Persistence pays off

LAS VEGAS — Keegan Kolesar made sure loyalty is a two-way street.

The proud Manitoban, who was born in Brandon but also has ties to Winnipeg, is in the midst of a career season with the Vegas Golden Knights and is thrilled to remain with the organization for the foreseeable future after inking a three-year extension worth US$7.5 million in December.

“I’m not one of those guys that you would say you put in the forefront of locking up right away, compared to some of the guys that we had,” Kolesar told the Free Press on Wednesday afternoon. “So, it meant the world to me that they wanted to do that and see me being part of the future. It was an easy process.”

In terms of that process, Kolesar told agent Craig Oster he didn’t want to get frequent reports, just to let him know when things were down to the final stages of the negotiation.

When the time came to put pen to paper, Kolesar made it clear he valued his situation more than looking for a potential opportunity elsewhere on July 1.

“For guys that aren’t playing in markets that are preferable, it’s easier to get to that,” said Kolesar. “This is one of the best markets in this league. I want to be here. I’ve won here, I started a whole second chapter of my life here.

“The Golden Knights took a chance on me. Part of me is also faithful and I wanted to see it through and keep going with this team.”

Heading into Thursday’s game with the Winnipeg Jets, Kolesar has 12 goals and 27 points in 74 games while expanding his role under Golden Knights head coach Bruce Cassidy.

“I’m just a kid from Brandon, Manitoba. I don’t think anyone would have thought I would make the NHL,” said Kolesar. “I don’t even know if I thought I would make it. I wasn’t looking to free agency to chase the money. What I was given here is more than I ever thought I could make in my life doing this. I’m very blessed and humbled to be here.”

Kolesar, who turns 28 on Sunday, was chosen in the third round (69th overall) of the 2015 NHL Draft by the Columbus Blue Jackets, but acquired by the Golden Knights for a second-round pick in the 2017 NHL Draft.

Golden Knights general manager Kelly McCrimmon scouted Kolesar for the Western Hockey League draft as a teenager and was quite familiar with his game from his time with the Seattle Thunderbirds, where future New York Islanders centre Mathew Barzal was a frequent linemate.

Kolesar’s persistence is something that served him well, growing from a guy with plenty of raw talent that needed some refinement to someone the Golden Knights can count on.

Part of that journey included time grinding it out with the Quad City Mallards of the ECHL, where he spent 20 games during the 2017-18 season when he split time in the American Hockey League.

“I’m really proud of what he put in to become a player. He’s continued to improve and he’s taken another big step this year. He’s played really well,” said McCrimmon. “He’s got the complete trust of the coaches and for players in (Kolesar’s) role, that’s how you get on the ice. He’s part of our leadership group now too.

“As a young player, the question I would have had is ‘Does he skate well enough?’ Now it’s not as though he’s an adequate NHL skater, he’s a really good skater. That’s a testament to the work he put into it. The fitness, the strength training, the nutrition and the work ethic.”

Kolesar brings a rugged element to the table as well.

He’s a physical player who hits hard and isn’t afraid to drop the gloves if the situation calls for it.

One of the interesting aspects of his story is that when Kolesar earned full-time duty, there was an added layer of complexity as he took on a lot of the responsibilities that were handled by Winnipegger Ryan Reaves.

“Honestly, I felt weird about it,” said Kolesar. “We became such close friends and we still are. I see him all the time in the summer.”

During the Stanley Cup playoffs in 2021, for Game 6 of the conference final against the Montreal Canadiens, Reaves was scratched and Kolesar replaced him in the lineup.

“They put me in and part of me just felt bad,” said Kolesar. “I looked at (Reaves) as a role model and leader. It’s weird when you see yourself take over.”

Kolesar discussed what had transpired with Reaves during the summer months, going as far as apologizing.

“I didn’t want it to be like that,” said Kolear. “He said ‘Don’t worry, I did that to someone to come into the league and this is your turn. You never have to feel bad about that. You earn it.’

“That gave me a good sense that I had made it. It was almost a passing of the torch. That meant the world to me because I was just (an NHL) rookie coming in. (Reaves) was such a well-liked character in the locker room and with the fan base. He was a great teammate. He didn’t need to do that. He could have tried to save his own ass.”

Instead, Reaves helped reinforce Kolesar’s belief and helped him take the next step in his development.

Now in his sixth NHL season, Kolesar has already reached new heights for goals and points, while adding penalty killing to his portfolio at various points during the season.

Kolesar was quick to give credit to his coaches for helping him add layers to his game.

“Every step of the way, I’ve learned a lot. Every year, I’m working to build certain parts of my game,” said Kolesar. “The long playoff runs that we’ve had here, it’s helped me grow. I’ve always been a key proponent that playoff hockey is where you bring your next level. It’s where you find out what you’re made of.”

Getting to the top of the mountain with the Golden Knights in 2023 when they dispatched the Florida Panthers in five games was a life-changing experience.

“You really see how hard that is,” said Kolesar. “I did it in junior (with the Thunderbirds), I almost did it in the American Hockey League (with the Chicago Wolves), we were right there in the (Calder Cup) final (in 2019). To do it in the NHL on the biggest stage, it showed me what it takes.”

As appreciative as Kolesar is to have his name engraved on the Stanley Cup, he’s eager to reach those heights again.

Being able to chase that dream with fellow Manitobans Mark Stone, Brett Howden and Zach Whitecloud makes it even more special.

“The amount of guys that I’ve played with from Manitoba, it’s funny,” said Kolesar. “You have to have four or five on hand at all times. It’s been great. It’s awesome. It’s the Manitoba pipeline.”

ken.wiebe@freepress.mb.ca

X and Bluesky: @WiebesWorld