Michael Traikos

Michael_Traikos@THN

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Michael is the Managing Editor, Digital, for The Hockey News. He has more than 20 years of experience covering hockey, having previously been the national hockey columnist for Postmedia, where he covered multiple Stanley Cups and the Olympics.

Joined at Sep 21, 2023

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W.G. Ramirez·4d·Partner

Former Golden Knight Jonathan Marchessault: "It's Definitely Been A Hard Season For Me ... Mental Health (Has Been) Challenging"

NASHVILLE -- It was during training camp when Predators veteran forward Jonathan Marchessault was getting ready to board a flight to Quebec for a jersey retirement ceremony and his brother called with news nobody ever wants to receive. Their mother, Leslie, had suffered a heart attack and died at the age of 70. A celebration to commemorate a career with 98 goals and 239 points in 254 games during his time with the Quebec Ramparts was suddenly dampened. "It was just a tough situation; it's super sad how it happened, but you just learn to keep going," Marchessault said during a conversation with The Hockey News, one day before the Vegas Golden Knights, his former team, would visit. "It was the first time I would see all the family without my mom there. So that was a mix of emotions, which was kind of weird, a little bit. We managed to have a good time still and tried to enjoy the recognition that the Ramparts were giving me, because ... it was a super great honor." As the lovable 33-year-old spark plug watched his No. 18 jersey rise to honor him, one had to wonder if he was glancing beyond the rafters, knowing his mother was smiling from above. It's how the toughest campaign the 12-year veteran has ever endured began. "It's definitely been a hard season for me, personally," said Marchessault, who still holds Vegas' franchise record with 192 goals, and also 42 power-play goals. "I didn't expect the move to be that big, in terms of (draining my) energy. ... I think it was just a really tough summer, to be honest. Not a lot of time for me and my wife to just relax and enjoy life a little bit. So it's been definitely overwhelming. "Mental health (has been) challenging this year. But if you look at my past, and the way I'm built and all that, I will bounce back." That, is unquestionable. HIS ROCK If not for his wife, Alexandra, there's no telling how Marchessault would have handled things. After spending Vegas' first seven seasons in the NHL as a member of the Golden Knights, the "original misfit" who hoisted the Conn Smythe trophy after leading the team to a Stanley Cup in 2023 was moving on. Marchessault signed with the Predators, inking a five-year, $27.5 million contract that gave him the stability he was looking for as he reaches the backside of his career. Though he'd hoped to retire a Golden Knight, the veteran winger whose heart and spirit outweigh his (listed) 5-foot-9 frame has been around long enough to know how the business works. "And that's something that I really loved about Vegas - they're a hard team, a hard organization - they do everything what's best for their success," he said. "And despite anything, they always think of their success. And if one day I'm going to be a GM, I'm going to run things like that, too. I'm going to make the things that I need to do to become the best team on the ice. And I think that's one of their best qualities that they have." He also knew - and has known for 10 years now - that when he leaves the rink after a game or practice, first and foremost he's a family man. A doting father, Marchessault and his wife had one son when they arrived in Vegas in 2017. They now have four children: 10-year-old James, Victoria (9), William (6) and Henry (5). And when he lost his mother just before his first season with the Predators, it was his family that provided a perfect diversion he needed. Going to the rink and focusing on a new coaching staff and new teammates was one thing, but having his family was what mattered. Seeing his boys play hockey brought back fond memories of his time in youth hockey, leading up to those junior days in Quebec. Having his wife by his side proved invaluable. "I have a pretty busy household already, and that kept me going," Marchessault said. "My wife is the best ... we have so much stuff to do every day. We are a growing family. We've got kids that move a lot. I mean, the way that