Depth at defensemen pose challenge for younger players

Vegas Golden Knights have organizational depth at the blue line, making it difficult for younger players to crack the lineup

LAS VEGAS – The Vegas Golden Knights have a problem and it’s the blue line.

It’s a good one, but it’s still a problem if you’re a young defenseman.

The Golden Knights are deep at that position with roughly 11 NHL-capable defensemen on their organizational roster behind its current six.

“That's a good problem to have. Right?” said Ben Hutton, who is the seventh defenseman on the roster. “So our defense are very deep and you can see it throughout the playoffs. I didn’t matter what pairing was out there against any line. We were able to do our job and get the puck out and contribute offensively. So yeah, we're deep on the back end.:

Hutton accepts that challenge to fend off some of the younger players.

“That's what it is every year,” Hutton said. “You go into camp, you got to earn your ice time and your spot. The young guys are coming in trying to take some of the guys spots.

Dysin Mayo is one of those players trying to make the NHL roster. Mayo has NHL experience, having played at the NHL level in Arizona. He will likely start the season in AHL, assuming he clears waivers.

“They got a pretty solid back core. They have everybody in the AHL at a level where they need to play at the NHL. It's definitely a deep lineup,” Mayo said. “I want to take a step forward and show the coaches what I am and who I am as a player.”

Blueline stalwart Shea Theodore credits the depth as one of the reasons why Vegas was able to hoist the Stanley Cup.

“That was a big part of our success last year,” Theodore said. “The consistency. We have guys fill in every single time and you know, it just makes it easier.”