The prized acquisition for the Golden Knights this summer was Mitch Marner, and while his play will be a huge impact of Vegas’ success in 2025-26, the depth pieces that were added to aid his arrival will also play a big role.
Nic Roy and Nic Hague were sent away, and in return, the Golden Knights added Colton Sissons and Jeremy Lauzon. Of course, in the introductory press conference, Marner dominated the conversation, but general manager Kelly McCrimmon made sure to stress the importance of the lesser-known pieces.
I use the phrase when I describe Colton the same way I’d describe Jeremy Lauzon as ‘they are guys you can win with.’ -Kelly McCrimmon
Lauzon is best known for being a physical defenseman whose game is highlighted by big hits and key blocked shots. Two years ago, he broke the NHL record for most hits in a season with 383 (50 more than the next closest player and 100 more than Keegan Kolesar). His offensive game is extremely limited as he’s scored just 14 goals in his 316 games with just 45 points. He has also fought through injuries at different points in his career, including a lower-body injury that kept him out from December 31st to the end of the season.
As for Sissons, he is the classic 4th line center. He’s a straight-line player who gets in on the forecheck, is willing to go to the front of the net, and absorbs a lot of defensive responsibility in all situations. He’s been described as “Mr. Consistency” during his time in Nashville, having played 11 seasons and nearly 700 games with the Preds.
I don’t want to oversell Colton Sissons but I don’t want to undersell him. He’s very defined in what he is and I think he’s very good at that. -McCrimmon
Nothing about either player’s statistics is going to impress, and that will not be expected of either in Vegas. But, the roles they each have to play will be crucial for different reasons to this year’s Golden Knights.
For Lauzon, he will have to be solid enough to fill a 3rd pair role, likely with youngster Kaedan Korczak. Because the two pairs ahead of them will feature Shea Theodore on one and Noah Hanifin on the other, a lot of defensive zone starts will fall to Lauzon. If the Golden Knights want to continue getting big-time contributions from their offensive-minded defensemen, the 3rd pair will have to be able to hold up against tough competition. Lauzon will need to earn Bruce Cassidy’s and John Stevens’ trust quickly for the defensive unit to remain as solid as it’s been.
As for Sissons, his role will be to bring back the “identity” to the 4th line that lacked in the postseason vs. Edmonton. VGK couldn’t seem to find those grinding offensive zone shifts enough against the Oilers in order to hand over positive situations to the top-six. That meant much more defensive work for Vegas’ best forwards, and it muted the offense. McCrimmon mentioned that Sissons will play as a center in Vegas, meaning he’ll be flanked by Kolesar and either Brett Howden or Brandon Saad. They’ll probably be asked to start periods and establish a forecheck against opposing top lines.
These are not sexy roles, so even if both Lauzon and Sissons are successful at them, the stats will probably not show it. But, for the Golden Knights to get back to being a team that relies upon its depth, they’ll both have to step up in a big way right from the get-go of the season.
ThG
What did they win in smasville? Previous VgK additions indicate it takes about a year to assimilate into VGK system of play.
Jason
Here is an interesting fact. You can win at another place you play.
ThG
Didn’t t answer my query, try again.
JB
We need the toughness and grit of these two, especially the D guy!
Emmanuel
The good news is they are tough w/out drawing (too many) penalties.
The bad news is HITS totals are contingent on where you play as they are subjective, also toughness in the playoffs doesnt help YOU it helps the next team that plays your opponent. You feel the soreness down the line.
Pistol Pete
Emmanuel can’t agree the “Holtz draft was a very weak year”. Looks like there are a number of top ten picks who have been very good. Unfortunately Holtz lags behind.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2020_NHL_entry_draft
Emmanuel
Lotsa meh first rounders especially near the top.
I remember there was a theory 9/11 produced a weak genetic crop of humans due to stress/fear in the following 15 months. Dont buy it but you never know……
Emmanuel
Anyone think a 4th Pacific team can make the jump to a playoff seed?
It looks unlikely, probably Utah closest?
