2023-08-04 17:46:13
LAKE ELMO, Minn. — All NHL leaders want a short offseason, and George McPhee is no different.
The president of hockey operations for the Vegas Golden Knights says since the team lifted the Stanley Cup on July 13, the celebrations have been ramped up. He added that he believes the Golden Knights have what it takes to defend their championship this season.
READ ALSO: Golden Knights target another Cup with nearly identical core | Stone can’t wait to help Vegas defend their title
“Everyone is in the race and trying to improve,” McPhee said at a golf tournament in Minnesota on Thursday. “We think we have a good team, and our players have proven it. They have overcome challenges and they can do it again.
“A short off-season keeps everyone busy. We think we are in good shape. We have lost [l’attaquant] Reilly Smith, whom we loved and respected very much. We will miss him. We have young players to whom we must open the door. But otherwise, we come back with the same team. »
Vegas traded Smith to the Pittsburgh Penguins on June 28 and signed forward Ivan Barbashev to five years the same day.
McPhee believes the Golden Knights were flying under the radar last season. Their ability to stay healthy had a huge impact on their journey to winning the Stanley Cup for the first time.
He added that Jack Eichel played a role that even took him by surprise.
Eichel, acquired from the Buffalo Sabers on November 4, 2021, led Vegas in scoring in the regular season (66 points; 27 goals, 39 assists in 67 games) and in the playoffs (26 points; six goals, 20 assists in 22 games). ).
“It’s great to get 60, 70 or 80 points from him, but what’s even more impressive are his defensive skills,” McPhee said. It is difficult to face. You have few chances to score when you play against him, and that’s what you need to win. You need several players who are good at both sides of the ice.
“We didn’t know he had this string to his bow, that he could be so good defensively. But he and [l’entraîneur] Bruce Cassidy worked together, and he’s really good. »
Video: VGK@FLA, #3: Marchessault complète Eichel en AN
McPhee said the Golden Knights will rely on the leadership of Eichel and his linemate Jonathan Marchessault to guide the younger players on the team.
While other Western Conference teams want to improve as well, McPhee remains confident that the Golden Knights will be able to repeat their exploits.
“We’re not an old team, but we’re not a young team either, so we’re in the perfect situation,” he said. We all have our draft picks next year. I like to think that we are in a very good situation. »
1691191478
#Vegas #takes #champions #McPhee