As we head into 2023, here are six bold predictions for Las Vegas sports. Will they come true?!
#6 The Las Vegas Golden Knights get rid of Robin Lehner
Robin Lehner came to the Las Vegas Golden Knights in 2020 and many believed he would add strength to the net. The former Ottawa Senator even posted a record of 3-0 in his first three games with Las Vegas before the COVID-19 pandemic hit. After that, Lehner would share the net with Marc-Andre Fleury for the next few years.
Fast forward to 2022, and Lehner is recovering from season-ending surgery. Rumors are circulating that Lehner might be on the trading block at season’s end, and it’s hard not to believe it. He has gone down with injuries multiple times and is currently being outdone by Logan Thompson and Adin Hill in his absence. Is there really any spot on the roster for Lehner at this point?
#5 Kyle Busch makes the final four with RCR
This might be a bold prediction, but there is no way that Las Vegas native Kyle Busch doesn’t return to the Final four with RCR in 2023. He has new equipment, a new team, a level playing field with the next-gen car, and all the skills in the world. How can he not end up in victory lane a few times and make his way to the championship four?
If Tyler Reddick could make it into the playoffs with this equipment and win three races, just imagine what Busch could do. Furthermore, Busch now has no more tedious contract negotiations, sponsorship deals to find, and questions from the media about his future. This means his mind is clear to focus on winning championships.
#4 Josh McDaniels keeps his job as Las Vegas Raiders head coach
While many in Raider Nation are growing weary of Josh McDaniels in his first season with the Raiders, there aren’t many other options. In fact, one insider already claimed earlier this year that Las Vegas doesn’t have the money to buy out Mcdaniel’s contract. That likely means McDaniels is here to stay at least through 2023.
Related: How The Raiders are participating in My Cause My Cleats and how you can donate
#3 The Las Vegas Golden Knights make a deep playoff run
The Las Vegas Golden Knights seem poised for a deep playoff run and a Stanley Cup Finals appearance might even be on the horizon. Of course, that will all depend on how Las Vegas finishes the season, but they have put up such great numbers! They have also beaten some of the best opponents the NHL has to offer, making a playoff push even more likely.
The Golden Knights might have a difficult time with Jack Eichel on Injury reserve and Alex Pietrangelo missing time, but the Knights are just too good to count out. Add in the coaching of Bruce Cassidy and it only seems right that they return to the playoffs in 2023.
#2 The Las Vegas Aces win back-to-back championships with Becky Hammon
Is there anything stopping the Las Vegas Aces from winning a second championship? The WNBA’s new schedule and two away games to start the year might make for a rocky start, but this team adapts quickly. Becky Hammon is probably already plotting out ways to get through the harsher schedule. They definitely have a team that can handle the extra adversity.
Another thing the Aces have going for them is their all-star roster which includes, A’ja Wilson, Kelsey Plum, Riquna Williams, Chelsea Grey, and Dearica Hamby. They also have a great group on the bench that really helped the Aces to a championship in 2022. How can anything stop them from winning it all one more time in 2023?
#1 Derek Carr gets benched or traded by the Las Vegas Raiders
The Las Vegas Raiders aren’t going to win a championship with Derek Carr, and they need to realize that. In fact, The Raiders have only had two winning seasons with Carr as quarterback in a nine-year span. He also holds a record of 62-77 as a starter and is once again piloting the Raiders to another losing record.
If Carr can’t make key plays with weapons like Hunter Renfrow, Darren Waller, Davantae Adams, and Mack Hollins, he has no business on the field. He might have a completion percentage of 62%, 3117 yards racked up, 20 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions, but that doesn’t matter if you don’t win games.
Next: Good, bad, and ugly from Raiders versus Rams on Thursday night football
