The worst-case scenario for the Golden Knights in 2024-25
Injuries have decimated the Vegas Golden Knights in the past three seasons. Mark Stone (spleen, back) and Jack Eichel (lower body) have fallen victim to the bug in recent years. Will the forward depth be tested again? That's the big question affecting the Golden Knights, especially if it's in waves.
They're already seeing it with William Karlsson, whose status moved closer to doubtful for the season opener every day. It could be a microcosm of a bad omen for Vegas if Karlsson misses time to start the year. That could provide problems for the franchise, especially if wingers like Holtz and Victor Olofsson underperform. The latter player has struggled to fit in Bruce Cassidy's system, leaving him lagging.
Concerns with the goaltending also exist, with fans concerned about Hill's performance on Saturday. All this could become a cocktail of disaster with Vegas missing the playoffs for the second time in franchise history (2021-22). Fans will remember that disastrous season where injuries and uninspired play ravaged the team, leaving them wondering if they'll ever win a Stanley Cup (they did the next season).