my wife does things, like she's hard on herself, and she makes my life so much easier on everything. And I think that's what saved me this year, I would say, is how she stepped up. She's always stepping up, but she stepped up and made it easier for me to adapt and get into my groove here. "(And) something that I love is just being a dad. My mom was super family-oriented, and that's something that I probably got from her. Me and my wife are really into (parenting) and all that kind of stuff and definitely enjoy following the passion of our kids." THE BOUNCE With perceived clarity for the upcoming offseason, Marchessault's bounce-back will begin in roughly two weeks. He arrived in Nashville after seven winning seasons in Vegas, six of them reaching the playoffs, and knew the Predators had expectations with him being a major acquisition last summer and a key part to a new-look offense that also included incoming Steven Stamkos, who won a Stanley Cup in Tampa. "And we didn't reach that this year, so obviously, that's disappointing," said Marchessault, the only player in Golden Knights history with more than 400 points, sitting No. 1 with 417. "And I've never had necessarily a season like that, the bottom of the league, it's been tough." Nashville was officially eliminated from the playoffs this past week, and with 10 games left, coach Andrew Brunette has come to appreciate Marchessault for all he's been through while still maintaining poise and dignity as one of the most competitive personalities in the NHL. From leaving Vegas, to the jersey retirement, to losing his mother, to getting accustomed to new line combinations while trying to find his cadence and rhythm with a new group, Brunette said he understood why it was disjointed from the start. "And he's mentally been strong where he's still going to do what Marchy is going to do, and I think he's hung in there," Brunette said. "He's come to work every day. He hasn't really taken some time off. He went right at it. And I think right now he's probably looking forward to getting through the end here and regrouping. I think it's been a real tough year on him, both personally and the (team) change ... and those are hard times to adjust to, so he's hung in there. "I'm hoping these next 10 games he gets a good feeling going into the off-season." Marchessault said having a veteran group of players in the locker room eased the transition, while helping him fall in love with Nashville. "That was the easy part," he said. "In the world of hockey, I've yet to meet a lot of guys that weren't great guys to be around, so that was the easy part. I think the guys are so inviting. And it starts with the leadership group ... it's just like the older guys are good people. So I think it just goes down the lineup to make it easier for everybody. And we do team bonding stuff, like we do with other teams, so that was definitely the easy part." Nashville star Filip Forsberg has enjoyed Marchessault's presence, and has also been impressed by what he overcame while making the transition from Vegas to Nashville. "Just the personality that he's got, he's a great guy who comes in every day and puts a smile on his face; he's up to some mischief and things like that," Forsberg said with a chuckle. "I think he's been a great teammate. It certainly cannot have been easy for him ... I think just being able to get to know him, it's been real good so far." Though the offseason can't come soon enough, so he can prepare for the 2025-26 season and help the Predators get back to playoff-caliber hockey, Marchessault said he's looking forward to seeing Vegas' fans for the first time since signing in Nashville. Nashville will play its final road game in Vegas, which happens to be the Golden Knights' home finale, and Marchessault has seen plenty of emotional video tributes to former players to understand what's coming. "I was just with (former Knight) Will Carrier this week in Carolina, and he told me it just builds you up inside," he said. "And I'm definitely really excited to go back to just to see the Fortress, the arena, the roads that you take to go to the rink and all that kind of stuff. It was home for me. It's still a part of me, is part of home a little bit. It'll be definitely weird, but I'm definitely excited to just go back and see the fans, the arena, the city, the lights. "Just a great atmosphere and the great juju that's over there, definitely just super excited to go back."

