Everyone knows that Trevor Connelly is good enough to win this season's Calder Trophy. He's shown he can handle the pressure of the NHL spotlight and can score goals. That's why he has seven goals and five assists this season with the Vegas Golden Knights.
He's tied with James Hagens of the Boston Bruins for the most points by an NHL rookie this season, with 12. Of course, this is entering Friday's slate of games. Still, Connelly's production is a testament to Vegas producing young talent that it believes can thrive.
It's enough to have Golden Knights fans believe that he's in store for so much more. Perhaps he can produce 80+ points in a season or two and win other awards? It wouldn't be a major surprise if he pulled it off, you know.
It also shouldn't be a surprise that he should get top-line honors with superstars like Jack Eichel and Mark Stone. Let's say that Brett Howden continues his struggle from the past two weeks (one goal in his last eight games) and does nothing. What's to say the Golden Knights can't bump the rookie wunderkind to the top unit?
Why the Vegas Golden Knights should kick the tires on Trevor Connelly being on the top line
If you like rushes and attacking the net, there would be no unit better than Eichel and Connelly blistering down the ice together. Heck, you can have Mark Stone set up Connelly with a stretch pass and blow past opposing defenses without breaking a sweat.
You also have an aggressive winger who takes the load off Eichel and Stone in terms of doing too much. Both superstars are more comfortable facilitating plays and finding openings as opposed to shooting (although Eichel is more comfortable here than Stone). The rookie doesn't mind crashing the net and taking on the goaltender, especially when he's given the opportunity to strike.
Eichel thrives when given the chance to find the open man. Connelly thrives when given the chance to get open space and create with the puck. It would be a good marriage for the Golden Knights to test, especially with an open lane where he can toe-drag his opponents to death.
Trevor Connelly has become a versatile gem who can fit anywhere in the lineup
Before Thursday's game against the Detroit Red Wings, Connelly was put together with Tomas Hertl and a returning Victor Olofsson on the third line. The group had scoring versatility that made them dangerous, whether it was in the bumper or at the point.
The same goes for the native of Tustin, California, on the top unit. Stone has taken the initiative in shooting more, which is why he leads the Golden Knights in goals (10). Even Eichel has taken this responsibility on more, scoring seven goals this season.
The good news with Connelly is that the Golden Knights can always bump him down if they feel he's not working with Eichel and Stone (or Eichel and Barbashev). But it doesn't hurt to give the kid the keys to the Lambo, especially since he's shown he can handle the responsibility without any problems.
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