Behind Enemy Lines
Registered User
Think it was a qualified 'get' by them. Goalie whisperer Sean Burke knew Hill going back to junior playing and sharing the net with Burke's son. Burke was part of the Coyotes management group that drafted Adin Hill. Hill had solid numbers on marginal NHL teams. Vegas management and scouting staff also have significant network and direct experience in Western Canada so would have some sense of Hill's abilities.I think some of you are giving Vegas way too much credit with regards to going after Adin Hill because they saw what nobody else in the league did. I think they were getting hammered by injuries in net and were simply grabbing some cheap options.
Don't believe anyone who says they knew he'd suddenly be one of the best goalies in the league overnight after years as a floating backup around the league.
Forecast a Cup run goalie, no. But big picture Vegas new coach Cassidy installed strong systems which protected their goaltending. They never played a game last season with their #1 goaltender and rolled through 5 tenders due to injury yet reduced goals against by 19.
"Maybe the Golden Knights’ MVP should be goaltending coach Sean Burke, who pushed for the acquisition of Hill, a former junior teammate of Burke’s son, Brendan, with the Portland Winterhawks nearly a decade ago."
EDIT: Weird. Story link doesn't work: Sportsnet, How journeyman Adin Hill soared from fourth-stringer to Stanley Cup Final starter
This is where strong pro scouting can win the day.