Sunday thoughts about the hockey summer
Vegas Golden Knights fans are anxiously waiting for October to come for another NHL season. Here are some thoughts about the offseason and Stanley Cup playoffs.
Hockey's summer period is a monumental time in the NHL, starting in late May or early June. It's where the Stanley Cup playoffs start wrapping up, with a team hoisting the Stanley Cup by late June. It's also where the NHL Draft happens, followed by the free agency period starting. In short, 32 teams will become busy bees in the summer heat (even the "newest" team from the Beehive State).
Vegas Golden Knights fans have many questions on their mind, ranging from who's returning to the team to who to draft. It's sad when your team isn't competing for the ultimate prize. That much is true. However, it's best to dust yourself off and try again the next season.
With that are some thoughts regarding the upcoming offseason. These range from the upcoming NHL Draft to the free agency period. Even the Stanley Cup playoffs are thought about, with observations being made. With that, here are some thoughts before the work week starts, Golden Knights fans.
Could the Vegas Golden Knights select an NHL Draft prospect who isn't a forward?
One glaring flaw of the Vegas Golden Knights is the forward position. With five players set to become unrestricted free agents on July 1st, it raises questions about how Vegas will replace them. Should they bring one back and trade one of their defensemen? Or should Vegas sign cheaper talent and add depth?
However, there's another question regarding other positions, such as where the goaltenders stand. Adin Hill and Logan Thompson are in the last year of their respective deals. Should they draft another goalie later despite the current logjam?
Or perhaps they should draft another defenseman? With Shea Theodore and Brayden McNabb hitting free agency after next season, there could be a case for drafting younger talent as a replacement. Whatever the case is, there's potential for a Vegas draft class that's not all forwards, specifically with the later picks.
How could the Vegas Golden Knights score on Sergei Bobrovsky at will in last season's Stanley Cup playoffs?
The Edmonton Oilers had trouble figuring out Sergei Bobrovsky in the first game of the Stanley Cup Final. The Florida Panthers goaltender stopped all 32 shots, en route to a 3-0 victory. One would figure the Oilers would get a goal or two from Connor McDavid or Leon Draisaitl, right?
Let's compare that to last season when Bobrovsky was rocked by the Vegas Golden Knights. He allowed 4.2 GA/G and had a save percentage of .844 in that series. The overwhelming scoring depth helped Vegas clinch their first Stanley Cup, something that has eluded Edmonton for so long.
If the Oilers want to win the series, they can't just rely on their top line for production. It must come from other forwards and other offensive weapons. Otherwise, it'll be a sad end to the Stanley Cup playoffs for hockey fans in Edmonton (and Canadians wanting to end their title drought).
Who could come in if Jonathan Marchessault leaves?
This is one thought Vegas Golden Knights fans hope doesn't happen. However, each passing day without a deal heightens the possibility of him not returning. Therefore, other alternatives are at play, including a potential trade for Mitch Marner.
Fans are split on whether Vegas should go after the Maple Leafs star in free agency. Concerns about his incoming price tag, among other things, stick out. After all, you're not getting a superstar just for a rental. That's what happened with Noah Hanifin, who got a nice extension after he was acquired by the Golden Knights.
Other options include Jake Guentzel, who's dealing with the same scenario as Jonathan Marchessault. There are concerns he might be too pricey for the Carolina Hurricanes. He might be a younger, bigger replacement than Marchessault. But there are also players like Steven Stamkos who are also in that same boat. Buckle up, hockey fans. This free agency period is going to be wild.
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