Julian Gaudio·1d·Partner

Tomas Hertl Unavailable For The Golden Knights This Week

Vegas Golden Knights forward Tomas Hertl will be unavailable this week as he deals with an injury. The 31-year-old suffered a shoulder injury against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Mar. 23 after he was pushed from behind and crashed into the boards. The initial reaction was an unpleasant one, and the Golden Knights are yet to release any positive news about the injury. Following the Golden Knights' practice, HC Bruce Cassidy confirmed that Hertl would remain out, forcing him to miss games against the Edmonton Oilers, Winnipeg Jets, Vancouver Canucks and the Calgary Flames. In 70 games, the skilled Czech forward has scored 31 goals and 59 points, tying him for the team lead in goals with linemate Pavel Dorofeyev. The Golden Knights are on the cusp of clinching a playoff spot and are inching closer to locking up first place in the Pacific Division, which is allowing them to be patient with Hertl's recovery, but nerves are beginning to settle in about his chances of being ready for the start of the playoffs. Alex Pietrangelo was a participant in practice today, taking line rushes alongside healthy scratch Ben Hutton, indicating that he isn't quite ready to hop back into the lineup. While things can change, and he hasn't been officially ruled out of tomorrow's fixture, all signs lead to Kaedan Korczak remaining in the lineup for Pietrangelo. Ilya Samsonov has also sustained an injury and has been announced day-to-day with an upper-body injury. Akira Schmid has been called up to replace him as the back-up goaltender. Stay updated with the most interesting Golden Knights stories, analysis, breaking news and more! Tap the star to add us to your favourites on Google News to never miss a story.

Julian Gaudio·1d·Partner

Golden Knights Looking To Clinch A Playoff Spot With Win Against The Oiler

The Vegas Golden Knights could clinch a playoff spot tonight if they can beat the Edmonton Oilers tonight. Despite not playing on Monday, the Golden Knights could have clinched their seventh playoff berth in eight years. If the Calgary Flames lost in regulation to the Colorado Avalanche the Golden Knights would have earned a spot in the postseason, but a two-goal comeback in the third and a shootout win put a halt on those celebrations. The Golden Knights now have the opportunity to control their fate and with a win over the Oilers, they'll bring themselves a step closer to locking up their desired regular season achievements. If the Golden Knights lose in regulation and the Flames also lose in regulation to Utah HC, the Golden Knights will clinch a playoff spot. The Oilers are attempting to hunt down the Golden Knights for the Pacific Division lead, but a six-game win streak by the Golden Knights has created some much-needed separation. The Oilers remain without Connor McDavid but recently reinstated Leon Draisaitl back into their lineup. In his return on Saturday, Drasaitl recorded two goals and three points, picking up points on all three goals and scoring the overtime winner. Slowing him down will be a difficult task but it's a matchup that Jack Eichel seems to relish in. His game elevates whenever he's matched up against another superstar and his history against the Oilers is quite good. In 19 games against the Oilers, the 28-year-old has scored eight goals and 21 points. The Oilers are ravaged by injuries at the moment, currently without McDavid, Mattias Ekholm, Stuart Skinner, Trent Frederic and Evander Kane, but the Golden Knights too are dealing with several injuries. They'll be without Tomas Hertl, Ilya Samsonov and likely Alex Pietrangelo. It's a vital game for the Golden Knights as they continue to gear up for the playoffs. Stay updated with the most interesting Golden Knights stories, analysis, breaking news and more! Tap the star to add us to your favourites on Google News to never miss a story.

