Imagine your favorite hockey team’s star goaltender sidelined for months, only to return just in time to face one of the league’s toughest opponents. That’s exactly what’s happening with the Vegas Golden Knights as they activate Adin Hill from long-term injured reserve (LTIR), setting the stage for his first game in nearly three months—tonight against the Toronto Maple Leafs. But here’s where it gets controversial: Is Hill’s return a game-changer, or is it too little, too late for a team that’s struggled with inconsistent goaltending this season? Let’s dive in.
On Thursday, the Golden Knights made a series of roster moves, as reported by Jason R. Pothier and Ken Boehlke of Sin Bin Vegas. Goaltender Carter Hart and winger Brandon Saad were placed on injured reserve (IR), freeing up a roster spot that was promptly filled by recalling forward Tanner Laczynski from the AHL’s Henderson Silver Knights. With William Karlsson still on LTIR and Alex Pietrangelo on season-ending LTIR, Vegas remains cap-compliant—a critical detail for a team navigating injury challenges.
Hill’s return is significant, but his season so far has been anything but smooth. After signing a six-year, $37.5 million extension last March, the 29-year-old has made just five starts, none since October 20, when a lower-body injury sidelined him. His early-season stats were underwhelming: a 1-0-2 record, an .888 save percentage (SV%), and a 2.73 goals-against average (GAA). According to MoneyPuck, he allowed one goal above expected in 220 minutes of play—not the start anyone expected from a newly extended starter.
And this is the part most people miss: Carter Hart, signed partly to cover for Hill’s absence, has struggled immensely. His .871 SV% in 12 starts is the worst among Vegas’s four goaltenders this season. Among goalies with at least 10 appearances, only Leevi Merilainen and Petr Mrazek have allowed more goals above expected per 60 minutes than Hart’s 0.837. Is Hart’s performance a temporary slump, or is he simply not the solution Vegas hoped for?
Meanwhile, Akira Schmid has been a bright spot, stepping in as the de facto starter with 24 appearances and delivering solid value for his $875K cap hit. His .896 SV%, 2.47 GAA, two shutouts, and 14-4-5 record are impressive, and his 2.0 GSAx (goals saved above expected) ranks 34th league-wide. Yet, despite Schmid’s strong play, Hill remains the long-term answer—assuming he can return to form. Hill has never finished a season below a .900 SV%, except for a brief four-game stint with the Coyotes in 2017-18. For a Vegas team eyeing a Pacific Division lead, his return could be the X-factor they desperately need.
Hart and Saad’s injuries add another layer of complexity. Hart, who sustained a lower-body injury against the Blue Jackets a week ago, is eligible to return from IR but remains week-to-week. Saad, also injured in the Columbus game, is day-to-day and could return sooner. However, Saad’s season has been a struggle, with just 7 points in 39 games and a 3.1% shooting percentage. Is Saad’s decline a result of age, injury, or something else entirely?
Tanner Laczynski’s recall provides much-needed forward depth, especially with Brett Howden also out with a lower-body injury. If Laczynski suits up against the Maple Leafs, it would mark his season debut. The 28-year-old has been a consistent producer in the minors, tallying 35 points in 32 games for Henderson this season and leading the team with a +22 rating. His two-year, league-minimum deal in 2024 has proven to be a smart investment, as he’s a key reason the Silver Knights are on track for their first above-.500 season since 2021-22.
As Hill prepares to face the Maple Leafs, the question lingers: Can he regain his form and solidify Vegas’s goaltending? Or will the team’s reliance on him prove to be a risky gamble? What’s your take? Let us know in the comments—this is one discussion you won’t want to miss!
