What Does Lukas Cormier Bring to the Table?
In the latest wave of injuries, the Vegas Golden Knights brought a rookie defenseman on board. That rookie is none other than Lukas Cormier. Here's what he brings to the table.
1. Who Is Lukas Cormier?
Lukas Cormier is a Canadian defenseman for the Vegas Golden Knights. The former 68th overall pick was born on March 27, 2002, in Sainte-Marie-de-Kent, New Brunswick. He certainly made his small Canadian village proud with his rookie debut on Saturday.
His youth team was AHM Kent-Sud, but he made his mark with the Henderson Silver Knights last season. Cormier chalked up 35 points with the Silver Knights in 2022-2023, making him a reliable asset in 62 games.
But his biggest moment came with the Charlottetown Islanders, where his best season was in 2021-2022. He racked up 81 points (33 goals, 48 assists) that season in the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL), making him an offensive threat. By the way, how fitting is it that his debut came against another team named the "Islanders?" It's like fate had plans for the New Brunswick native.
2. What Are Lukas Cormier's Strengths?
First, let's give Lukas Cormier his flowers. He has tremendous skating ability, making him an asset during transition. His quickness can create turnovers on the forecheck, making him a massive threat.
Cormier can also move the puck up and down the ice effortlessly. He displays plenty of offensive skills, whether it's his passing ability or his command of the power play. Watch how he reads the Islanders defense on Eichel's second goal. A player with that hockey IQ is vital for a team's success.
Having a multi-faceted defenseman isn't just huge for a hockey team; it's becoming the norm in today's NHL. Quinn Hughes is becoming a viable Hart Trophy candidate and Erik Karlsson has carved out a niche as such a defenseman. The Golden Knights draft pick has the potential to do the same.
3. What Are Lukas Cormier's Weaknesses?
Coming in at 5'10" and 180 lbs, Cormier isn't exactly the biggest defenseman you'll find. The Canadian star has to rely on his speed and finesse to be a reliable asset. Otherwise, he'll get pushed around easily.
With that diminutive size comes another problem: being able to defend against the NHL's best forwards. When defending against megastars like Leon Draisaitl and Auston Matthews, you'll need every pound and inch you can spare.
On top of that, the Vegas Golden Knights aren't exactly a small team. Currently, the Knights are tied for being the fourth-largest team in the NHL (73.9 inches on average) and are the heaviest team (206.9 lbs on average). Bruce Cassidy emphasizes using your body on defense to generate pressure, something that might be tough for Cormier.
Lukas Cormier will need to hit the gym and get his bench press going if he wants to take the next step. That way, he won't be pushed around by his opponents as much. Luckily, the former 68th overall pick is just a rookie, so he has plenty of time.
(Stats provided by Hockey Reference and Elite Prospects)