Ah, trade rumors. They're the epicenter of endless speculation and fun trades. I can't tell you how many times I've seen William Karlsson's name brought up (hint: too many). Yep, it looks like July's just around the corner.
Vegas Golden Knights fans have seen it themselves. After the electric 2024 trade deadline magic pulled off by Kelly McCrimmon, fans are craving more. They're looking for the proverbial free agency splash, where Mitch Marner's unleashed in Sin City.
Of course, they also don't mind seeing Nikolaj Ehlers or Brock Boeser come to town. It's just that you must respond in kind when your rivals are making everyone believe in themselves. Otherwise, you're left in the dust.
Since McCrimmon doesn't mind a bold move or two, it's time to dream a little. That's right, we're coming up with some trade scenarios that would be absolute game-changers.
Now, these aren't likely to happen for a couple of reasons. One, Pavel Dorofeyev and Jack Eichel are due big contracts. The front office has stated that the latter will be a top priority since next season will be his last under his current contract.
Two? The draft capital is fairly sparse. You're looking at 19 picks in the next three drafts. That's not helping your cause.
Three players come to mind when thinking of these scenarios. They offer offensive viability in more ways than one. Plus, they're young, which is always good. Are you ready to dream a little, dear reader? It's time to put your pajamas and sleeping masks on!
1.) Jason Robertson
The Dallas Stars aren't in the best situation right now. Pete DeBoer has burned through his third year (as is hockey tradition) and is probably gone. The Stars are hurting for cap space with roughly $4.96 million, according to PuckPedia. Worst of all, they're looking to trade big names like Jason Robertson.
Wait a second... Jason Robertson?
Hey, man. Someone needs to pay for that new Mikko Rantanen deal. If Jim Nill is looking at some restructuring, that could be McCrimmon's cue to strike.
This seems like a long shot to happen because the Golden Knights only have $9.615 million to work with. Robertson is a restricted free agent after next season and he'll fetch a bigger deal than Nicolas Hague's next contract. Let's not forget that Pavel Dorofeyev and Jack Eichel are due big paydays.
But why not send the 25-year-old to Sin City and bring much-needed youth to the club?
2.) Quinn Hughes
Quinn Hughes looks sad in Vancouver. He has the facial expressions of a man who's been through five midlife crises. That's what happens when your head coach doesn't return after winning the Pacific Division a year prior, I guess.
Therefore, the poor guy needs a new home. Now, there's a good chance he reunites with his brothers in New Jersey and establishes a "Hughes World Order." The Golden Knights are also bloated at the defenseman position, currently carrying $31.78 million at the position into next season. Therefore, it's probably not happening.
Still, it'd be fun to see the Canucks superstar setting up Jack Eichel in transition. He's also 25 years old like Robertson, injecting a youth movement into Vegas.
Full disclosure: I was tempted to trade William Karlsson here. Instead, I opted for both players named Nicolas since that's more realistic. After all, he deserves more respect.
3.) Tage Thompson
Yep, it's time to give the Sabres the shaft again. Golden Knights fans remember how the Jack Eichel trade worked out and want to go back for seconds. This time? Tage Thompson is involved.
Now, Thompson does have a five-team no-trade list, which is modest. However, he's also signed until 2030 for $7.14 million AAV. Therefore, it's a tall order to ask for another player when you're trying to give Eichel and Dorofeyev sizable deals.
Still, let's go crazy and find Eichel that goal-scoring forward. After all, the 27-year-old has scored more than 40 goals twice in his career.