Can Paul Cotter Replace Reilly Smith?

Can Paul Cotter Replace Reilly Smith?

The Vegas Golden Knights are reigning Stanley Cup champions and will return 99% of their team. The lone exception is Reilly Smith who was dumped to Pittsburgh in a salary cap casualty. The VGK have a number of young players that will get a shot to replace Smith. However, it seems like the franchise is most optimistic about Paul Cotter. Can Cotter actually adequately replace Smith in the lineup?

Cotter, 23, was drafted by Vegas 115th overall in 2018. He played alright in limited action last year posting 18 points in 55 games during limited ice time. Cotter wasn’t quite ready to be a real contributor last year. This year is his shot to prove he really belongs.

Cotter has an interesting skill set that fans should be optimistic about. This play right here during the preseason game epitomizes exactly what Vegas hopes they’re getting this year. Cotter is a big body (6-foot-2, 212) that can forecheck and make plays up against the wall. Get the puck back and get to the front of the net. That’s exactly what Cotter can provide this team.

Paul Cotter provides the late-game heroics to help the @GoldenKnights to a 4-3 win over the Avalanche. pic.twitter.com/O0VQ4F7NA0

— Golden Knights Radio (@VGKRadioNetwork) October 6, 2023

Vegas is losing Smith’s ability to be a steady hand. Especially on the penalty kill. However, Smith can’t make plays like that. The hope is that Cotter can be the lower line version of Ivan Barbashev bringing toughness while cashing in at the front of the net.

Trade Grades: Vegas Sends Reilly Smith To Pittsburgh

Pavel Dorofeyev is another young player that will get looks this year. Dorofeyev has more skill with a better shot. He also posted nine points in 18 games a season ago.

If Vegas wants to repeat as champs, replacing Smith needs to be taken care of first. All eyes will be on Paul Cotter to see if he can fill those shoes.

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