The Options for the Vegas Golden Knights in Net for the 2022-23 NHL Season
The Vegas Golden Knights have had a few interesting seasons recently, and their 2022-23 season just got interesting before training camp even started. Goaltender Robin Lehner will miss the entire season because he will undergo hip surgery.
Lehner was designated the starter after fan favorite Marc-Andre Fleury was traded to the Chicago Blackhawks. Lehner has had moments where he looked like an elite goaltender and other moments where he might not get a backup role. This past season Lehner compiled a record of 23-17-2 with a 2.83 GAA and a .907 save % which are good numbers, but maybe not starter numbers.
The Golden Knights are now hoping to find a replacement for Lehner, which will be a problem because Vegas is $5.79 million over the cap and need to shed some salary if they look elsewhere. The answer, at least for now, may be to see what they have in-house before they explore that option for a starter that they will regret. Let us keep in mind that Lehner will only be out for a year so they do not need a long-term goalie. So who do the Golden Knights have to look at between the pipes?
Goaltender Logan Thompson is their best bet right now. Thompson was outstanding in part-time action, going 10-5-3 with 1 shutout, a 2.68 GAA, and a .914 save %. The 6-foot-4 and 201-pound Thompson was thrown into action last season and played extremely well under the circumstances. He has proven he can play in this league and rack up wins and, at 25 years old, he could potentially be the starter full-time. Yes, it is a small sample size but he played against NHL competition in those games and held his own. The undrafted Thompson has a bright future ahead of him with loads of potential.
The next option is Laurent Brossoit, a 6-foot-3 and 204-pound goaltender who the Calgary Flames drafted with the 164th pick in the 6th round of the 2011 NHL Draft. Last season Bropssoit had a record of 10-9-3 with 1 shutout, a 2.95 GAA, and a .890 save %. Brossoit has been a backup primarily throughout his NHL career and will most likely be one again this season. He is an NHL goaltender with experience after having stops with the Edmonton Oilers and Winnipeg Jets. The most games Brossoit has played in a season was 24 games, which came last season.
Goaltender Michael Hutchinson is a dark horse to take over the starter job. Last season Hutchinson played for the Toronto Maple Leafs, appearing in only 2 games. The 6-foot-3 and 198-pound Hutchinson was drafted 77th overall in the 3rd round of the 2008 NHL Draft by the Boston Bruins. Hutchinson also has previous NHL experience, playing for the Jets, Maple Leafs, Florida Panthers, and Columbus Blue Jackets.
If I am the Vegas Golden Knights management, this is a no-brainer, and Thompson is the starter. He is the only goaltender of the three listed that has played well recently and does not look rattled between the pipes for a younger netminder. These are big shoes to fill with Lehner out, and Thompson has proven that he can play big in games that do or do not matter. He has the skill, motivation, drive, and determination to succeed, and now is his opportunity to shine.