The Battle of the Tanners will be the greatest battle ever

Here's a point of view for you to consider, dear reader. You're watching the Vegas Golden Knights take on the Colorado Avalanche. Brendan Brisson is on the ice, hoping to get a roster spot. He commits another penalty that puts Vegas on the penalty kill, cross-checking Nathan MacKinnon as a means of avenging Mark Stone.

Welp, there goes a roster spot for the native of Manhattan Beach. Once projected to be a third-line player, it appears he'll spend time in Henderson at Lee's Family Forum this season. That opens up a roster spot for an aspiring Golden Knight to take the reins. Who will step up the plate and become part of the 12-forward group come October 9?

Two names have emerged at the forefront of the discussion. First, there's Tanner Pearson, a former first-round pick for the Los Angeles Kings who also played for the Vancouver Canucks and Montreal Canadiens. He's scored 138 goals and 147 assists during his NHL career, making him a viable scoring forward.

The other is Tanner Laczynski, a former Philadelphia Flyers farmhand who's dealt with various hip problems during his career. He carries a sharp, booming shot that can rip through defenders and goaltenders alike. The other Tanner could sneak into the Golden Knights lineup with his improved offensive game, giving the bottom six more scoring production.

Who wins in the "Battle of the Tanners?" Tanner Pearson or Tanner Laczynski?

Let's look at what each Tanner offers for the Golden Knights this season. The battle between the former Montreal Canadiens forward and Philadelphia Flyers prospect will be one for the ages. Both stars have something to prove, hoping to extend their hockey careers another season or two. But who has the upper hand?

For Pearson, he still has a good hockey sense, setting up plays and easily reading opposing defenses. Although he won't put up astonishing offensive numbers like he used to (he scored five goals and eight assists with the Canadiens last season), he's done better away from the puck, making plays and creating turnovers. He'll become a viable asset for Bruce Cassidy defensively, adding more to the forecheck's pressure.

For Laczynski, he has an improved skill set. He comes with a 200-ft. game that would add more range to the Vegas Golden Knights. He's also developed his shot, turning it into a harder weapon with more accuracy. That could help him become the go-to pick for the bottom six, giving Cassidy another dual threat.

As it stands, Pearson looks like a better option based on his prior experience. He's shown that he can adapt as a hockey player by evolving his game. Sure, he isn't the most offensively adept player anymore. However, his play away from the puck would make Vegas much better. Still, Laczynski could steal the spot if healthy. He's developed his skill set and has improved as a result.

Of course, other players such as Zach Aston-Reese are also in play. His physical style could make the fourth line potent defensively. He could steal a spot from the two Tanners and play alongside Keegan Kolesar and Brett Howden (as projected). However, both stars can turn their opportunities into regular roles, giving the Golden Knights an unrealized edge against teams like the Edmonton Oilers and Montreal Canadiens.