Vegas Golden Knights center William Karlsson, left, celebrates with Vegas Golden Knights center Paul Cotter (43) after scoring against the Colorado Avalanche during the first period of an NHL preseason game at T-Mobile Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2022.
Published Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2022 | 9:33 p.m.
Updated Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2022 | 10:30 p.m.
Not that he’s starting to feel old, but reminding Paul Cotter that he’s entering his fifth year with the Golden Knights makes him feel some sort of way.
“Hearing that is a little scary,” said the 22-year-old forward.
The fifth year, though, might be the time Cotter breaks through. The fourth-round pick (No. 115) from the 2018 NHL Draft has been the most impressive player during Golden Knights training camp.
That effort was rewarded Wednesday in the Golden Knights’ 7-1 preseason win over the Colorado Avalanche at T-Mobile Arena. Cotter scored his second goal of the preseason while playing on the first line with Chandler Stephenson and Keegan Kolesar.
“Playing with Kolesar, a great guy in the corners, strong body,” Cotter said. “Obviously, playing with Stephenson he’s going Mach 10 all the time. It’s pretty easy to find a spot to get open. Playing with those guys was a treat tonight.”
From the moment Cotter arrived in Vegas, he’s been the “hustle play” guy: always the first to loose pucks during drills and scrimmages and capitalizing in the offensive zone.
It's taken some time, but it's coming together for Cotter.
Training camp started with the focus on top-end prospects Brendan Brisson and Kaedan Korczak fixed as the first rookie options to make the NHL roster. Both have had their moments, but neither has made the impact that Cotter has.
Because of that, there’s growing belief that the Canton, Mich. native will be in the opening night lineup come Oct. 11 against the Los Angeles Kings.
“This year’s a little different,” he said. “I can see myself making this team. It’s the first year that there’s a real opportunity for me.”
He got that first taste of NHL action last year playing seven games with Vegas. He scored his first NHL goal in his second game Nov. 11 against the Minnesota Wild. That goal was the early beginnings of Cotter showing what he was capable of with his size and speed.
Coach Bruce Cassidy rewarded his hustle with a start on the top line Wednesday.
“It means Bruce has confidence in me,” Cotter said after morning skate. “I think I’ve shown what I can do. I think the only point for me now is consistency. Hopefully, I can make an impact where it makes it a hard decision for those guys.”
The Golden Knights dominated once William Karlsson scored 53 seconds in Wednesday night against the Avalanche. Colorado played a lineup with mostly AHL players, so Vegas' performance should be taken with a grain of salt.
Cotter’s goal that put Vegas up 4-0 in the second period didn’t alter the game drastically, but it was a good show of how well Cotter can move without the puck. Cotter darted from the right half wall to the net, where he scored on a great pass from defenseman Brayden Pachal.
“I owe him one,” Cotter said of the pass from the Silver Knights’ captain. “He’s really good at that. I knew as soon as he had the puck to just find an opening and get it there.”
The one downside for Cotter and any other rookie from this camp is the lack of playing time next to veterans.
“If camp was a week long, we’d be able to do that much more; get all the young guys in practice with them,” Cassidy said. “You get three practices, you’re playing games, so now you want to get your own guys acclimated because we’re trying different things. It’s good for those young guys.”
If Cotter continues this level of play, it might be seamless for him to play with almost anyone in the lineup. His versatility makes him an intriguing bubble player.
Cotter showed last year he could play on the fourth line. With this touch of offense, he can adapt to higher up in the lineup. Instead of challenging veterans William Carrier or Kolesar for an unlikely fourth-line role, Cotter could challenge for a spot currently occupied by Michael Amadio, for example, on the third line.
Cassidy said he thought Cotter’s skill set would mesh well with Kolesar and Stephenson. That group combined for two goals, with Kolesar scoring late in the second to increase the lead against the Avalanche to 5-0. That was set up by Cotter forcing a turnover and finding Kolesar in front of the net.
“The physicality has been there for Paul, in terms of whether it’s finishing checks or using his body,” Cassidy said. “A lot of good things with different players every night. That’s a plus for a guy trying to push his way in.”
Cassidy said the next wave of cuts is likely coming Friday, either before or after the Golden Knights face the San Jose Sharks at home. It’s almost a lock that Cotter’s name won’t be on the list.
In his short time in the NHL, Cotter realized he could play at this level. Should he continue this for four more games, he’ll get to show it every day.
“You kind of realize what your strengths are, what your weaknesses are, and you can kind of form yourself as your player identity,” Cotter said. “For some guys, they get it right away. For guys like me, it kind of takes some time.
“Once you get what your identity is, what your role is, you can form the player you want to be. I think, right now, I know what kind of player I want to be, and I think I’ve got it figured out.”
Danny Webster can be reached at 702-259-8814 or [email protected]. Follow Danny on Twitter at twitter.com/DannyWebster21.
