Ryan Sikes 
Photo Credit: John Locher/The Associated Press
The LA Kings will open the 2021-22 season against the Golden Knights, who will be without forward Alex Tuch for the first few months.
While the two teams are at opposite ends of the spectrum in terms of their competitive windows, the LA Kings and Vegas Golden Knights have developed quite the rivalry despite the latter still being relatively new to the league.
As such, the Kings will open their season, hosting Vegas, but the Golden Knights will be without Alex Tuch, who will miss an extended period of time after undergoing shoulder surgery.
Injury update: Alex Tuch will miss about 6 months after undergoing successful shoulder surgery. #VegasBorn
— Vegas Golden Knights (@GoldenKnights) July 30, 2021
Why is this relevant?
Tuch, 25, was traded to Vegas in a deal with the Minnesota Wild during the expansion draft. He’s become a well-rounded player, one that has generally played well against the Kings.
In 19 career games, Tuch has tallied 11 points (5G, 6A), tied for the most against any other team he’s played against. The former 18th overall pick in 2014 accumulated two goals and four assists in eight games against Los Angeles last season.
In total, the Boston College alum collected 18 goals and 15 assists during the regular season, adding four goals and nine points in the postseason.
Even with Tuch’s $4.75M cap hit landing on long-term injured reserve, Vegas still exceeds the $81.5M salary cap hit, despite ridding themselves of Marc-Andre Fleury‘s contract earlier this week.