The Vegas Golden Knights, since their inaugural season, have been a team defined by resilience, surprising success, and a relentless pursuit of the Stanley Cup. While their on-ice performance has consistently captivated hockey fans, the story behind the net has been a compelling narrative in itself, particularly concerning the fluctuating fortunes of Malcolm Subban. The question that lingered, and continues to resonate even now, is: What is Malcolm Subban's legacy in Vegas, and what became of the young goalie touted as a potential successor to the legendary Marc-André Fleury?
Whatever Happened to Malcolm Subban?
Malcolm Subban's NHL career hasn't followed the trajectory many predicted. Drafted in the first round (24th overall) by the Boston Bruins in 2012, he was seen as a promising prospect with exceptional athleticism and a powerful shot. However, his path to consistent NHL success has been anything but smooth. His time in Boston was marked by inconsistency and a struggle to secure a starting role behind veteran netminders. The opportunity to join the expansion Vegas Golden Knights in 2017 seemed like the perfect chance for a fresh start, a chance to stake his claim as a number one goalie.
Initially, Subban's time in Vegas offered glimmers of hope. He showcased his talent in limited opportunities, demonstrating flashes of brilliance and the potential to become a reliable starter. He provided capable backup support to Marc-André Fleury, a future Hall of Famer whose presence, while beneficial to the team, also served to limit Subban's playing time and hinder his development into a consistent, high-performing NHL goalie. The reality was that Fleury’s dominance cast a long shadow, leaving Subban perpetually in the shadow of a legend.
Vegas Golden Knights: Life After Marc
Fleury's departure from Vegas marked a pivotal moment for the Golden Knights organization, and for Malcolm Subban's career. With Fleury's departure, the goaltending situation became a critical area of focus. The question of who would fill the void left by the veteran netminder was paramount. Subban, having spent several seasons as Fleury's understudy, appeared to be the most logical internal candidate to step up and seize the starting role. However, the Golden Knights’ management, despite acknowledging Subban's potential, clearly didn't have complete faith in him to shoulder the responsibility of being the team's primary goalie.
This lack of unwavering confidence in Subban ultimately led to the team's decision to bolster their goaltending through external acquisitions. The arrival of Robin Lehner, a proven NHL starter, significantly altered the team's goaltending landscape. Lehner's acquisition effectively signaled the end of Subban's hopes of becoming the Golden Knights' long-term starting goalie. While Subban still had the opportunity to compete for playing time, the writing was on the wall. The arrival of Lehner solidified a clear hierarchy, with Lehner firmly established as the number one and Subban relegated to a backup role, one he ultimately struggled to maintain consistently.
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