Golden Knights Re-Sign Young Centerman

The Vegas Golden Knights signed 22-year-old centerman Paul Cotter to a three-year, $2.325 million deal. Drafted in the fourth round in 2018, the young player has taken an unlikely route to playing in the NHL as he played in four different leagues in a span of three seasons before settling in the AHL.

🚨 DOUBLE SIGNING 🚨

We have signed Jake Leschyshyn and Paul Cotter to three-year contract extensions! 🎣 🖥 #VegasBorn https://t.co/uXYTeRhabv

— Vegas Golden Knights (@GoldenKnights) August 13, 2022

It wasn't easy sledding for Cotter once he got to the AHL. It has taken him a few years to get going up until last season when he took a larger step in scoring 20 goals and 35 points in 59 games. He got a small look for the Golden Knights, playing just seven games for them last season, scoring two goals and playing physical as he does.

The gritty element of his game could bode well in a bottom-six role, but it is likely he will start out next season in the AHL once again. Who knows, injuries could pile up and Cotter could earn a better opportunity this season playing more than nine minutes a night. If he can combine goal-scoring and physicality to Vegas' bottom-six, he will fit in very nicely next season and the future.

Photo credit:  © Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports