Vegas Golden Knights: The pros and cons to Martinez trade

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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 08: Alec Martinez #27 of the Los Angeles Kings defends against Joel Kiviranta #25 of the Dallas Stars during the first period of a game at Staples Center on January 08, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

Pro – Not a rental

While you can consider this trade an overpayment – and it certainly is – one major plus is that Alec Martinez is not a rental.

Vegas General Manager Kelly McCrimmon told the media on Wednesday that one of the things that attracted the Knights to Martinez was the fact that he has term.

With a $4,000,000 cap hit, Martinez is under contract through this year and also through 2020-21, which is important.

Not only will the veteran be expected to make an immediate impact down the stretch and in the postseason this year, he will also be a key piece for the Vegas Golden Knights in 2020-21.

Furthermore, Deryk Engelland, Jon Merrill and Nick Holden are all UFA’s in the off-season and at least two out of the three will be allowed to walk, so the Knights at least have a bit of stability with Martinez.

The Golden Knights are in win-now mode and acquiring a proven defenseman who can help them next year too is a smart move.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 17: Jack Eichel #9 of the Buffalo Sabres attempts to deek Alec Martinez #27 of the Los Angeles Kings during the first period at Staples Center on October 17, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

Con – Lack of production

As already mentioned, Alec Martinez has a reputation for coming up clutch with some huge goals in the LA Kings’ two Stanley Cup runs.

He was also a key piece on the power play, recording 15 points on the man advantage for the Kings in 2016-17.

However, the offensive production has tailed off somewhat for the 32-year-old over the last few years, and it has really fallen off a cliff this season.

After recording 18 points (four goals, 14 assists) in 60 games last year, Martinez has just one goal and seven assists for eight points in 41 games with a -9 rating this season.

Martinez is also no longer a force on the man advantage with just two power play points, while he hasn’t recorded a primary assist yet this season.

That stat alone is incredible.

Plus, it is worth remembering that Martinez’s career-high in points was the 39 (nine goals, 30 assists) he recorded in 2016-17, which isn’t a huge amount.

Although the Golden Knights do have Shea Theodore, who has 39 points (eight goals, 31 assists) in 61 games, they needed another puck-moving defenseman who can provide an offensive punch.

Martinez isn’t that and that is backed up by the fact that Jesse Granger of The Athletic is reporting Vegas is interested in trading for Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Erik Gustafsson, who is a puck-moving blueliner that can provide offense.

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