Why this "Original Misfit" not returning makes sense
One of the "Original Misfits" isn't returning to the Vegas Golden Knights. Here's why that makes sense.
The "Original Misfits" are a beloved staple in the Las Vegas community. This ragtag group of Vegas Golden Knights went on a historical run in their inaugural season, making the Stanley Cup Finals. Their unprecedented story put them in the same realm as the 1989-90 UNLV Runnin' Rebels men's basketball team. By uniting a shaken community, they've grown into beloved figures.
Unfortunately, one of those "Misfits" isn't returning to the Golden Knights next season. The player in question is William Carrier, one of three players named to not return to the team. It's sad to part with such a revered member of the group. However, it's best to move on to better things. After all, Vegas is in the middle of a salary cap crunch, with only $897,516 of non-LTIR space to work with. If you truly love something, you must set them free (although Vegas not re-signing Carrier wouldn't be as dramatic).
How did the left winger do this season? He scored six goals and two assists this season in 39 games, with a postseason goal to boot. During his Vegas tenure, he's scored 53 goals and 46 assists in seven seasons, with a career-high of 16 goals in 2022-23. Not much, but it fits him well for being a fourth-line player. After all, his role revolved around hitting his opponents, with 1,116 career hits during his time in Las Vegas.
Of course, there are some good reasons why Carrier isn't returning to the team. The Vegas Golden Knights must find the right pieces to maximize their Stanley Cup window. Therefore, it's time to let the "Original Misfit" free and pursue other opportunities. Here are three reasons why letting the 29-year-old go in free agency makes perfect sense.
William Carrier has an injury history
William Carrier had a tough time staying on the ice, playing 372 games during his seven seasons with the Vegas Golden Knights. That averages out to 53 games a season. Granted, there were some outliers during his time in Las Vegas, including the COVID-shortened 2019-20 and 2020-21 seasons. However, not being on the ice hurts the team's chances of competing.
That's especially true with the Golden Knights being hit by injuries in the past few seasons. Whether it was the 2022-23 season with the wave of goaltender injuries or losing many forwards this season, Vegas hasn't been safe. What good does it do when another player can't stay healthy for the team and adds to the carnage?
The forward's history is vastly decorated, with numerous upper-body injuries hampering his career. Therefore, it would be better for general manager Kelly McCrimmon to search for cheap talent that can stay healthy. That way, they can plug themselves into the lineup regularly. With these difficulties come the obvious decline...
Carrier's production has dropped off
Having an injury history comes with its consequences. William Carrier didn't just suffer medical issues that sidelined him: Carrier's production also fell. His good 2022-23 season translated into a downgrade the season after, with many statistics signifying a surprising drop.
Take your pick from the various drops, from the goals (16 in 2022-23 to six) to shooting percentage (13.6% in 2022-23 to 9.2%). There are also the shots attempted (172 shots attempted in 2022-23 to 126) which shows the fall in production. It's the price one pays for missing time without having a good bill of health.
Yes, one can say some of his stats could've been surpassed if he played a full season. One could also say 2022-23 was a career year for the forward. But his production declined as a result of his injuries. One perfect non-hockey example is Derrick Rose, a promising NBA star devastated by various medical issues.
The former NBA MVP struggled with ankle and knee problems throughout his career, decimating his career. It got to the point where he was reduced to being a key player off the bench, a far cry from being the face of a franchise like the Chicago Bulls. Carrier faces that same problem, only he's not winning the Hart Memorial Trophy any time soon.
It's easy to find a starting fourth-line player
The Vegas Golden Knights can easily replace William Carrier through various means, whether it's free agency, trades, or even internal promotions. With numerous cheap options on the free agent market, Vegas can find an option they can plug in on day one. Plenty of physical fourth-line caliber players can impact the lineup like Carrier did.
Of course, the internal options are also promising. Paul Cotter does the same thing that Carrier did, only he's younger and scores more. The Golden Knights can get an offensive upgrade on the lower lines, adding more bite and physicality to their team. Plus, they can focus their attention on retaining another key "Misfit" this offseason.
Vegas is no stranger to saving money and staying afloat under the salary cap. They've also done this to bring back key players to their team, with Ivan Barbashev and Adin Hill being good examples. By moving on from the 29-year-old, they can achieve their offseason goals and make the necessary moves. Whether it's free agency or through trades (the former being more likely), McCrimmon can shift his attention to getting another beloved fan favorite back.
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