Vegas should be strong down the middle with Eichel, Tomas Hertl and William Karlsson. The fourth line will have a different look with Colton Sissons, acquired in a trade with the Nashville Predators on June 30.
“We miss Nic Roy,” Cassidy said. “He’s a good player. Toronto is going to be pleased, I believe, with what they’re getting. But we still feel with Eichel, Hertl, Karlsson … Those are our top three until they’re not. But that’s how it’s looking right now, and Sissons should anchor the fourth line. Brett Howden also plays center and wing, so he’s in that mix somewhere depending on how things shake out.”
The defense will have a different look too.
Alex Pietrangelo, a key part of the Golden Knights’ 2023 Stanley Cup championship team and their average ice time leader last season (22:24), likely will retire due to a lower-body injury.
Vegas also parted with Nicolas Hague and acquired Jeremy Lauzon in the trade with Nashville on June 30. Kaedan Korczak signed a four-year, $13 million contract ($3.25 million AAV) on July 2. Zach Whitecloud could play a larger role.
“We have Kaedan Korczak, who we feel is about to take another step,” Cassidy said.
“We’ve made an investment in the player, he’s made an investment in our team by signing an extension, and so we’re all feeling good about where he’s at. Who he plays with, that’ll be a different thing. We’ve got some pairs back that have played together, so that’s to be determined. Whitecloud, he’s probably thinking, ‘OK, ‘Petro,’ I can take a step.’ And he’s deserved that. He’s been in the League four, five years now.
“There’s going to be an opportunity for leadership too. Petro’s been a big leader for us, and maybe some of the other defensemen now will have a little opportunity to have a larger voice.”