Looking at Keegan Kolesar's profile

Today on the "Greatest Hits of the Vegas Golden Knights", let's highlight some of the hardest-hitting singles in Golden Knights' history. These stars lay out opponents at every turn, making the music that makes the feet of Las Vegas residents tap. Whether it's Ryan Reaves and his classic, "Change Your Watering Clock", or Keegan Kolesar and "Check It Out", these sounds are music to everyone's ears.

But enough of the late-night music album commercial inspiration since Reaves is mentioned here (no "Power of Love" here). He set the standard for being a punishing winger for Vegas. His toughness and grit brought an identity to the team, making them hard to bring down. Opposing superstars didn't want to mess with him, for he'd come after them with truck-like checks.

Sadly, the hard-hitting winger's no longer with the team, for he was traded to the New York Rangers in 2021. Currently, he's with the Toronto Maple Leafs and fighting big stars like Matt Rempe. However, someone must carry out the legacy of being the on-ice brute for the Golden Knights.

That's where Keegan Kolesar comes in. He's the replacement enforcer for Ryan Reaves, laying out players left and right. He's established himself on the checking line, making him a key piece in the lineup. But there are a few catches with the winger's time in Las Vegas.

For example, next season will be the last year of his current deal. While getting an enforcer is a cheap endeavor, there are other aspects that make Kolesar important to Vegas. What are these things that make the 27-year-old unique? What must he develop further so he can be worth a second look for the franchise?

Keegan Kolesar's profile

Aside from being the enforcer for the Vegas Golden Knights, Keegan Kolesar brings a distributing style to the lower lines. He's not expected to be a proficient goal scorer, with his 28.9% shooting talent below league average for 2023. That's especially true if he's not in front of the net to get those goals.

However, he can set up the play and create good scoring opportunities. The native of Brandon, Manitoba, has registered double digits in assists in all but one season with the Golden Knights (2019-20, where he only played one game). While he might not be as physical as Ryan Reaves was in his Vegas heyday, Kolesar trades that for more offensive finesse (Kolesar has 47 assists in five seasons, compared to Reaves having 24 assists in four seasons).

Still, there's the obvious physicality the winger possesses, where he uses his big frame to deliver quality checks (6'2", 217 lbs.). This season, the 27-year-old delivered 276 hits in the regular season, fourth-most in the NHL. Without that physical play, Vegas loses its bite in the back zones, leaving them vulnerable.

What can Keegan Kolesar improve?

If there's one thing Keegan Kolesar can improve, it's his faceoff work. Career-wise, he has an average of 42.1%, where he can grow. Being quicker on the draw can help the Vegas Golden Knights in many ways, including maintaining momentum toward a potential goal.

Kolesar can also improve his play away from the puck, setting up for the next play. Granted, being physical is part of the enforcer calling card, so it's tough to avoid. However, it's seeing when the next play happens and getting into position to make the necessary moves.

Otherwise, this is a golden opportunity for the winger to make himself valuable to the Golden Knights organization. He's already a physical body like Ryan Reaves, delivering punishing checks to unfortunate victims. However, he has the potential to make himself into something more for the franchise.