Predicting the 2024-25 seasons for Adin Hill
The Vegas Golden Knights are sticking with Adin Hill for the 2024-25 season. What does his latest campaign look like with the Golden Knights?
Sometimes, life gives you a challenging choice that'll define your life. You might ask yourself...
"What's the better choice?"
"How will this affect my future?"
Tony Robbins talks about the power of choices and how to make them as effective as possible. By analyzing a situation, one can see the better option before them. Here, they can move forward with their pick and proceed with their lives. That's part of what makes the NHL Draft appealing (or any sports draft), for fans can marvel at the ones who didn't pan out.
This summer, the Vegas Golden Knights were stuck with Logan Thompson and Adin Hill as their goaltending options. Both are heading into the last year of their respective deals and are still in their 20s. That left Kelly McCrimmon with a challenging decision on who he should keep.
Ultimately, he chose Hill as Thompson was traded to the Washington Capitals for two third-round picks (one in this year's NHL Draft and one in next year's NHL Draft). Now, the Golden Knights will make their Stanley Cup hero from 2023 the G1, with the team banking on Bruce Cassidy's goaltender-friendly system. That means more blocked shooting lanes and a stronger forecheck.
With the Golden Knights making their decision means looking at what's ahead for the goaltender this season. What can fans expect from the British Columbia native in 2024-25? What obstacles will he face that could derail his campaign? It's time to see if McCrimmon's choice pays up in the upcoming hockey year. Let's dive into what's to come for the starting netminder this season.
What obstacles will Adin Hill face?
Adin Hill has struggled to stay healthy during his Vegas Golden Knights tenure. He's dealt with numerous health issues including lower-body injuries. As a result, he's only played 62 games in two seasons with the Golden Knights, amounting to 31 games per season. Yes, he was a backup in the first year. But he's taking on more responsibility in 2024-25. Therefore, staying healthy is a must.
Those injury issues are amplified now that Logan Thompson has been traded to Washington. Without a reliable backup to come in if you're hurt, the goaltender position suddenly becomes shaky. That will do good for Hill once he returns to the team. However, that could damage any momentum and wear out the Golden Knights faster.
Overall, he's managed a GAA of 2.60 and a save percentage of .912 during his tenure. Those numbers could rise if he stays consistent and uses his big frame more. It's been mentioned that Hill has a problem with letting soft goals in periodically. If he can tighten up his game, that'll help the Golden Knights become a better Stanley Cup contender.
How will Hill do with the Vegas Golden Knights this season?
With Adin Hill assuming the G1 responsibilities for the Vegas Golden Knights, he'll get a majority of the starts in the net. That means he must stay upright during the season and use his large frame more. Without Logan Thompson backing him up, the Golden Knights would prefer to have Hill starting over Ilya Samsonov.
So let's assume Hill starts 38 games this season for the Golden Knights. He has a minor setback that'll keep him out of commission for some time. That's part of the game, for every player is prone to a bad injury or two. That's especially true with the health history the British Columbia native has. Therefore, it's imperative to be as realistic as possible when making this prediction.
How will the starting netminder do as the sole starter for Vegas? Hill will have a GAA of 2.71 and a save percentage of .907. He's not going to be the next Linus Ullmark or Martin Brodeur, for there are plenty of holes in his game. However, he'll be the benefactor of a healthy forechecking system that creates turnovers and pressures the opponent endlessly. With the Golden Knights focusing on suffocating their opponent's offense, that should lead to Hill having a respectable year.
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