My fear is the blueline gets leaky and that leads to cascade failure in goal, VGK drops to 4th & only 3 get in………..
trade
Lauzon gets in lots of fights, but is not very good at it. case in point, these 2 bouts with Foligno of Minn and Podkolzin of Edm
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9Sm3N-ZVRc
https://www.hockeyfights.com/fights/n269980
Richie-Rich
It’s obvious that the VGK misses the 4th line performance of their Stanley Cup team. Adding Sissons provides for more face-off wins and more opportunities. Lauzon is a bit of a gamble coming of an injury. He’s no Alex Martinez in terms of blocks but he provides seniority and leadership for Korczak on the 3rd defensive line. Having a player who is willing to deliver hits when needed is a huge plus.
knights fan in minny
Reavo On his way to San Jose
TS
It’ll be tough to watch the Sharks with Reavo there. Only thing worse would be if Deboer was still coaching there.
.He musta been desperate to take that deal…
Emmanuel
Word is Erik Karlsson is going to Anaheim.
knights fan in minny
I bet Pittsburgh loves that
Pistol Pete
As much as I admire Whitecloud (and Hague) for his VGK career including winning the Cup I have concluded it makes sense to trade him out for a certified top four Dman. Also think Korczak has more upside defensively and offensively than either Whitecloud or Hague and see him being top four one day.
Pistol Pete
Imo McCrimmon presently views Korczak as a top four replacement for McNabb. Time will tell. Korczak looks to be by some margin the strongest home grown D thus far.
Kaedan Korczak, a right-shooting defenseman for the Vegas Golden Knights, is widely considered to have top-four potential in the NHL. This projection is based on his combination of size (6’3″, 203 lbs), skating ability, hockey IQ, and strong defensive play.
While Korczak is often described as a stay-at-home defenseman who excels at shutting down opponents, he also possesses offensive tools such as a strong first pass, a heavy shot, and the ability to contribute points when needed. Scouts note his composure with the puck and his effective, rather than flashy, style of play. He’s particularly effective in defensive situations and along the boards.
Though he may not develop into a major point producer, his potential lies in his overall defensive abilities and the possibility of adding supplementary offense. Scouts also point out his strong skating, which helps him maintain good gap control and get involved in plays.
The Golden Knights have demonstrated their belief in Korczak’s potential, signing him to a four-year extension, according to Knights On Ice. This reflects the organization’s confidence in his ability to develop into a reliable, everyday NHL defenseman who can handle a significant workload. His potential for a larger role has also been amplified by the news of Alex Pietrangelo’s potential career-ending injuries,
Pistol Pete
I should have said “prospective” top four replacement for McNabb. This will be the first year of McNabb’s new three year contract AAV $3.65m. In fact, Korczak could even push McNabb down to the bottom pair as time goes on. He’s getting on in age. We’ll see how it plays out.
https://puckpedia.com/player/brayden-mcnabb
Richie-Rich
I am not too worried about stay-at-home McNabb. He has tread left. I would guess he has 2 years left before age starts to impact his game. That gives Korczak time to develop.
JB
I think we will be fine at the D positions. Neither Hague or Petro played very good last year or so.
Pistol Pete
I realize I have harped on this guy and it’s speculative as far as he first needs to show he can defend in the AHL while contributing some offense, however I can add I communicated with McCrimmon during development camp and he indicated he liked how Kmec looked. Kmec’s potential bears repeating in the context of today’s conversation as we look to reshape our D corp now that Petro is gone and McNabb is aging. Cormier’s issue is defending. HSK has been a losing team which challenges the D’s +/- but Cormier’s is extra scary.
It appears Viliam Kmec has a good chance of becoming a top-four defenseman in the NHL.
Here’s why:
He is considered one of the Vegas Golden Knights’ top defensive prospects.
He is described as a late bloomer with NHL-ready size and strong all-around performance.
In his final season of junior hockey (2024-25), he had his best statistical season, producing 61 points (18 goals and 43 assists) in 63 games, and was a finalist for WHL defenseman of the year.
He is known for leveraging his frame and strength effectively in the defensive zone.
He has a good two-way game and offensive talent, with the potential to develop further in the AHL.
While he will need to continue his development at the AHL level, there’s a strong possibility he could make his NHL debut in the near future and potentially earn a role as a top-four defenseman for the Golden Knights.
Richie-Rich
Barring several injuries to the current top 4 Kmec won’t be even having a cup of coffee on big club this season.
Pistol Pete
Kmec will need a season in Henderson. If he defends at a high level a call up is possible on an injury. Who knows though? You can call up Hagg who has played a lot of NHL games. Cormier might improve his defense and go ahead of Kmec. Kmec is a very good skater to go with his size. If he can defend at the NHL level is the question. Just like Korczak it took development and wait for injuries.
Pistol Pete
Hagg back in Sweden for 2025-26. My bad.