Published1. November 2024, 04:36
Ex-NHL goalie: “I’m not a gambler”: Swiss top shot seeks his luck in Las Vegas
After moving to the Vegas Golden Knights, Akira Schmid has to prove himself again in the AHL in order to continue his NHL career.
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Akira Schmid made a huge save for the Devils against the Lightning in the NHL in 2023.
NHL
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The Swiss goalie Akira Schmid was transferred from the New Jersey Devils to the Vegas Golden Knights
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However, he currently only plays on the AHL farm team.
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Despite the transfer, Schmid sees his time in the AHL as an opportunity to try out for the NHL again.
Almost a year and a half ago, Akira Schmid was a top shot in the NHL, hexing the New Jersey Devils into the next round of the playoffs against the arch-enemy New York Rangers. But the Devils failed in the quarterfinals, despite strong performances from the Swiss goalie.
The 24-year-old now finds himself in a league lower, the AHL. He was traded by the Devils to the Vegas Golden Knights this summer – and then shipped to the Henderson Silver Knights’ farm team. Now the Bernese is trying to fight his way back to the NHL via the AHL. 20 Minutes conducted an exclusive interview with Schmid.
Akira Schmid, where will you live after the trade?
I live in Summerlin, a part of Las Vegas where most of the players live.
You were traded to Vegas by the Devils – what was your first thought?
That certainly came as a surprise, but also not unexpected. The plan had been to re-sign with the Devils. Then I was traded. Las Vegas is certainly not a bad organization, I was happy to come here.
“It’s a new chance to show yourself”
Akira Schmid, ice hockey goalie
What does a trade like this do to a player?
It’s a new chance to shine, play well and earn a spot in the NHL. The focus quickly shifts to the new team.
At Vegas you haven’t had a chance in the NHL so far, but you play in the AHL for the Henderson Silver Knights. Do you ask yourself the question of the meaning of trade?
It was communicated that a veteran goalie would be added, then we would have a three-man rotation. If one goes out, there is still an experienced player there. It is therefore an opportunity to gain experience and become better. Here in the AHL I have more time to work on myself because I have more training sessions than in the NHL.
Now you have to prove yourself in the AHL, how difficult is that?
It’s difficult, they’re two different playing styles. In the NHL it’s much more straightforward. It sounds a bit stupid, but it’s easier to read the game there. You try not to adapt too much to the AHL, you want to stay at the NHL level. They told me to try to keep playing in the same style. But you still have to adapt, otherwise things won’t work in the AHL.
Do you seek psychological help?
I started doing that early on when I became a professional. It’s not exactly mental training, but rather talking about the game and how you feel. I get tips on how to make things better.
What do you have planned for the new season?
Certainly being better than last season, things weren’t going well for me, just like they were for the whole team. Consistency is a big issue for me, but also the fact that I can play a few NHL games again, prove myself there and show that I belong in this league. Hopefully I can get a regular spot this year or next.
Have you ever played in Vegas in the NHL?
Yes, once. The atmosphere in Vegas is great, it’s a huge show, it’s one of the best away games you can have. Madison Square Garden in New York falls into the same category.
What does national coach Patrick Fischer think of the trade?
He thinks it’s a good situation for me, with new surroundings, a new start. Fischer will definitely be happy to come visit me here sometime (laughs).
In any case, if I can, I definitely want to be there. If I get the honor of being there, I’ll definitely do it.
How much of Las Vegas have you already seen?
I’ve been here for a while, had some time to walk downtown and see everything. The nature with the desert is cool here. But I’m not a gambler, I don’t enjoy it that much.
How do you feel about the different temperatures?
At the beginning it was special: you go into the cold ice rink wearing shorts and a T-shirt and you’re freezing. When you come out, you sweat. But now it’s getting a little cooler here.
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