Vegas Golden Knights fans are having the time of their lives right now. Hockey is back and their faces aren't being scorched by the sun. Plus, the holiday season is in full swing, meaning that Santa Claus is handing out gifts to everyone.
Yes, that includes Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers. Santa might be put off by McDavid's odd choice of licorice. However, he's forgiving as long as he hasn't ended anyone's life. Even Nathan MacKinnon and the Colorado Avalanche should get some gifts along the way, especially after winning the Stanley Cup in 2022.
There isn't much you can give the Golden Knights this upcoming Christmas aside from another Stanley Cup. They're among the top teams in the NHL (45 points) and have won five of their last six games against teams currently in playoff positioning. What more could you ask for with the Golden Knights?
So let's envision a scenario where Jack Eichel dresses up as Santa (and not Marv from Home Alone). He better start drinking some alcohol to get that Santa belly going because none of the children will believe he's the real deal. He better start looking for some viable reindeer as well, especially since Rudolph looks like he's battling a severe cold.
Yes, we're handing out gifts to other teams. As fun as it would be to hand out lumps of coal to the Oilers, I don't want to end up on Santa's naughty list. So here are some fun gift ideas for other NHL teams to consider.
Buffalo Sabres: A good trade for Alex Tuch
Many Vegas Golden Knights fans wouldn't mind seeing the "Original Misfit" return to the team. Tuch has nine goals and 25 points this season, giving life to an otherwise lifeless Buffalo Sabres team.
Perhaps Tuch would love a change of scenery, especially with the Sabres on an 11-game winless streak entering Friday. Why not send him back to Las Vegas, where he can slot nicely on the second line? The winger can play on the right side of either fellow "Misfit" William Karlsson or Tomas Hertl, bringing his big frame (6'4", 220 lbs.) and booming shot with him.
Maybe it's time to send over Brendan Brisson and admit the experiment failed. Perhaps a couple of draft picks will suffice while Kelly McCrimmon doesn't take on the full $4.75 million AAV salary. Whatever the case, the Golden Knights can't go wrong with a reunion with one of their "Misfits."