Four Golden Knights Forwards Competing For One Roster Spot

Brendan Brisson, Tanner Pearson, Tanner Laczynski and Zach Aston-Reese are competing for the final roster spot on the Vegas Golden Knights’ roster.

Throughout the entire offseason, it seemed as if Brisson was poised to take the step and become a full-time Vegas Golden Knight. Through his two pre-season games, he’s yet to really show that he is deserving of that role.

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In pre-season, players fighting for roster spots need to stand out. The ways they stand out can be different but they need to be either finding their name on the scoresheet, creating a plethora of offensive chances or making defensive plays.

In the 22-year-old’s case, he hasn’t done enough of any of those three things. He’s picked up six penalty minutes and recorded just one assist. In his first appearance against the San Jose Sharks, he showed flashes that he was ready for the increased role but his performance against the Los Angeles Kings opened the eyes of many to remember that the young winger still could do with some refining.

The other negative aspect for Brisson is that his competition in Aston-Reese, Pearson and Laczynski have been proving their worth with each shift and they aren’t waiver-exempt like Brisson is.

Pearson has been defensively responsible and using his big frame effectively on the forecheck. Laczynski has produced and created offence very effectively in all three games recording a goal, two assists and six shots on goal. Aston-Reese is the least flashiest of all four competitors but he understands his role and does it on a consistent basis. He knows he’s in the lineup to kill penalties and play physically.

All four forwards are in the lineup tonight for the Golden Knights’ fourth pre-season game.

Brisson is very skilled. He is one of the best shooters in the organization and has the hands to create space to shoot the puck. He isn’t the fastest player on the ice which can make it difficult for him to affect the game in other aspects. Still just 22 years old, the Golden Knights can afford to be patient with him and let him refine his game in the AHL.

Pearson is playing on a PTO which forces the Golden Knights to make a decision on his future while Laczynski and Aston-Reese are on two-way contracts but would have to go through waivers to be sent down to the Henderson Silver Knights during training camp. HC Bruce Cassidy may have already made his decision but tonight’s game against the Colorado Avalanche is likely their last opportunity to prove themselves.

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