W.G. Ramirez·3d·Partner

3 Takeaways: Golden Knights Complete Road Trip Sweep, Win Sixth Straight With 3-1 Win In Nashville

NASHVILLE -- The Golden Knights extended their win streak to six games by closing out their three-game road trip with a 3-1 win over the Nashville Predators. Reilly Smith scored his 11th goal of the season, and first since returning to the Golden Knights just before the trade deadline, to break a 1-1 tie 6:25 into the third period. "It's definitely nice to be able to help the team win, and a little bit of relief just to see it go in," Smith said. "I feel like I've gotten a lot of opportunities over the last few games and just hitting something and not going in. Sometimes your worst opportunities are the ones that go in and just find it fortunate it bounces in the crease. At the end of the day that it's a big win for us and a really good road trip." Smith's goal was the team's 52nd power-play goal of the season, tying a franchise record. Jack Eichel scored his 27th goal while Brett Howden celebrated his 27th birthday with his 22nd goal of the campaign. Adin Hill made a spot start and made 23 saves for the Knights, one night after making 18 saves in a 5-3 win at Chicago. Vegas now has 98 points with nine games left on the schedule, nine points ahead of the second-place Los Angeles Kings in the Pacific Division. Ryan O'Reilly scored Nashville's lone goal while Justus Annunen made 27 stops for the Predators, who were eliminated from the playoffs last week. Here are three takeaways from the game: ON THE SPOT: Hill wasn't scheduled to start in Nashville, after playing the night before, but after taking warm-ups, coach Bruce Cassidy said Ilya Samsonov wasn't able to go. "Sammy just wasn't able to go," he said. "Something tightened up. So that was that. It was not going to be Hilly. We tend not to play a guy back to back, especially this time of year. But that was the choice we were left with, and good on him. Cassidy added he had "no idea ... because it's something we expected to play right up until 5:10, or something. So hopefully not. Once we get back, it'll be re-evaluated." COMING TOGETHER: Vegas' third line of Smith, William Karlsson and Victor Olofsson continues to build chemistry. Smith's goal came on the heels of Olofsson's two he scored in Chicago on Friday. With Smith and Karlsson's built-in chemistry after playing together in Vegas from 2017-2023, and now Olofsson a part of the line, the trio becomes an integral combination in the bottom six. "I think the last two games is a testament of us trying to work with each other more and trying to create more on the rush and in zone," Smith said. "I think our reads have been better over the last two games. We're playing a little bit quicker, a little bit more in sync, and we're getting more opportunities because of it." PLAYOFF READY: With just nine games remaining and the Golden Knights playing well, Cassidy wasn't ready to concede that his team is in playoff form... yet. "You never want to get ahead of yourself, but I said last week, I thought we're trending really well, so we're certainly closer to the top of the scale than the bottom, especially our overall game," Cassidy said. "We're not only winning because we're scoring. It's not one thing, it's not one line, it's not one special team. It's, I think, a little bit of everything."

Julian Gaudio·22h·Partner

Golden Knights' Jack Eichel Named First Star Of The Month

Vegas Golden Knights center Jack Eichel has been named the NHL's first star of the month. The 28-year-old recorded eight goals and 23 points in 14 games in the month of March, propelling the Golden Knights to a 10-2-2 record. During the month, Eichel set the new Golden Knights record for points in a season and set a new career-high in points. This season, Eichel's scored 27 goals and 93 points, on pace to eclipse the 100-point mark for the first time in his career. Here's what the NHL's press release had to say about his month: "Eichel paced the League with 8-15—23 in 14 contests to propel the Pacific Division-leading Golden Knights (45-20-8, 98 points) to a 10-2-2 month as they seek their seventh playoff berth in eight NHL seasons. Eichel, who additionally finished among the March leaders in power-play assists (t-1st; 8), power-play points (2nd; 10), assists (t-4th; 15), even-strength points (t-9th; 13) and goals (t-12th; 8), found the score sheet in 13 of his 14 appearances – capped by a six-game run to close the month that featured four multi-point performances (March 20-29: 6-7—13). The No. 2 overall pick from the 2015 NHL Draft also collected his 600th career point in his 607th game, part of a four-point effort March 22 vs. DET (1-3—4); scored his fifth career hat trick and third with Vegas March 25 at MIN (3-0—3); and notched a pair of game-winning goals: March 5 vs. TOR (1-1—2) and March 23 vs. TBL (1-0—1). The 28-year-old Eichel ranks fourth in the NHL with 27-66—93 through 72 total appearances this season, already career highs for assists and points in a single campaign (ahead of 2018-19: 28-54—82 in 77 GP w/ BUF). He also sits among the 2024-25 leaders in power-play assists (3rd; 29), assists (t-4th; 66), plus/minus (5th; +35) and power-play points (t-5th; 34)." Following Eichel as stars of the month were the Toronto Maple Leafs' John Tavares, who recorded 13 goals and 20 points in 15 games, and St. Louis Blues goaltender Jordan Binnington, who posted eight wins, a .910 SV% and a 2.21 GAA. Eichel is having a stellar season and has kept his name in the Hart Trophy race all season long. He likely won't win the award but could find himself in the top five, which would be the highest he's placed in his career. Stay updated with the most interesting Golden Knights stories, analysis, breaking news and more! Tap the star to add us to your favourites on Google News to never miss a story.

