National Media Expect Golden Knights To Be “Big Players” At The Deadline

(Photo Credit: SinBin.vegas Photographer Brandon Andreasen)

Blockbuster trades are exciting and Vegas is always rumored to be an interested party. It’s looking like that’ll be the case once again on March 3rd.

I don’t want to connect names to the Golden Knights but you lose a piece like Mark Stone for an indefinite period, we don’t know what that means. There’s so much uncertainty. I know that Vegas felt they would likely add a forward before the Mark Stone situation. I can’t imagine Kelly McCrimmon, George McPhee and Bill Foley, who’s as hungry as an owner as there is in NHL, not going to swing for the fences one more time. -Darren Dreger on TSN 690 Montreal

While many expect the Golden Knights to be in the mix, there’s no indication which direction the front office will go. With the devastating news of Mark Stone’s indefinite absence, which impact winger is Vegas targeting? Who are the in-demand players are the front office willing to risk picks and prospects for?

So who is that? I think it’s all of the above. Vegas is being real careful. I think for sure Vegas could be a big player here. -Dreger on TSN 690 Montreal

Being a “big player” suggests ownership has made it clear for the front office to go out and buy. And buy big. Plain and simple, the Golden Knights have plenty of available cap space accrued by injuries they might as well use it. Whatever it is, The Creator has given the green light to purchase reinforcements.

We know Vegas is uber-aggressive but always in trouble with the cap. Well, Mark Stone makes nine million bucks. I have no doubt that they will take that money that’s freed up and use it to go out get somebody else. I’d expect Vegas to be even more aggressive than usual. As good as they sit, they’re not guaranteed to even make the playoffs. Five teams are separated by six points. I think that is significant for Vegas because it’s so long-term for such an important player. -Mike Johnson on TSN 690 Montreal

It’s difficult for insiders to gauge how big Vegas is willing to go. Is it Vladimir Tarasenko, or Ivan Barbeshev. Patrick Kane or Jonathan Toews? James van Riemsdyk? With some salary retention it’s even possible Vegas will add a second standout player.

When it comes to it, the heat is on for the Golden Knights. Last night’s commanding 5-1 victory in Nashville was a great start. They’ll need to continue that performance on a consistent level over the remaining 30 games. With such a tight divisional race, the next two months and half months will decide the outcomes of many Pacific division clubs. Along with the Golden Knights, the Seattle Kraken, Edmonton Oilers, LA Kings, and Calgary Flames are all in playoff contention and are open buyers. It’s a crowded field, so the Golden Knights won’t be the only franchise looking to make a splash.