(Photo Credit: SinBin.vegas Photographer Brandon Andreasen)

Going into this season, the Golden Knights are expected to be one of, if not the most, lethal offenses in the NHL. With the addition of Mitch Marner, an already explosive offense went from dangerous to nuclear in one transaction. However, Vegas is arguably a little softer in the backend of their lineup. Without workhorse defenseman Alex Pietrangelo, the Golden Knights’ blue line will need to step up and each elevate their play. This could put more pressure on VGK goaltender Adin Hill than in previous seasons.

Adin Hill’s Support Per Season

2024-25: 3.34 Goals Scored (5th), 2.61 Goals Allowed (3rd)
2023-24: 3.21 Goals Scored (14th), 2.96 Goals Allowed (12th)
2022-23: 3.26 Goals Scored (14th), 2.74 Goals Allowed (11th)

Last season, the Golden Knights allowed the third-fewest goals per game and finished with the best record in the Pacific Division. Unfortunately, Vegas coughed up 3.18 goals per playoff game and were eliminated five games into the second round. Now, the 31st franchise will look to maintain last regular season’s averages with a newer look defense. Vegas’ goalie will likely have to perform to his highest abilities to make up for the lack of defensive security without a player like Pietrangelo.

Can a Stanley Cup champion be underrated? In the case of Hill, sure. The goalie who helped lead the Golden Knights to the 2023 Stanley Cup seems to get lost in the shuffle when the talk is about how good Vegas is each season. Last season he was 32-13-5 with a 2.47 goals-against average and .906 save percentage in 50 games; the 32 wins was fifth best in the NHL. Some will say he’s a product of Vegas’ defensive scheme, but I say he doesn’t get enough credit for how cool and calm he is in goal. –Bill Price on NHL.com

Indeed, being cool and calm is one of Hill’s most notable attributes. Outside of slugging some Panthers in 2023, there’s not much that rattles the big fella in net. He has found success since relocating to Las Vegas. However, based on name recognition, projections, and rankings Hill finds himself outside of the Top 10, and in some places out of the Top 30.

Of course, video game ratings can be taken with a grain of salt, but regardless, EA left Hill off of their Top 30 goalie list. It’s better not to uncover if he landed 31st or 32nd. NHL.com released their Top 10 goaltender list on Thursday, and Hill was absent on that list as well. Altogether, Vegas was left off completely on the NHL’s list of best goalie tandems.

(Courtesy: EA Sports)

Is goaltending a major concern for Vegas heading into training camp? It shouldn’t be, but with the revamped defense, Hill might need to have his best season yet. He’s a veteran presence and has played with most of the defensive unit for three seasons and 30 postseason games. Hill should receive plenty of scoring support from his offensive teammates, but will need to reciprocate by stopping the puck at the rate he did last season. I mean, last regular season.