Julian Gaudio·23h·Partner

Golden Knights Sign Trevor Connelly To Entry-Level Contract

The Vegas Golden Knights have signed top prospect Trevor Connelly to a three-year, entry-level contract. The 19-year-old completed his first and only season in the NCAA with the Providence Friars, scoring four goals and 13 points in 22 games. He dealt with injury issues throughout the season, forcing him to miss a significant amount of games. Connelly and Providence earned a spot in the college playoffs but were eliminated in the first round by the University of Denver. The 19th pick in the 2024 NHL Draft did not take home any hardware during his college career but earned a gold medal with Team USA's world junior team, scoring a goal and four points in seven games. Connelly is listed at 6'1, but just 161 lbs, which means he still has a lot of muscle and weight to add to his frame. His goal heading into his freshman season was to do so, but the injury he sustained hampered that. The Golden Knights have a bit of a log jam with NHL forwards and according to PuckPedia, Connelly is signing an Amateur Tryout (ATO) to play in the AHL with the Henderson Silver Knights. The Silver Knights have eight games remaining on their schedule which should provide Connelly the opportunity to gain his first bit of professional hockey experience. Stay updated with the most interesting Golden Knights stories, analysis, breaking news and more! Tap the star to add us to your favourites on Google News to never miss a story.

Julian Gaudio·5d·Partner

Golden Knights Sign Goaltender To Entry-Level Contract

The Vegas Golden Knights have signed goaltender Cameron Whitehead to a two-year, entry-level contract. The 2022 fourth-round pick (128th overall) completed two years at Northeastern University, posting a 13-17-3 record in 35 games to go along with a .911SV% and a 2.74 GAA. Northeastern beat Boston University in the 2025 Hockey East Semifinal but lost to the University of Maine in the finals. Prior to joining Northeastern, the 6'3 netminder played two seasons in the USHL, posting a .899SV% in 74 games. Following his NCAA career, Whitehead will work his way through the Golden Knights' ranks. Carl Lindbom and Akira Schmid have played in 58 of the Henderson Silver Knights' 62 games, although Schmid has struggled. It's undetermined at the moment whether Whitehead will start in the AHL with the Silver Knights or Tahoe Knight Monsters in the ECHL. Stay updated with the most interesting Golden Knights stories, analysis, breaking news and more! Tap the star to add us to your favourites on Google News to never miss a story.

Julian Gaudio·1d·Partner

Golden Knights Recall Akira Schmid Amid Injury Concern For Ilya Samsonov

The Vegas Golden Knights have recalled goaltender Akira Schmid from the Henderson Silver Knights as they deal with a possible injury concern with Ilya Samsonov. Samsonov was scheduled to start on Saturday against the Nashville Predators but was replaced by Adin Hill due to something "tightening up." "Sammy just wasn't able to go," he said. "Something tightened up. So that was that. It was not going to be Hilly. We tend not to play a guy back-to-back, especially this time of year. But that was the choice we were left with, and good on him." HC Bruce Cassidy added he had "no idea ... because it's something we expected to play right up until 5:10, or something. So hopefully not. Once we get back, it'll be re-evaluated." Hill stepped into the crease and was phenomenal, turning away 23 of the 24 shots he faced en route to a 3-1 win. Samsonov has played in 28 games during his first season with the Golden Knights, posting a 16-9-3 record, as well as a .892 SV% and a 2.78 GAA. Following Monday's practice, Cassidy stated that the 28-year-old is out day-to-day with an upper-body injury. Schmid has played in one NHL game this season, coming in relief of Adin Hill against the Carolina Hurricanes on Nov. 11, where he turned away all 12 shots he faced. In 30 AHL games with the Silver Knights, the 24-year-old has recorded a 9-18-4 record, including a .886 SV% and a 3.58 GAA. The Golden Knights return home from a three-game road trip to take on the Edmonton Oilers on Tuesday before a highly anticipated matchup against the Winnipeg Jets on Thursday. The Golden Knights play a back-to-back against the Vancouver Canucks on Saturday, and the Calgary Flames on Sunday, and that could be when Schmid gets into NHL action if Samsonov remains out. Stay updated with the most interesting Golden Knights stories, analysis, breaking news and more! Tap the star to add us to your favourites on Google News to never miss a story.

