In a bold move that’s sure to spark debate, Bruce Cassidy has benched two seasoned veterans, Brandon Saad and Reilly Smith, for the first time this season, sending a clear message to his team about performance and competition. But here’s where it gets controversial: is this a fair call, or is Cassidy risking team morale by sidelining players who came to Vegas with Stanley Cup aspirations? Let’s dive in.
Cassidy’s decision to scratch Saad and Smith isn’t just about their recent play—though their combined 4 goals and 10 assists in 24 games have been modest. It’s also about injecting fresh energy into the lineup with Cole Reinhardt and Alex Holtz. Reinhardt, in particular, has been a standout in his role, bringing physicality and drawing penalties, while Holtz has been patiently waiting for his chance to shine. But is one game in November the right time to bench veterans who’ve proven their worth in the past?
Cassidy himself admits, ‘They’ve played well at times, okay at times. So we’re going to give the other two guys a shot.’ He’s not writing off Saad and Smith—far from it. He met with them personally to explain that this is both a performance-based decision and an opportunity to explore other lineup options. Yet, this raises a question: Are coaches like Cassidy too quick to wield the ‘ice time’ weapon, or is it a necessary tool to keep players on their toes?
The timing of this move is also intriguing. With three games in four days, Cassidy sees it as a chance to spark his team. And this isn’t his first time using this strategy. In March 2024, he benched Zach Whitecloud and Nic Hague during a rough patch, and Vegas responded with a 3-1 win over New Jersey, followed by seven wins in nine games. But is this a sustainable approach, or does it risk alienating key players?
And this is the part most people miss: Cassidy’s decision isn’t just about Saad and Smith—it’s about sending a message to the entire team. With Mark Stone’s return, roles have shifted, and Smith found himself on the fourth line. Saad, meanwhile, has shuffled between lines but hasn’t quite found his rhythm. By benching them, Cassidy is reminding everyone that no spot is guaranteed. But at what cost? Could this backfire if the team perceives it as unfair?
As the puck drops tonight, all eyes will be on how the team responds. Will Reinhardt and Holtz seize their opportunity? Will Saad and Smith return with a renewed drive? Or will this move create tension in the locker room? What do you think—is Cassidy’s approach fair, or has he gone too far? Let us know in the comments below!
