Kicking off the Player Review series with one of the newer members of the Golden Knights.
In the 2021-22 Player Review series, we will evaluate the 2021-22 performances of each key member of the Golden Knights. Players were evaluated based on overall performance in the regular season with regard to pre-season expectations and how that player performed in his particular role.
The Vegas Golden Knights’ season has come to an end, and that means it’s time to look back at the 2021-22 campaign an evaluate the performances of each key member of the roster throughout the season. With the Golden Knights missing the playoffs for the first time in franchise history, many would probably chalk this season up as a major disappointment. But for newcomer Michael Amadio, it was a pretty successful showing.
Season in review
Amadio didn’t exactly set the world on fire this season, and he wasn’t expected to. Claimed off waivers from the Toronto Maple Leafs in October, Amadio was somewhat lucky to play as much as he did. But when he did play, he ended up being a solid presence on the ice. In 53 games with the Golden Knights, Amadio logged a career-high 11 goals and 18 points while largely playing a depth role.
Impressively, Amadio turned out to be a noticeably reliable play-driver for the Knights. Believe it or not, he ranked fifth on the team in Corsi For percentage during 5-on-5 play (55.69), which ranks ahead of more notable forwards like Reilly Smith, Max Pacioretty and Mark Stone. He even ranked first on the team (minimum 20 minutes of 5-on-5 ice time) with a very good 58.21 Expected Goals For percentage. Not too shabby for a midseason bottom-of-the-lineup addition.
Amadio is now 26 years old, and it’s unlikely he has much more room to develop into anything more than a depth forward. Players typically hit their age-related prime in the mid-20s. But based on what he exhibited throughout the season, the Knights certainly seem to have landed a nice piece to plug in to the bottom six.
Looking ahead
Amadio played well enough during the regular season that the Knights felt comfortable giving him a two-year contract extension that will keep him in the system through 2023-24 season. At an average annual value of just $762,500, the Knights are getting some decent value for a play-driving depth forward.
Knights On Ice grade: B