Kaedan Korczak, D (6) participates in the Vegas Golden Knights’ 2022 development camp at City National Arena Monday July, 11 2022.
Friday, Sept. 16, 2022 | 2 a.m.
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The Golden Knights opened rookie camp this week, and for some of their top prospects, this is the first step to impress the big club. Vegas is taking part in the Rookie Faceoff Tournament in San Jose, Calif., this weekend, playing three games starting today against the Arizona Coyotes (4:30 p.m.).
With recent developments on the blue line, it might be the opportunity Kaedan Korczak is looking for.
Vegas' top prospect defenseman is likely at the front of the line to be called up from Henderson this year. The 21-year-old Korczak was solid in his first pro season with the Golden Knights' AHL affiliate and was one of, if not, the best participant during development camp this summer. Health pending, he will participate in training camp and get a few preseason games under his belt.
"I did two, two and a half months of training in between (development camp)," Korczak said Thursday. "I just feel a lot stronger and a lot more powerful, and overall, feeling very confident about myself."
The uncertainty around restricted free agent defenseman Nic Hague are set to make the immediate future interesting for Vegas. National and local reports indicate Hague and the Golden Knights are still far apart on terms for a new contract.
The 23-year-old Hague, a former second-round pick much like Korczak, could threaten to hold out with training camp set to open on Sept. 21. Vegas traded Max Pacioretty to clear $7 million in cap space and will surely clear more once Robin Lehner is placed on long-term injured reserve due to double hip surgery.
But since those developments, the Golden Knights signed veteran forward Phil Kessel to a one-year, $1.5 million contract, then acquired goalie Adin Hill and his $2.175 million cap hit in a trade with the Sharks. Between 13 forwards, six defensemen and three goalies, that leaves the Golden Knights with approximately $2.62 million in available space.
Hague is likely to hold out if unsigned, which could lead to missing preseason games. Defenseman Shea Theodore held out during the 2018 offseason. Also 23 at the time, Theodore signed a seven-year extension during the preseason.
If Hague sits out, that opens the door for a seventh spot on the blue line. Ben Hutton would fill that spot if everyone were accounted for.
But if it got to the point where Hague missed regular season games, it would open the door for Korczak to make the roster. He's not thinking that far ahead, though.
"I'm just going to play my game and let the chips fall where they may," Korczak said.
Korczak got a small taste of what it's like to skate with the veterans. He took part in the captain's skate, where the players will usually hold practice on their own. He said he felt comfortable with the elder members of the group.
"I felt good," he said. "I felt like I kind of fit in and where I want to be. Hopefully everything sorts itself out."
The rookies will get a first-hand feel of Bruce Cassidy's coaching style this weekend. Henderson assistant coaches Joel Ward and Jamie Heward will coach the team with head coach Manny Vivieros continuing cancer treatment.
It won't look perfect, director of player personnel Wil Nichol said, but the reps will be important for those invited to training camp.
"For those that were [in the rookie tournament] last year, we want to see how they are from last year to this year," Nichol said. "It's a different feel. We've got games. We're going against other teams. I think we're going to learn a lot in a short period of time."
At 6-3 and about 210 pounds, Korczak has the frame to be a shutdown defenseman. He's shown flashes of an offensive game and can display that this weekend. After making his NHL debut last season, a strong showing could mean a more consistent role.
"I'm super excited," Korczak said. "This little week, it's kind of getting your feet wet and getting ready for camp next week."
Danny Webster can be reached at 702-259-8814 or [email protected]. Follow Danny on Twitter at twitter.com/DannyWebster21.