Julian Gaudio·4d·Partner

Golden Knights Defenseman To Miss Next Two Games

Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Alex Pietrangelo will miss the next two games with a lower-body injury, HC Bruce Cassidy confirms. The Golden Knights are in Chicago tonight to take on the Chicago Blackhawks, and Pietrangelo will be missing his second consecutive game. He was a late scratch from Tuesday's game against the Minnesota Wild with a lower-body injury. The 35-year-old has played in 67 games, scoring four goals and 32 points. Pietrangelo missed a three-game stretch of games with an upper-body injury in November and has already been confirmed to miss at least three consecutive games as he'll be out against the Nashville Predators on Saturday. Following this road trip, the Golden Knights will take on the Edmonton Oilers at home and will be hoping to have Pietrangelo ready for that encounter. The Oilers are currently without Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl but are hoping to have them return at some point in the near future. With Pietrangelo out tonight, Kaedan Korczak will remain in the lineup, playing his 14th consecutive game. He'll be paired with Nicolas Hague, forming a towering partnership. Stay updated with the most interesting Golden Knights stories, analysis, breaking news and more! Tap the star to add us to your favourites on Google News to never miss a story.

Julian Gaudio·1d·Partner

Golden Knights Can Clinch Playoff Berth Tonight Without Playing

The Vegas Golden Knights can clinch a playoff spot if the Calgary Flames lose to the Colorado Avalanche in regulation tonight. If the Flames lose to the Avalanche in regulation tonight, the Golden Knights will clinch a playoff spot for the seventh time in eight seasons. The Golden Knights currently sit atop the Pacific Division with 98 points, leading the Los Angeles Kings by seven points. The Golden Knights have nine games remaining on the schedule and are back in action on Tuesday against the Edmonton Oilers, who they hold a nine-point lead over. Six of the Golden Knights' last nine games are against Pacific Division teams, and all but two are against teams fighting for a playoff spot. If the playoffs started today, the Golden Knights would battle the Minnesota Wild in the first round. Due to their point percentage, they currently hold the second wild card spot in the Western Conference, tied with the St. Louis Blues with 87 points. The postseason in the Western Conference is shaping up to be a gauntlet, with several teams capable of going on a long run. Stay updated with the most interesting Golden Knights stories, analysis, breaking news and more! Tap the star to add us to your favourites on Google News to never miss a story.

Julian Gaudio·3d·Partner

Golden Knights Prospect’s NCAA Season Concludes With Loss In National Championship Tournament

Vegas Golden Knights prospect Trevor Connelly and the Providence Friars have been eliminated from the NCAA Tournament after losing to the University of Denver, 5-1. It was a difficult season for the Golden Knights' 19th overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft. He sustained an injury early in the season, which forced him to miss a handful of games. He returned and won a gold medal with Team USA at the World Juniors, but the struggles at the college level continued. He finished his freshman season with just four goals and 13 points in 23 games, ranking 13th on the Friars in points. Entering the season, scouts feared that Connelly would need time to adapt to the style of hockey in the NCAA due to his small frame. He's listed at 6'1 but only weighs 161 lbs, which led to him struggling with the physicality. If the 19-year-old had a strong season and played as one of the better players in the NCAA, he could have earned an entry-level contract and finished the season with the Henderson Silver Knights in the AHL. Prior to the season, Connelly acknowledged the importance of adding weight to his frame during his college tenure and will need to work on that element when he likely returns to Providence next season. Stay updated with the most interesting Golden Knights stories, analysis, breaking news and more! Tap the star to add us to your favourites on Google News to never miss a story.