Knights excited to see how new additions fit in during training camp

Summary

The Vegas Golden Knights open training camp at City National Arena with eyes on how recent roster moves, most notably the acquisition of Mitch Marner, will translate on the ice. Head coach Bruce Cassidy has sketched possible line-ups in his head and will use camp and the preseason to test combinations, particularly how Marner and Jack Eichel mesh on a top line.

Marner arrives on an eight-year, $96m deal and is expected to be a major offensive and two-way addition. Meanwhile the team must address the void left by veteran Alex Pietrangelo, who is on long-term injured reserve with a hip issue; several defence options — Zach Whitecloud, Kaedan Korczak, Ben Hutton and Jeremy Lauzon — figure to battle for larger roles.

Key Points

Training camp opens Thursday at City National Arena; coaching staff will evaluate new combinations and chemistry.
Mitch Marner is the headline newcomer after signing an eight-year, $96 million contract; expectation is he will see time with Jack Eichel.
Coach Bruce Cassidy plans to experiment — Marner may play with Eichel, but long-term pairings will depend on on-ice chemistry.
Alex Pietrangelo is on LTIR with a hip injury, creating a leadership and minutes gap on the defence.
Defencemen who could step up include Zach Whitecloud and Kaedan Korczak; Ben Hutton and Jeremy Lauzon will vie for a third-pairing role.
Veterans and younger players alike will be tested; camp and preseason are crucial for final roster pecking order.

Why should I read this?

If you follow the Knights (or fancy knowing where your season-ticket money might be best spent), this is the early drama: Marner arriving, Eichel’s top-line partner possibilities, and who fills the huge Pietrangelo-shaped hole on defence. Camp tells us if the big moves actually click — and it’s a lot more fun to watch with the context already sorted out. We did the legwork so you don’t have to.