What Happened
The Vegas Golden Knights will play without forward Mitch Marner on Thursday night against the St. Louis Blues because of a family matter. The team confirmed his absence ahead of the matchup. According to reporting by Danny Webster of the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Marner is absent as he and his wife await the birth of their second child. Marner has contributed two goals and 10 assists across 11 games during his second season with Vegas. To cover his absence, 24-year-old Alexander Holtz is projected to enter the lineup and make his first appearance of the season for the Pacific Division leaders.
Key Details
- Mitch Marner is missing Thursday's game against the St. Louis Blues.
- Danny Webster reported the absence is due to the impending birth of Marner's second child.
- Alexander Holtz is expected to make his season debut in place of Marner.
- Holtz registered three goals and six assists in 28 games with Vegas last season.
- The Golden Knights enter the contest with an 8-3-0 record.
What It Means
Marner's temporary absence removes a key offensive contributor from the Vegas lineup. With two goals and 10 assists through 11 games, his production anchors the team's top group. The shift provides Alexander Holtz an opportunity to secure playing time and make his season debut after appearing in 28 contests for the club last year.
What's Next
Holtz is projected to draw into the lineup for Thursday's game against St. Louis, while Marner is expected to rejoin the team following the family matter.