2020 Free Agency: Three depth forwards that would be perfect for Vegas Golden Knights

2. Alex Galchenyuk, C

Perhaps one of the most intriguing players left on the board on Day Three of Free Agency, Alex Galchenyuk is what you would call a low risk / high reward type of player.

Drafted in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft with the No. 3 overall pick, Galchenyuk was a highly-rated prospect that came into the league with a lot of fanfare.

However, and despite a strong start to his NHL career with 27 points (9 G, 18 A) in his rookie year in 2012-13, and at least 30 points in the next six seasons, the center hasn’t lived up to expectations.

He’s been traded three times in the last two seasons and hardly had a time for a cup of coffee in both Pittsburgh and Minnesota.

Galchenyuk recorded 17 points (5 G, 12 A) in 45 games for the Penguins, and seven points (3 G, 4 A) in 14 games for the Wild but he was held without a point in four postseason games.

So, at this point we know what Galchenyuk is or rather what he isn’t and it looks unlikely that he will ever be a legit goalscorer than can be a consistent top-six forward.

However, the Golden Knights need depth and Galchenyuk could be a useful third-line center, able to thrive against lesser matchups.

He would have Alex Tuch and probably Chandler Stephenson alongside him, while he also had a 51.1 winning percentage in the faceoff circle in 2019-20 so he could be a useful draw man for the Golden Knights.

And, given that there are still plenty of options on the board, Galchenyuk may be available at a bargain price on a one-year prove yourself deal, which would suit the Knights too given their cap constraints.