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2024-25 was the year of Adin Hill. He posted a GAA of 2.47, a save percentage of .906, and added four shutouts to the mix. On top of that, he got a six-year contract extension. So, what did the former Stanley Cup hero do as a follow-up performance?
Well, he bombed. Hard.
The Calgary native posted a GAA of—say it with me, class—3.04 and a save percentage of—also say it with me, class—.871. He also suffered more lower-body injuries that led to him being shelved in favor of Carter Hart.
No, Hill didn't hurt his boys after falling off the proverbial cliff. But it wouldn't surprise me.
Still, that fall from a cliff was felt throughout the Golden Knights' realm. He saw the fanbase suddenly turn on him, making him into one of the most hated players around. In fact, that hate almost drove him out of town in a classic Kelly McCrimmon trade.
The good news? He gets one more chance to prove himself since McCrimmon places his faith in him. The bad news? The pressure is turned up another notch. But why is it that people have turned on Hill so quickly, aside from the stats?
Why the Vegas Golden Knights turned on Adin Hill so quickly
Imagine watching Adin Hill in net for the Golden Knights. He's doing good to start the game, stopping his first six shots. But then comes that one soft goal that he lets in. Either that, or he gets another nut shot. Whichever comes first.
Anyway, he allows the first goal and the Golden Knights are down 1-0.
Then he allows another.
Then another.
Suddenly, the Golden Knights are down 3-0. Fans are booing the former Stanley Cup hero harshly, wishing that he'd simply disappear. But the thing with Hill is that this was the case throughout the 2025-26 season.
He allowed four or more goals eight times during the season. It was one goal after another with a side of lower-body injuries that hampered his season. It's easy to see why he's become the most hated Golden Knights player around. When you're given a six-year deal, you're expected to perform. That wasn't the case in 2025-26, where Hill couldn't move out of his own way (literally).
Take Bruce Cassidy's last game as a Golden Knights head coach as a perfect example. He gets plenty of flack for how the team tuned him out. But guess what happened? Hill allowed three consecutive goals and the Golden Knights lost in the shootout.
It's easy to see why Hill has become the team's boogeyman in the past year. His subpar performance post-contract extension, combined with weak legs and groins, equates to the Realm wanting him out. Perhaps a rebound season can get some people back in Las Vegas's good graces?
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This article was originally published on vegashockeyknight.com as Here's the one Vegas Golden Knight that everyone loves to hate.
