The Las Vegas Golden Knights are in the market for a goalie. With the expansion draft set to take place, one name they may wish to take a look at is Malcom Subban of the Boston Bruins, a young goalie that’s looking to get his career back on track.
Subban hasn’t gotten the chances at the NHL level that he should. This is in large part to Tukka Rask, the Bruins All-Star goalie. Most of Subban’s time as a Bruin has been spent at the junior and AHL levels, and we’ve seen some positive and negative results.
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During the 2014-15 season with the Providence Bruins, Subban was sensational with a 2.44 GAA and .921 save percentage. Subban got his first NHL cup of coffee that season but failed to make an impact, losing his first game. He followed up with an average 2015-16 season in the AHL, that included an 8-week stint on the injured list.
The 2016-17 season has been a rollercoaster ride for Subban. He started the year in Providence but failed to produce. His first three starts saw him go 0-3-1 with a .450 GAA and .846 save percentage. Despite putrid numbers, he still managed his way to a backup role with Boston, but again failed to make an impact.
Subban’s play has steadied after his awful start. He’s managed to produce a 2.44 GAA and .912 save percentage for the season at Providence. However, his inability to play at a consistent level at the NHL is concerning. He’s had two call-ups to Boston and has failed to impress anyone on the Bruins staff. There is really only one way to get him to that elite level, and that’s a stint with the Golden Knights to revive his promising career.
It’s highly unlikely the Bruins decide to protect Subban for the expansion draft. The Golden Knights should definitely consider adding him to their roster. Subban is young and extremely talented, and for an expansion team, that’s exactly what you need to find for future success. Given a chance at a full-time role, Subban might be able to steady the ship and go back to his pre-injury numbers.
The Las Vegas Golden Knights offer Subban something the Bruins can’t, playing time. Regardless if Vegas selects another goalie in the expansion draft, Subban is going to be a bigger factor in the net. He will have the opportunity to fight for a roster spot, and earn his way to the starting job. At the very least he’s a serviceable NHL backup, but someone with his pedigree should be able to start with any NHL team.
The chance to play with Las Vegas allows Subban the chance to develop at his own pace. Nobody expects the Golden Knights to compete, giving Subban a little more time to perfect his craft, thus taking a lot more weight off his shoulders.
Malcom Subban was taken in the first round of the 2012 NHL Entry Draft for a reason. He’s young, skilled, and ready to take on the challenge of being an everyday NHL goaltender. Las Vegas can’t get wrong with Subban.
Follow Daniel James Gentile on twitter @dgentleman9288