Remember when Brendan Brisson was projected to make the Vegas Golden Knights roster? The former first-round pick looked good in his limited time in the 2023-24 season, scoring two goals and six assists in 15 games. Now? He's stuck on the Henderson Silver Knights, scoring... three goals and six assists in 19 games. That's good enough to get you traded to the Buffalo Sabres.
It's an uninspiring performance for a team banking on his success to keep their Stanley Cup contention window. While the 23-year-old has plenty of time to right the ship (along with a waiver-exempt status), Brisson looks like his time's running out. Keep in mind he's a restricted free agent after the 2024-25 season, too.
But here's a funny thing to consider, dear reader. The Golden Knights haven't been exempt from the injury bug in the past three seasons. Names like Mark Stone (lacerated spleen in 2024), Jack Eichel (lower-body injury in 2024), and Shea Theodore (upper-body injury in 2023) have all fallen victim to the injury bug in past seasons. Therefore, Brisson should hold out hope for another chance to prove himself in 2024-25.
That brings us back to the Henderson Silver Knights, who aren't doing so hot in the AHL. Entering Sunday, they have a record of 6-20-0 and only have 12 points in 26 games. That's bad enough for last place in the Pacific Division... and the entire AHL. So what happens if the Golden Knights suddenly become unhealthy again? Is there a problem where the Vegas Silver Knights become a thing?
Why this should (and shouldn't) be a problem for the Vegas Golden Knights
Obviously, when you lose a big-name player like Ivan Barbashev, it can disrupt the offensive flow. Even if it's on a day-to-day basis, it can cause problems that can throw everything out of sorts. That also goes for superstars like Jack Eichel and Mark Stone, who make the team run.
How can players like Brendan Brisson and Mason Morelli adapt to the offense, especially in a short period? If the AHL team can't win with their best players, how can the call-ups help? The time crunch can affect a team down the stretch, where they put on the gas to outperform expectations. Even if they win now, that can break them down later, as proven in 2021-22.
However, that hasn't mattered for the Vegas Golden Knights one bit. According to Natural Stat Trick, Stone and Eichel have done fine without their linemate this season. The duo has amassed a Corsi of 64.37% with a shots for percentage of 73.21% and a goals for percentage of 100%. Granted, this was only with 52:06 TOI. But there's a reason why Eichel (44 points, eighth in the NHL) has emerged as a superstar in the NHL.
Adaptability is key
This proves the pair have done well without their linemate, picking up the slack for the team. Compare that to the trio being together (49.01% Corsi, 49.46 shots for percentage, and 59.26 goals for percentage in 17 games and 198:28 TOI) and it's easy to see why they'll be fine. Adaptability has been the theme for the Golden Knights this season, with a "next man up" mentality serving as the club's main theme.
In fact, the Golden Knights haven't had much issue with scoring despite losing certain players. For example, Stone missed a month with a lower-body injury sustained on November 6 against the Edmonton Oilers. Victor Olofsson also suffered a lower-body injury on October 15 against the Washington Capitals. Overall, the Golden Knights are tied for the fourth-best power play in the NHL (26.9%) and have the sixth-most goals per game (3.52). While the injuries haven't been as severe this season, the Golden Knights have done well to adapt with key players like Eichel leading the way.
Sure, the injury bug should never be discounted, even if it hasn't attacked the team much this season. That's especially true when the Henderson Silver Knights aren't playing well. That can derail any momentum a team has, leaving them to pick up the pace. However, the Golden Knights have adapted well to such situations. Players like Stone and Eichel have stepped in well, keeping their franchise atop the NHL.