ROSTER REVIEW

coverage in their defensive zone, which highlighted the veteran’s better attributes (shrewdness, toughness) and hid his weaker ones (skating).

From Nov. 27 to Jan. 15 — a span of 23 games — Engelland ranked fourth on the team in scoring chance percentage and third in high-danger scoring chance percentage. The Knights outscored opponents 20-11 at five-on-five when he was on the ice.

Coach Gerard Gallant’s Jan. 15 firing changed things. Coach Pete Deboer brought in his own philosophies to help the team out of a losing stretch.

Deboer wanted his defensemen to be more active joining the rush. He wanted breakouts to be made with speed. He wanted a deeper cast of penalty killers. The adjustments helped the Knights, but didn’t help Engelland much.

The first game after the All-star break, Engelland was on the ice for two fiveon-five goals against Carolina. Rookie Zach Whitecloud replaced him the next game.

Engelland played only once more before the NHL season paused because of the coronavirus.

Future

The Knights and Engelland are at a crossroad.

Engelland, an unrestricted free agent this offseason, has lost his job to a rookie. A rookie that signed a twoyear extension in March.

Is there still a role for him? Or will he look to continue his career elsewhere whenever this season ends? If he does, there’s no telling what the free agent market will look like this offseason.

Regardless of what happens, Engelland’s status as a beloved player and community member should remain intact. Few did more to establish the Knights’ franchise on and off the ice.

His Mark Messier Leadership Award in 2018 and King Clancy Memorial Trophy (NHL humanitarian award) nomination in 2019 were richly deserved.

Contact Ben Gotz at bgotz@reviewjournal. com. Follow @Bensgotz on Twitter.