body injury. He's also had foot injuries in the past, which has hurt the Vegas Golden Knights defensively.

Perhaps the scratch was because of an injury being re-aggravated. Could it have been his back, which has caused him problems in the past? Was it another foot injury? Whatever the case, the Golden Knights aren't taking any risks.

2. Zach Whitecloud's Performance

Edmonton Oilers v Vegas Golden Knights
Edmonton Oilers v Vegas Golden Knights / Ethan Miller/GettyImages

While his injury history would be the most obvious answer, there's also concern about his play. Having no points in his last 21 games, Zach Whitecloud has become the defensive version of Jake Leschyshyn. Nobody wants to be Jake Leschyshyn. Believe me.

It's worth noting that Whitecloud isn't expected to be like Alex Pietrangelo. The two-time Stanley Cup champion sets up offensive plays nicely, playing a 200-ft. game for the Vegas Golden Knights. However, coming up bone dry for a quarter of the season is quite concerning.

He hasn't just suffered on offense, though. His defense must be improved. He leaves opposing players in the open, giving them scoring opportunities. Whitecloud must play better man-to-man and prevent the play from breaking down.

With only five points to his name, Whitecloud's scratch could be seen as a demotion of sorts. If the Bemidji State alum wants to get back to being a part of the starting lineup, it's time to get in on the offensive action. Otherwise, that demotion is going to be permanent.

3. The Verdict on Zach Whitecloud

New York Rangers v Vegas Golden Knights
New York Rangers v Vegas Golden Knights / Candice Ward/GettyImages

A little rest could help get Zach Whitecloud's head in the right space. After all, it helps with someone who's been hurt numerous times over the past couple of seasons.

However, the native of Brandon, Manitoba must get more involved in the Vegas Golden Knights offense. He must also stick to his assignments on defense and prevent the play from breaking down. If he improves on these aspects, the Golden Knights will have an easier time in the playoffs.

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