The Golden Knights made waves at the opening of free agency, but not exactly the way they usually have. This year, rather than seeking out the blockbuster trade or being in on the biggest free agent, Vegas’ only trade was a salary dump and their remaining action on the market was mostly AHL depth pieces.
However, if we’ve learned anything in the past, what may look like a depth add in July could become a crucial player in a playoff run.
The Golden Knights added five such players, all on contracts valued at exactly the NHL minimum. Let’s learn more about them all.
Spencer Foo
As an undrafted free agent playing in the NCAA, Foo first attracted the attention of the Golden Knights during his monster third season at Union College in 2016-17. He scored 26 goals and added 36 assists in 38 games in the ECAC. Vegas ultimately lost the race to sign Foo in the summer of 2017 as he inked an entry-level deal with the Calgary Flames.
Foo played just four NHL games in his rookie season and they still stand as the only four he’s played in his career. He did score twice in those games including one against the Golden Knights in the final game of the 17-18 regular season.
After that stint in the NHL, Foo spent his entire second professional season in the AHL with Stockton. He then departed for the KHL, playing for these China-based Kunlun Red Star, where he’s been each of the last three seasons, and has posted 76 points in 154 games.
Foo played in the Olympics in 2022 and scored China’s first-ever goal in men’s Olympic ice hockey.
He’s a strong skater who loves to live in front of the net, has a good hockey IQ, and a knack for scoring goals.
