(Photo Credit: SinBin.vegas Photographer Brandon Andreasen)
Regardless of the magnitude, it’s fair to project the Golden Knights will have a new player or two by now and Friday afternoon. While it’s an uncertain market most prognosticators continue to report to keep an eye on Vegas.
When a new body is added to the roster, no matter the size of the deal, chemistry still needs to be built. Last season, deadline acquisitions Tomas Hertl and Anthony Mantha struggled to make an impact in the playoffs. Considering the level of player VGK are likely looking for, finding a better fit than Mantha will be crucial. Luckily, this season’s position in the standings and schedule allows opportunities for the new guys to fit in. With a combination of travel and lighter opponents, Bruce Cassidy could get his club in a better place than they were last spring.
(Credit: Slapshot)
Post Trade Deadline Schedule
- March 9th: vs. Los Angeles
- March 11th: @ Pittsburgh
- March 13th: @ Columbus
- March 15th: @ Buffalo
- March 16th: @ Detroit
- March 20th: vs. Boston
- March 22nd: vs. Detroit
- March 23rd: vs. Tampa Bay
- March 25th: @ Minnesota
- March 28th: @ Chicago
- March 29th: @ Nashville
Vegas’ remaining March schedule is quite the diverse grouping of games. Immediately, the Golden Knights will host Pacific rival LA Kings in an important divisional scrap. It’s likely the newest Golden Knight would make his debut in Vegas that night and get a quick taste of meaningful hockey. However, later in March, there are a few matchups against legitimate contenders which you would assume Cassidy dresses his new guy(s) for. Most notably, both games against Detroit, at home vs. Tampa, and on the road in Minnesota.
The lineup of games also sets up plenty of bonding time for a deadline acquisition and his new franchise. Beginning next week, the Golden Knights will travel to the East Coast for a four-game road trip. This means bus rides, hotel lounges, planned dinners, and plenty of Texas hold’em (or Mario Kart) on the team plane. You’ll hear it straight from the players, it’s easier to build quick chemistry on the road than at home.
Lastly, the 11-game listing in March can help the coaching staff plan for their future postseason lineup. With a mix of important and relatively meaningless contests, Cassidy and his coaches could play around and tinker with his lines and pairings. Heck who knows, depending on the incoming player and their opponent, it’s possible Vegas’ bench boss feels comfortable enough to break up Jack Eichel and Mark Stone.
ThG
The Golden Knights are bringing back the Original Misfit after acquiring Smith in a trade with the New York Rangers on Thursday for left wing Brendan Brisson and a third-round pick, according to multiple reports.
Daily Faceoff was the first to report the deal.
Smith, 33, played for the Knights their first six seasons and helped the organization win the Stanley Cup in 2023. He joined the team after being selected from the Florida Panthers in the 2017 expansion draft.
Richie-Rich
Teravainen or Donato makes sense if they’re looking for forward help. I have to believe that the FO is good to go with the goaltending considering they didn’t make a move for Blackwood or Georgev. There doesn’t seem to be a quality back up goaltender available. Hill’s been spotty all season long, so has Sam.
Emmanuel
Bingo. I dont understand the posters obsession with bringing back retreads.
Butch Cassidy
25th strongest schedule.
It is clear that being in the bottom of the barrel division in pro sports is going to keep this window open for a LONG time