Training camp cuts have continued as the Vegas Golden Knights are molding their finalized roster more. The team announced on Wednesday that forward Mason Morelli, defenseman Robert Hagg, and goaltender Akira Schmid have all been re-assigned to the Henderson Silver Knights of the AHL. In turn, the roster has been trimmed down as a select few continue to fight for a few available roster openings.
The latest development sheds light on the team's current situation. There's a chance one of the Tanners (either Tanner Pearson or Tanner Laczynski) gets axed. There's also room for them to stay on the roster if William Karlsson doesn't return in time for the regular season. But it also adds more questions to the roster.
"What should happen with Kaedan Korczak?"
"Will Brendan Brisson do enough to earn a roster spot or is it too late?"
All these questions will come within the week. With October 9 rapidly approaching, the main focus isn't going to be on the defensive core. It won't be about the goaltending unit, either. Instead, the last forward spot will be important, where the Golden Knights must decide who gets the starting position.
The battle for the Vegas Golden Knights roster spot goes beyond the Tanners
Tanner Pearson and Tanner Laczynski have been marvelous for the Vegas Golden Knights in the preseason. They've made the most of their opportunities, giving Bruce Cassidy a tough choice for a bottom six slot. Could it be Pearson, who's on a PTO and has two goals and an assist? Or will it be Laczynski, who carries a stronger shot and has two goals and three assists?
It gets more complicated after that, though. Zach Aston-Reese is also fighting for a roster spot and he has two goals and an assist. He's looking to add a physical presence to the bottom six, strengthening the forecheck for Cassidy. Then there's Brisson, who got off to a slow start. However, he has a goal and two assists as he makes a late push for a forward spot.
The elephant in the room will be William Karlsson's undisclosed injury, which could keep him out for the season opener. However, he did skate this week, giving fans hope for the veteran's return. Still, that'll mean one less forward spot to work with, where the four will fight for a chance at NHL glory. That'll make the next week important for the guys fighting for said roster spots.
The other positions are set for the Golden Knights
Meanwhile, it appears the Vegas Golden Knights will be set at the goaltender position for the upcoming season. Adin Hill will start in net for Vegas, while Ilya Samsonov will be his backup. Akira Schmid will spend the majority of his time in Henderson this season, barring a sudden injruy to either Hill or Samsonov.
As for the defensive group, it looks like they're also set as well. There's no surprise to the top six blue-liners, headlined by Shea Theodore, Alex Pietrangelo, and Noah Hanifin. They'll showcase the balance of the defensive group, giving the Golden Knights plenty of solid options. Ben Hutton and Kaedan Korczak give the team even more depth, with the duo stepping in if there's an emergency.
Overall, the Golden Knights will be prepared for the season opener, sans some questions at the forward position. Which of the four players will stand out and grab a roster spot? Does Brisson need to do more to get on the finalized roster or is it too late (keep in mind Brisson is exempt from waivers)? All these questions will be answered before October 9, so stay tuned, Golden Knights fans!