As excitement builds for the 2020-21 NHL season, so does the amount of fantasy draft chatter. One name that has been consistently streaming across my radar is Vegas Golden Knights center, Cody Glass. Given his current situation in Vegas, it makes sense that fantasy experts are gravitating towards his name as a viable option.
For many players across every spectrum of the game, the on-going pandemic and resulting restrictions have been a huge source of frustration – to say the least. However, the extended lay off has been beneficial for players like Glass.
Shattered Glass
After a solid start to the 2019-20 season with Vegas, Glass was injured during a conditioning stint with Vegas’s AHL affiliate, the Chicago Wolves. As a result, he was required to undergo season ending knee surgery in March of this year. Despite missing the teams most recent bubble laden playoff run, he is now fully healthy for training camp later this week.
Having seen this young player since his bantam days in Winnipeg and throughout his time in Portland as a Winterhawk, it is not hard to root for Glass. He has had to overcome his fair share of adversity but has come out the other side stronger each time.
Despite a shortened season, Glass still managed five goals and seven assists over his first 39 NHL games. Entering his second season, the former sixth overall selection should be ready to bust out offensively. The young Manitoban is a great player, but in this case, he is also fortunate to have some great options off the wing.
Vegas Winger Depth
Glancing at the Golden Knights depth chart, one could assume that head coach Pete DeBoer would keep the top line in tact with William Karlsson up the middle, flanked by Jonathan Marchessault and Reilly Smith. That leaves Chandler Stephenson or Glass to play center between Max Paccioretty and Mark Stone.
Stephenson, another former WHL’er and prairie boy is a great option, but I am not quite convinced that the former Stanley Cup champion (Washington – 2018) is a true top six player at the national league level. Glass on the other hand is destined for big things and this might be his opportunity to prove what he is capable of between two world class wingers.
The beneficial part for Glass is that if he is not quite ready for that spot, then he likely drops down to the third line with William Carrier and Alex Tuch – also, two good options off the wing! As illustrated, and give the depth on the wings, Glass is in a premium position to bust out offensively for Vegas in 2020-21. Now that he is fully healthy, the ball is in the 21-year-old’s court to prove himself accordingly.
My guess is that Glass will meet that challenge with open arms.
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