Imagine going from the Philadelphia Flyers to the Vegas Golden Knights, seeking a fresh start. You want to get a roster spot with your new team and prolong your NHL career. That's why you signed a two-year, $1.55 million deal with the team. You're Tanner Laczynski and you're hoping to continue that dream.
The former Flyers player got off to an excellent start, scoring a goal and assist in Wednesday's 3-2 loss to the Los Angeles Kings. He scored in the third period off a turnover in the Kings's defensive zone, with only Carter George standing in front of him. He fires a wrist shot and puts Vegas within one, bringing the crowd to their feet. Fans and experts were equally impressed with his performance, citing his offensive improvements in his game.
Tanner Laczynski had a night https://t.co/DNR56nH8x1
— Jesse Granger (@JesseGranger_) September 26, 2024
To say Laczynski was good on Wednesday is a vast understatement. He kept the Golden Knights in the game, displaying excellent offensive awareness and showcasing his incredible shot release. He also set up a nice goal for Noah Hanifin in the second period, making Vegas's transition game look seamless. Fans are excited to see where he lands with the team and where he could potentially grab a roster spot.
Tanner Laczynski could get the opportunity with the Vegas Golden Knights he couldn't get with the Philadelphia Flyers
There's an open fourth line spot with the Vegas Golden Knights. With Brendan Brisson not ready to join the organization due to his play looking raw, Nicolas Roy is projected to move to the third line. While he has looked better in the center position, it could be a learning opportunity for the forward. As for his vacant spot on the fourth line? It has many suitors, including the former Philadelphia Flyers sixth-round draft pick.
Tanner Laczynski is going up against Tanner Pearson and Zach Aston-Reese for a roster spot (to name a few), where his competitors offer different styles. Pearson is a good complementary piece who can act as a second attacker on the rush. He brings offensive acumen similar to Laczynski, adding more offensive bite to the Golden Knights. Aston-Reese is more of a defensive wrecking ball, delivering punishing hits at every turn.
But the former Flyers player could get his chance in Vegas. His career in Philadelphia consisted of numerous injuries, including hip injuries. The forward also didn't do much in his NHL career, only scoring two goals and two assists in 38 career games. However, he's discovered his shot, adding an ample release that has raised eyebrows. Combined with his offensive awareness, he could beat out Aston-Reese and Pearson for a roster spot and become a regular player.
The Golden Knights preseason has four more games, which means Laczynski will get another opportunity or two to show himself. If he continues to take over games and carry his line, Bruce Cassidy will have a low-cost forward that he can work with. That's good news for an organization looking at other obstacles in the future, including retaining certain key players.