Did you feel that, Vegas Golden Knights fans? That was the movement of some seismic moves rattling the NHL. First, it was the Edmonton Oilers acquiring Tristan Jarry and Spencer Stastney in separate trades. The Pittsburgh Penguins and the Nashville Predators got draft picks, which may or may not hit, depending on how the teams pick in the upcoming NHL Drafts.
But that wasn't the biggest trade of all. Quinn Hughes was traded from the Vancouver Canucks to the Minnesota Wild for Zeev Buium, Marco Rossi, Liam Ohgren and a first-round pick. The trade was surprising for a few reasons, considering that he didn't go to an Eastern Conference team.
But Minnesota? Who would've thought that the Wild would go for arguably the biggest fish in the trade market pond? All the state with a gazillion lakes have had in recent decades is Prince and Herb Brooks.
Still, let's dive into the weekend and dissect these news stories further. What do these stories mean for the Golden Knights? Should Las Vegas worry about its division rivals getting better or cheer when other rivals fall apart like a loose taco?
Breaking down the Quinn Hughes trade to the Minnesota Wild
First, this is essentially the Canucks waving the white flag on the season. Entering Friday's slate of games, Vancouver was dead-last in the Pacific Division with 25 points. Underperforming pieces like Elias Petterson continue to plague the franchise, leaving them unable to compete with the old guard (Golden Knights and Oilers) and the new kids on the block (Anaheim Ducks and the San Jose Sharks).
But it raises a bigger question with Vancouver.
Who's next?
That's the biggest question surrounding the franchise right now. As for the Wild, watch for them. They could become a Stanley Cup contender, especially with the dynamic Swedish duo of Filip Gustavsson and Jesper Wallstedt.
What should Vegas Golden Knights fans make of the Edmonton Oilers' moves?
Personally, I like the Spencer Stastney trade for the Oilers. They get younger on the blue line and get a stay-at-home defenseman with an incredible hockey IQ. However, I'm not as sold on Jarry.
Sure, the goaltenders involved in the trade needed a change of scenery. However, does that solve the goalie situation when you could've netted Juuse Saros in a deal, too? As long as Edmonton continues its patchwork on the position, it'll remain stuck in neutral. Speaking of Nashville...
Who else could be gone from the Nashville Predators?
Rumor has it that the Predators are looking to get younger and offload some draft picks. That could mean that players like Steven Stamkos and Original Misfit Jonathan Marchessault get traded.
Of course, that could also mean that Saros also gets dealt. He could benefit from a change of scenery, especially with an underwhelming blue line in front of him. Which teams could jump on the chance to get the star goaltender out of Honky Tonk land?