It's always good when any team gets returning players heading back from injuries. The Vegas Golden Knights are getting Noah Hanifin back after a lower-body injury kept him out since the season-opener concluded. It's refreshing to see one of the most important players return to the ice, specifically on the blue line.
The Golden Knights add more offensive potency to their team, especially with Hanifin's goal-scoring acumen. Last season, he scored 10 goals and 29 assists, making him one of the most dangerous defensemen around. Add 106 blocked shots and Vegas's defender will be a welcome addition.
That's especially true when facing tougher teams like the Detroit Red Wings, the Tampa Bay Lightning, and the Florida Panthers. These teams aren't lightweights by any stretch, providing some stiff competition for Vegas. It's imperative that you get as many reinforcements as possible.
While Hanifin will be a welcome addition to the Golden Knights, he also has some hidden benefits. Obviously, he provides a goal-scoring acumen to Vegas. But there's much more to the Boston native's game than simply being an offensive weapon. Here's what Golden Knights fans can expect once the 28-year-old returns to the ice.
What Vegas Golden Knights fans can expect with Noah Hanifin returning to the team
Hanifin's officially removed from injured reserve, making his return against the Detroit Red Wings on Tuesday. His return means that Vegas will get more potent offensively. The five-on-five play should improve considerably with him around. However, that's not the only group that should improve.
Hanifin's expected to appear on the second power play unit, joining names like Reilly Smith. While the first unit is still missing Mark Stone, having Hanifin adds size and goal-scoring capabilities. That should ease the pressure off said first unit, especially when you're still recovering from the injury bug. But there's more that he brings to the table.
For example, Hanifin has lane-clogging capabilities that make him perfect defensively. He takes away shooting lanes with his size and wide range alone. However, the former first-round pick also makes necessary sacrifices to keep the unit afloat.
Hanifin will help the Golden Knights in more ways than one
With Hanifin coming off injured reserve, the Golden Knights are getting better in many ways. They have a better attack and get bigger, which will pay dividends. On top of that, Jack Eichel gets his Boston buddy back.
When you're faced with playing against a home gauntlet, you need reinforcements coming your way. That means getting players like Hanifin back on the ice. In fact, the Boston native's not the only player returning for Vegas.
It could be the start of returning players for the Golden Knights. Colton Sissons is also returning, adding penalty killing prowess and a late-game closer. Getting such players back will ease the pressure off a challenging home stretch. Playing against tough teams like the Tampa Bay Lightning, the Florida Panthers, and the Detroit Red Wings? That should be much easier.