Vegas Golden Knights Acquire Max Pacioretty

The Vegas Golden Knights acquired the pure goal scorer they absolutely needed.

We’re just days away from the Vegas Golden Knights opening up full training camp. More than a few of the players have actually been skating together and getting in shape for Head Coach Gerard Gallant’s competitive camp. However, there will be a new face in the dressing room when the full team reports later this week.

On late Sunday night, the Vegas Golden Knights acquired Max Pacioretty from the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for Tomas Tatar, Nick Suzuki and a 2nd round pick in 2019. Out of all the trade talk this summer, I didn’t expect this deal at all. While this trade makes sense on so many levels, this is Pacioretty’s last year on his current contract and not signing him after this year would be a disaster.

McPhee may be taking a huge gamble if he doesn’t sign a contract after giving up a package like this one. However, let’s take a look at the player himself. Pacioretty is a bonified goal scorer at the NHL level. He captained the Montreal Canadiens and was their points leader for six years out if his career.

In 2017-18, Pacioretty only scored 17 goals, 20 assists, and 37 points in 64 games for the Habs. But in the previous five years (excluding the 2013 shortened campaign), he has consistently hit at least 30 goals in each season. A fresh start was probably needed as things weren’t going particularly great for the Canadiens lately.

The 29-year old has excellent speed, a fantastic shot and has developed a two-way game in the past few years. He stands at 6’2 and weighs in at 206 lbs which is incredible size coming off the wing. His leadership was unquestionable in Montreal, and it should only translate well here in Las Vegas as well.

Although, the New Canaan, Connecticut native does have some kinks in his game that he does still need to develop.  One of those is not using his size to the fullest potential. Too many times he has let the opposition get the best of him in the physical game. That cannot happen here, and Gerard Gallant will need to correct that issue right away.

As for the package the Golden Knights had to give up, the one that hurts the most is obviously Nick Suzuki. It looks like he may have the talent to become a decent NHL player in the next few years. But it seems to me like general manager George McPhee values Cody Glass, Erik Brannstrom and Nicolas Hague a little bit more.

As for Tomas Tatar, it just didn’t work out. Tatar was brought in at the trade deadline to provide added scoring punch in the 2018 Stanley Cup Playoffs. The Ilava, Czechoslovakia native did not perform well enough, thus getting the boot out of the desert.

I expect Pacioretty to fit in on the second line with Paul Stastny and Alex Tuch. A newly revamped second line should only provide wonders for the Golden Knights new offensive look this season. The acquisition of Pacioretty will be one of the major storylines heading into training camp and the preseason.

All in all, this trade definitely improves the Vegas Golden Knights roster today. However, if the two sides can’t get a contract settled within the next ten months, this trade will be a loss for McPhee and the Golden Knights. There’s no doubt in my mind that Pacioretty will be a huge part to this teams success this upcoming campaign, but will he be here past that?