Injuries create opportunity for young Knights against Sharks

Training camp for the Vegas Golden Knights has been about opportunity.

Tuesday’s preseason game against the San Jose Sharks at SAP Center isn’t going to determine any battles for NHL roster spots, but it will be a chance for players to stand out.

The Knights will be down two of their top players from the Henderson Silver Knights on Tuesday. Center Kai Uchacz is week to week, and Raphael Lavoie is day to day with undisclosed injuries, coach Ryan Craig said Monday.

It’s a tough blow for Uchacz, who had an outside chance to make the NHL roster as a fourth-line forward. Lavoie led the Silver Knights with 30 goals in 45 games last season.

Lavoie scored Saturday in the Knights’ 4-2 win over the Los Angeles Kings.

The Knights will likely ice their AHL squad Tuesday. That will open the opportunity for two players to play further up in the lineup.

Prospect forward Jackson Hallum could be one of those following his two goals in the third period against the Kings.

“I can’t look at the future,” Hallum said. “I’ve just got to make the most of whatever I get.”

Right wing Jonas Røndbjerg is another bubble player that could challenge for a roster spot.

The last original entry draft selection, Røndbjerg didn’t play Saturday. The 27-year-old has been knocking on the door for an NHL opportunity but has long fallen victim to the numbers game.

Røndbjerg played four games with the Knights last season as an injury call-up, but suffered a lower-body injury that prevented him from representing Denmark in the Winter Olympics in Milan.

“I feel like I’ve been close for a bit now. It’s up to me to prove I’m ready,” Røndbjerg said. “That’s all I can do, and the coaches make the decision.”

The Knights made their first round of cuts Monday. Twelve players were assigned to Henderson, and three more were sent back to their respective junior teams.

There is expected to be another round of cuts prior to Thursday’s preseason game against the Utah Mammoth. That’s when the closest thing to the NHL lineup will make its preseason debut.

Another AHL-heavy lineup is expected to face the Sharks. The biggest difference is goaltender Carter Hart is expected to make his first preseason start.

Adin Hill made 17 saves in the win Saturday.

Up next

Who: Golden Knights at Sharks

When: 7 p.m. Tuesday

Where: SAP Center, San Jose

TV: KMCC-TV (Channel 34)

Streaming: KnightTime+

Radio: KVGS-FM (107.9)