LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — Golden Knights general manager Kelly McCrimmon said this year’s training camp will carry a different feel as it’s shortened by eight days.
McCrimmon said the shorter timeline creates a higher level of urgency for players to complete their work and for the team to establish system play.
The Golden Knights have four preseason games scheduled. Veteran players can only play in two of them. McCrimmon said younger lineups will be used for games against Ontario, versus L.A., and at San Jose on Tuesday, while the majority of the opening night lineup will be addressed in games three and four.
McCrimmon said 66 players are at camp. All will participate except Ben Hemmerling, who was injured during the team’s tournament in San Jose, and Lucas Cormier, who had offseason surgery and will practice in a non-contact jersey.
McCrimmon said opening day is 13 days away, which he described as a different cadence for veteran players compared with previous years.
Camp sessions will focus on how players understand systems and think the game, McCrimmon said. A scrimmage is scheduled Saturday for players not traveling to L.A. McCrimmon said the two preseason games will be important evaluation opportunities, with most players expected to play in both.
Team reflects on near title, 10th anniversary
McCrimmon said the team came within two wins of a Stanley Cup title last season and called it unfinished business. He said the team must first qualify for the playoffs and take steps that begin with a good camp and strong start to the regular season across an 84-game schedule.
Asked about the franchise’s 10th anniversary, McCrimmon pointed to the team’s connection to the city and sustained success. He said no team in the NHL has had more playoff victories or won more playoff series over that period. He credited team ownership and management, including Bill and Carol Foley and George McPhee, along with organizational continuity.
Mark Stone extension, Braden Bowman contract
McCrimmon confirmed Mark Stone signed a contract extension covering this season plus two more. He said the organization shifted when it acquired Stone, calling him the team’s emotional leader and a star player. McCrimmon said Stone had one of his best seasons last year heading into the final year of his previous contract.
The team also signed Braden Bowman to a six-year contract. McCrimmon said Bowman is expected to be an important part of the lineup for the length of that deal. Bowman finished last season with the NHL team after being sent down to Henderson without complaint, according to McCrimmon.
McCrimmon said Bowman played in the rookie tournament a year ago and was on an American Hockey League contract when he joined Henderson two seasons ago, before being converted to an NHL contract around February or March of that year. McCrimmon said Bowman has elite hockey sense, has shown power play utility, and served as a placeholder when Stone was out of the lineup. He said Bowman has played on Jack Eichel’s line and could also play a fourth-line role, adding that he expects Bowman to develop into a middle-six winger producing offensive numbers.
Coaching change, prospect updates
McCrimmon said new head coach Ryan Craig is prepared for his first season as an NHL head coach and has spent significant time with returning players during the offseason and since the start of September. McCrimmon described Craig as organized and intelligent.
On prospect Trevor Connolly, McCrimmon said he has elite hockey sense and talent, and noted his production in the American Hockey League last season at age 19. McCrimmon said Connolly has increased his weight to about 176 or 177 pounds while training with the team’s strength and conditioning staff over the summer. McCrimmon said the timeline for when Connolly makes an impact at the NHL level remains to be seen.
On forward Juho Piiper, McCrimmon said the team will evaluate him over the next week to 10 days to determine what is best for his development this season. He said Piiper will likely play in a preseason game.
McCrimmon also recognized former Golden Knight Ryan Reaves, who announced his retirement. McCrimmon said Reaves played four full seasons in the American Hockey League before reaching the NHL, spent seven years in St. Louis, and played four seasons with the Golden Knights. McCrimmon said Reaves makes Las Vegas his home.
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