Vegas Golden Knights injuries are starting to add up. Thus far in 2021-22 they’re 4-4, but that’s not the big news. Four key players are out. And, we’re not talking about day-to-day or even week-to-week injuries. These are major injuries causing players to miss weeks to months.
Vegas Golden Knights Injuries To Key Players May Set Them Back
Every NHL team can expect to lose players to injuries. It happens every season. The Vegas Golden Knights are no exception. They knew starting the season that Alex Tuch would be out after going under the knife for shoulder surgery. He isn’t expected back until January. His 0.56 points per game will be missed, but he’s not the only one.
Next to hit the injury list was captain and top scorer Mark Stone. He is out for an undisclosed period of time. His 0.99 points per game as a Golden Knight won’t be on the scoresheet for a while. For the time being, he has not been sent to long-term injury reserve. More on that later.
Wait… More Injuries?
The day after Stone went down, Max Pacioretty sucombed to an injury that will keep him out of the lineup for about six weeks. He has averaged 0.86 points per game while with Vegas.
Then today, November 1st, it was announced that forward William Karlsson broke his foot. He too may be out for six weeks. He has thrown in an average of 0.76 points per game.
When all four players’ points per game are tabulated, it comes to 3.17 points a game that the team will be missing. Some others may be able to pick up some of that scoring deficit. Still, it puts the team at a vast disadvantage when so many players are hurt.
It can really devastate a team. Will the Golden Knights be able to be as competitive as in the past? Doubtful.
The Golden Knights Need Some Offense
It has been all over the NHL rumors that the Vegas hockey club is trying to work a deal to acquire star forward Jack Eichel. Of course, he too would be added to the injury list if the team trades for him. His neck procedure could put him out for about four months, by all indications.
Would Eichel come at a huge cost? Most definitely. The Buffalo Sabres have made it known that they want a first round draft pick, a prospect and a young defenseman… at least to move Eichel’s home address elsewhere. The Sabres are very interested in Peyton Krebs, while the Golden Knights really don’t want to part with his services. Perhaps Vegas could give the Buffalo squad Shea Theodore or Nicolas Hague as part of a deal.
Vegas Golden Knights Doing Alright So Far
Even with both Pacioretty and Stone both unavailable, the team has managed to go 3-3 without them. Adding in the new injury to Karlsson really complicates things. While Chandler Stephenson has really stepped up with four goals and five assists in eight games, it may not be enough to carry the team forward. He will most certainly miss his line-mates, Pacioretty and Stone.
What The Future May Hold
These injuries are tough to swallow for a team who thought they’d be competing for a Stanley Cup. The way they come out of this is to have other players step up and fill in during this time. It will take a team effort to get there. The way they perform with all these injuries may build character for the team.
Character is fine, but right now they need healthy players. We’ll see what the future holds for this team. One thing is certain, they will miss all four of their injured players. A lot.
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