There could be a number of position battles in VGK camp, which begins Thursday. We will see battles for playing time in the D corps with Ben Hutton, Jeremy Lauzon and Kaeden Korczak. We can even add Zach Whitecloud to the mix. There are other battles such as the backup goalie competition between Carl Lindbom and Akira Schmid. We highlight other battles as well. Nic Hague tells the Review-Journal VGK reneged on a contract extension. And Pete DeBoer surfaces for the first time since getting fired in Dallas.

Will the Golden Knights show interest in free agent goalie Carter Hart, despite his involvement in the Hockey Canada case? Hart hasn't played since the 2023-24 season, but VGK has a dilemma with the lack of its experience behind Adin Hill. Hart last made close to $4 million, but should sign for less carrying the baggage of charges levied in Canada. VGK's Rookies won both games in Colorado this weekend. Several players shined including both goaltenders. Combined Carl Lindbom and Cameron Whitehead stopped 60 of 63 shots. And, it's Marner Monday! Mitch Marner says he will face his return to Toronto "head on" when it happens January 23rd.

With Alex Pietrangelo on the shelf, we are wondering if VGK will select one or more Alternate Captain's this season to fill his spot. Pietrangelo was an alternate for the past five seasons. VGK has also had multiple Alternate Captain's for home and away games, in the past. We name our candidates. VGK Rookies are scheduled to play this weekend in the Showcase in Colorado. They will be without the services of Trevor Connolly, the top prospect, who is listed as week-to-week with a knee injury. We also have our WTF comments from fans.