The Vegas Golden Knights have some good things going for them. They were the most recent Western Conference team to hoist the Stanley Cup, achieving this in 2023. Of course, they had an additional Stanley Cup Final appearance in their first season that didn't pan out like the second time. However, it put them on the map and silenced the critics.
The Golden Knights also have a fortified forward group, where the top six players can compete with some of the NHL's best. With big names like Jack Eichel and Mark Stone, Las Vegas hockey fans can count on the home team to win on a nightly basis. Heck, they might even see Tomas Hertl make an appearance or two.
However, there are also some problems with the Golden Knights. For example, what should they do with their bottom six forwards? They acquired Alexander Holtz from the New Jersey Devils during the summer, giving them more youth at the wing position. Now, they have reliable stars alongside Pavel Dorofeyev, setting them up for a successful future.
But what about the rest of the group? Who's playing on the fourth line alongside Keegan Kolesar? Has anybody considered how lonely the winger might be without anyone playing with him? Will Brendan Brisson make an appearance on the lower units this year? These are burning questions to consider in Las Vegas, where another season of exhilarating hockey is on the horizon.
Tomas Hertl gets to play the role of mentor to Alexander Holtz on the third line
Tomas Hertl will have a special assignment in his first full season with the Vegas Golden Knights. He'll serve as the center on the third line, being part of a deep group down the middle. He will use his sizable body to deflect and redirect shots while playing as a two-way forward. However, he has another purpose for the upcoming season: Serving as the mentor for Alexander Holtz.
The Swedish winger fell out of favor in New Jersey, with the front office uninspired by his play. This was despite scoring 16 goals in a full season with the team. Holtz is also 22 years old, giving him ample time to bank on his second chance. Kelly McCrimmon is hoping that's the case, especially with the Golden Knights losing Jonathan Marchessault over the summer. The team needs suitable talent at the wing position to return to the Stanley Cup Final and they're hoping the young forward's the answer.
This gives Tomas Hertl a chance to help Holtz grow into a formidable hockey player. That includes using his shot more efficiently and bettering himself on the power play. The Vegas Golden Knights will be in good hands if he unleashes his potential thanks to the Czech forward's guidance. While the former Devils player will play on the left wing, Nicolas Roy will play opposite of him on the right wing. The good thing for Roy is he's versatile as a forward, serving as a center player and being on the wing. He can step in for any injured Golden Knight and take the reins.
Who accompanies Keegan Kolesar on the fourth line?
Last season, Keegan Kolesar was the focal point of the Golden Knights' fourth line with Roy. While the Quebec native delivered the scoring, the left winger delivered punishing hits with 276 (fourth-most in the NHL). That grit will be tested without William Carrier, who also delivered physicality on the unit (he had 1,116 hits during his seven-year career with Vegas). Brett Howden will play alongside Kolesar, looking for a deeper role within the team.
But with Roy projected to join Tomas Hertl and Alexander Holtz on the third line, who takes the right wing spot? Will it be Zach Aston-Reese, a physical winger in his own right (821 hits in his seven-year career)? What about Tanner Pearson, who's hoping to turn back the clock and turn his PTO into a regular role on the Golden Knights? What about Brendan Brisson, a young player hoping to make it as a rookie? Bruce Cassidy has options here, whether he wants a stronger grind-it-out unit or more scoring.
Currently, Aston-Reese is on the fast track to win the role. However, I believe Pearson could steal the spot if he has an impressive preseason. The former first round pick for the Los Angeles Kings has a proven scoring pedigree and gives Vegas even more special teams depth. He'll be a player to watch as October 9 rolls around, given his goal-scoring experience could come in handy on the lower lines.