Andersen put a rough October behind him last year and ended up finishing the season with 38 wins in 66 starts while posting a 2.81 GAA, .918 SV% and five shutouts. Andersen draws a fantastic opening night matchup vs. a torn down Montreal team that he was 3-0 with a 1.66 GAA, .950 SV% and one shutout against last season.
Smith is a two-way defensemen with amazing skating ability. Smith was a beast on the power-play this season, posting 27 points (3PPG / 24 PPA) on the man-advantage. Overall, he was second among WHL defensemen in points with 73 (14G / 59A).
Kotkaniemi climbed up draft boards throughout the season, racking up 10 goals and 19 assists (29 points) in 57 games as a 17-year-old in Finland’s top league. Kotkaniemi is the top centre in the draft and has drawn comparisons to Aleksander Barkov.
Svechnikov started his season with a hand injury that cost him 17 games, but he still went on to finish second in Barrie Colts’ scoring with 40 goals and 32 assists (72 points) in 44 games. Svechnikov could step into the NHL next season and plays a powerful offensive game.
Golden Knights’ head coach Gerard Gallant would not confirm any lineup changes, but based on the morning skate it looks like Carrier will replace Ryan Reaves. Carrier has yet to record a point in nine playoff games but brings a physical edge to the fourth line.
